Too often we forget to treat our hearts with respect, love and kindness. When we do that, we love ourselves and others critically, conditionally and oftentimes too occasionally. We  ignore the wild pull of our hearts, urging us to explore the zenith of heavens and horizons by telling ourselves that we are no longer young,  that we have responsibilities and therefore have no time for giggles, silliness or unicorns.

Like most people, I too have squeezed my heart out of fear, desiring  to make the “right” decision and not wanting to hurt others.  Just look at the conclusions there – why does making the “right” decisions rule out my heart’s desires? Ah, the number of times I have heard clients say, “I should have listened to my heart, but I was afraid to” . And the number of times people told me what they most wanted as a child, teenager, young adult and adult was to have been loved, to have been truly seen.

Can we do that? Really see someone’s light when we carry so many scars and stories?

Have you ever wondered what you carry in your heart from your life’s walk. Is there a long-past heartbreak, or the love for  your child beating steadily inside your chest? Are there unspoken words of tenderness, or a new language of love waiting to unfold with each heartbeat?

Whether good or bad, we may be carrying more than is good for our hearts. Luggage is luggage, whether it’s Gucci or Walmart, and now is the time to discard it.

For today’s meditation, let’s wash our hearts clean of old memories of hurt, loss, pain, loneliness, or any obstacles to the pure light that resides there.

Let’s do it!

Take a long, deep breath into your body and close your eyes. Allow the next few breaths to deepen and relax the body. Now on your next deep breath, ask your heart to show you something it needs to clear. You may perceive a memory, emotion, or sensation. It could be anything, so be prepared for a surprise. Just allow your heart to show you.

Once you get a sense of what it is, take a deep breath into your heart, and ask it what color your heart wants to release it. Allow yourself to perceive the color, and imagine bringing it directly into your heart. Feel it begin to wash away the shadows. You can imagine the color as a river of color, an ocean of color, or beams of light – there is no wrong way to visualize it, just direct it to your heart until the negativity and pain is washed out completely. Take as long as you like until you feel your heart is lighter and radiant.

Breathe into this lightness, and ask your heart to give you a message. Listen carefully as the message can come as words, thoughts, feelings or sensations. Tune in with your awareness. Feel the message radiate from your heart out to the rest of your body and into your aura, shifting the vibration of your whole being.

Enjoy this experience. There is no rush. When you are ready, open your eyes and feel the world with a fresh heart.

Three cheers!