“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller

The heart – a muscular pump, seat of the soul, center of passion and emotion, is layered with physiological, emotional and energetic complexity that ultimately defies absolute understanding. It certainly dictates the essence of our physical survival along with the air we breathe – and it’s the energetic center of passion, compassion, love, gratitude, empathy and more.

Metaphorically, we can experience a broken heart, be compelled by the passion of a brave heart, compete with clear eyes and a full heart and live a heart-centered life. We can drop our defenses to become more open-hearted, and when grief strikes, we carry a heavy heart. Good joke-tellers help keep things lighthearted and a smile helps lift our heart. If you travel to Carlisle, you can visit a peaceful, loving space called Gracefull Heart.

Cupid’s month reminds us to experience the joy and benefits of giving and receiving hugs. Hugging is essential for optimum health. Daily hugging is encouraged and a minimum of eight hugs per day are ideal to help create a healthy heart, reduce stress, enhance bonding, combat loneliness, regenerate muscle, promote mindfulness, minimize fears and boost the immune system. See more at TinyURL.com/8HugsPerDay.

Our feature article, ‘Heart of a Woman’, which is compelling and recommended reading for everyone, points out that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. Learn how the right foods, social and emotional well-being and the right supplements can move you toward a healthier heart. Be sure to consult with your physician along your journey.

There’s a plaque on the fourth hole of the Shawnee Inn & Golf resort dedicated to Gregory Moyer, who lost his life at the age of 15 to sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in 2000. For the last 18 years, the Greg W. Moyer Defibrillator Fund (GregAED.org) has worked tirelessly to grow awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and provide automated external defibrillator (AED) units and training throughout Pennsylvania and the country. Those efforts have been matched since 2013 by the Peyton Walker Foundation (PeytonWalker.org).

During ‘heart’ month and throughout the year, please support these two organizations dedicated to AED education and placement and help keep hearts beating and save lives locally and across the country.

Until next month, remember to feel good, live simply and laugh more.