“Having a soft heart in a hard world is courage, not weakness.” ~ Unknown

 

The heart is a deeply layered and multidimensional subject. How are we to understand its mysteries with any degree of certainty? It is connected to and interacts simultaneously with the body, mind and spirit in indescribable ways. Heart energy is central to love, empathy and gratitude. Of course it plays a physical role in our bodily existence, while simultaneously immeasurably enmeshed in our emotions and psyche.

 

The heart both flutters and breaks in love. It holds passion toward purpose and extends compassion for service. Like a lion, it is the seat of courage, allowing us to extend ourselves beyond our personal limitations and fears toward positive action.

 

In these trying times, the multifaceted aspects of heart-consciousness serve us well – in our health, our relationships, our self-worth and also our interactions with the Earth and others in the world. From gratitude and vulnerability to open-mindedness and tolerance, it is an open-hearted approach and attitude that can propel us to live respectfully and harmoniously.

 

There’s a lot of heart in this issue. We serve up heart-healthy lifestyles, heart-minded consciousness and heartfelt eating, with a delicious side of mindfulness and meditation. Be sure to check out our online exclusives (page 31) for a heaping helping of related value-added content. While you’re on the website, be sure to click on the ‘Directory’ link in the top navigation bar to find the listings and special offers from local businesses throughout our region. If you’re a business owner, be sure to add your free listing and special offer to the directory if they’re not already there.

 

As we move forward in 2021, let’s support each other and our local businesses. When things get challenging, remember to look within to access your courage, and with the heart of a lion, take the next step and do what needs to be done to feel good, live simply and laugh more.

 

Remember the words of courage from Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, “There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”