Cultivating a proper heart is a practice towards a more fulfilled self, but is also an end in itself.
Knowing something "by heart" means that we can wield that information for use in this world,
but also that we have stitched that content into the very fabric of our truest selves.
Knowing something "by heart" means that we can wield that information for use in this world,
but also that we have stitched that content into the very fabric of our truest selves.
We see this message embraced in the book of Jeremiah, where God says, "I will put My Teaching into their inmost being and inscribe it upon their hearts. Then I will be their God, and they shall be My people" (Jeremiah 31:33).
If our heart is a receptacle of emotion, knowledge, and relationship, we must be vigilant and intentional about filtering what comes in and goes out of our hearts.
Pirkei Avot stresses the importance of a good heart:
"He [Rabban Yohanan] said unto them: go forth and observe which is the right way to which a person should cleave? Rabbi Eliezer said, a good eye; Rabbi Joshua said, a good companion; Rabbi Yose said, a good neighbor; Rabbi Shimon said, foresight. Rabbi Elazar said, a good heart. He [Rabban Yohanan] said to them: I prefer the words of Elazar ben Arach, for in his words your words are included" (Pirkei Avot 2:9).
Reflection:
Are there times when you feel that what you say is not heartfelt?
Do you feel like you surround yourself with heartfelt people?
Do you feel like you surround yourself with heartfelt people?
Lived practice:
Today is not a day for small talk. Today is a day for depth and heartfelt comments.
Is everything you say really coming from the heart?
Have you integrated any beauty and wisdom around you into your heart?
Is everything you say really coming from the heart?
Have you integrated any beauty and wisdom around you into your heart?
