Lead with Your Heart
With Mother's Day fast approaching, I've been thinking a lot about my Mom and Dad. I know it's not nice to brag, but my parents are the BEST!!! Sure, we've had plenty of situations that could have torn us apart, but they never did, at least not for long. The reason is simple: My parents always had their hearts open to us. There was no thing we could do to step out from under the umbrella of their love. And, since I've known such great love, I'm inspired to share some ideas on how to bring about more love for you, your children, and all the people you surround yourself with.
Love idea #1: When you speak to someone, imagine your heart physically opening up and welcoming them. See them as the image of God.
When I first started doing this, I was amazed at how drastically it changed ordinary moments into mountain moving events. I recall walking into a car rental shop and immediately feeling a thick tension in the air. A frantic associate was attempting to calm down a customer who was upset about how much the rental car was going to cost. She was vomiting verbal hatred into the air as if it were no big deal. She even did the thing were she looked at me to try to get me to join in with her public display. I gently shook my head, "no, I won't partake." Finally, she left, and it was my turn. I opened my heart as big as it could open, and smiled with my eyes since a mask covered my face, and told the clerk, "this is going to be your easiest transaction all day, and I'm really sorry for how you were just treated, are you ok?" Instantly the tension was gone and the clerk looked so relieved. He said that he was ok, and then we moved on to discuss music, life and all the unimportant important things. We let go of the anger because our hearts were open and the light within was so much more powerful that the negativity disappeared. And I bet the love didn't stop with our interaction. So, which customer will you be?
Love Idea #2: Do something every morning that shows yourself love so that it overflows to the people around you.
For me, I've joined the 5am Club founded by Author Robin Sharma. It's extreme, so I'm not expecting anyone to just jump on board, but here's why I do it.
1. I feel accomplished if I jump out of bed at 5am and get a work out, reading, and praying/meditating in by 6am. These small accomplishments build confidence, or self love and make me feel great about myself.
2. As explained by Robin, your cortisol levels are highest in the morning, and working out vigorously can cut them by 30%. So, I feel better and can think more clearly.
3. It gives me time to grow, whether it be by reading a book, or practicing a skill like tying flies. I'm essentially running the extra mile before anyone else is even awake.
Maybe this isn't for you exactly, but there's definitely something you can do to lift yourself up in the mornings, and when you do, you'll feel the self love which will then flow out to others.
Love Idea #3: As Michael A. Singer, Author of The Untethered Soul would say, Don't stop at forgiveness.
We've all heard the cliché anecdotes about forgiveness, and how important it is. However, it shouldn't be the last stop on the healing road. Forgiveness is for you, so that you can let go, but what would happen if you forgave them and then washed their feet? You may think "well then they could take advantage of me, and they win in this whole ordeal. There would be no justice!"
Let me tell you, you're only getting taken advantage of if you believe you are. If your intention is to let the love in your heart flow, then let it flow. Justice will not heal, love will.
If you haven't felt a lot of love in your life, feel it now. You are beautiful and unique and the world needs you.
Thank you mom and dad for filling me up with love for so many years, this ones for you!
Branden Carpenter
Ps - If you make it out on an adventure this week, don't forget to bring the kids!