[Vowel Lady]

I get this newsletter from an organization called Hazelton that is technically for alcohol addiction treatment, even though I don't drink alcohol! The reason I get it is because the words seem so wise to me. I really thought this was was heart warming in light of recent election turmoil and the upcoming holiday season. How open is your heart?

Today's thought from Hazelden is:

Words to Consider

Do what you will with another person;
But never put them out of your heart.
--The Dalai Lama

Open Your Heart Again

One of the most moving examples of the opening of a hardened heart is the story of Scrooge in Dickens' A Christmas Carol. At an early age, Scrooge concluded that the world was a hard and cruel place. Making the accumulation of money his primary goal, he closed himself off from his fellow human beings. Although he attained worldly riches, he was spiritually desolate.

Then, on Christmas Eve, he was graced with the opportunity to make a new choice - to open his heart to life. His physical wealth began to have a purpose. After his conversion, he paid for the operation that healed Tiny Tim and contributed to numerous charities throughout London.

I tell this story because there is a Scrooge in every one of us. In some area of life, you and I have hardened our hearts. Perhaps it is a former lover whom we have not forgiven; or we are angry at a political group that opposes our point of view; or an early wound has left a trail of hurt and cynicism.

Whatever the person or circumstance, the solution is the same - open your heart again. If the old pain comes to the surface, relax and breathe into the hurt. As your heart softens and expands, a deep compassion will fill your being. Like Scrooge, you are being reborn to a new life. You are being redeemed by the healing power of love.