To be openhearted is to release first the self of supposed issues, attachments, and concerns. I say “supposed” because in reality all that you are is energy, and so anything else that you perceive you are is construed by thought. Imagine your heart chakra is fully open, as wide open as a camera lens, as open as the full blooming daisy, as open as a door. In this openness exists the true you, without beginning or end, with only the constant flow of energy that you truly are. Give this openheartedness first to the self. Let go of all that keeps your heart closed, so that you may open your heart to all that you are part of. Give then this openheartedness to all beings equally. In this manner, you will begin to understand and experience love at the deepest level, on an energetic level. Through the open heart of you, and through the open heart of all other beings, love flows without disturbance, hinderance, or attachment; it simply is. Find your heart center and open it more fully today. Love the self so that you may love all other beings equally. In this manner you will discover true love.

What has value? What is truly important to you? How do you decide your true path? What does it mean to be on a path of heart? These are questions that should be asked often. As you take your journey and encounter challenges it is good to reassess and make new choices, even small ones, each day. Allow for practical choices so that your life in the world functions, so that you provide for and are provided with all that you need. Then turn inward to your heart and ask yourself for the answers to your deeper needs and desires. Sort through all that arises until you find the shiny diamond in the center of all your thoughts and feelings, the real nugget of truth. Allow this to become your focus and, if it is truly the jewel you believe it to be, it will continue to shine through all the stages of your days and nights, leading you on your ultimate path of heart. Remember this: often the shiny diamond is the rarest of nuggets, yet can go unnoticed because of its simple nature and appearance.

Clear your path by turning eyes inward, allowing your heart to lead the way. Notice how obstacles disappear as your true self takes over navigation of your journey. No person is ever truly alone, for within the self lies this heart center, this connection to all else in the world, the true compass, the connection to all that is real, good and evolutionary. Hone your heart-centered compass on what is right today. Like a light in the darkness of night, let is shine outwardly, showing you where to go next, why and how. Notice that your steps lighten, your mind grows calm, as your heart sings in gentle tune with all that is. Let it lead you onward, naturally, with love, compassion and kindness for self and other.

Mind your manners; mend your soul. Mind your tongue; mend your heart. Mind your thoughts; mend your deepest self. Mind your temper; mend your childish ways. Mind your choices; mend your body. Mind everything you do, every step you take, and you will walk the path of healing, heart, and transformation. The mending is all up to you.

Be not afraid of that which comes to guide you. Guidance comes in many forms, both clearly stated and shown, but also shrouded in mystery. Everyday life itself contains all the guidance needed. It is the work of the spiritual warrior to remain always attuned, ready to receive and act upon that which comes to show the way forward. That is the key word here, “forward,” for a warrior knows that no matter what arises in life, the journey always is one of growth and forward movement.

A warrior is aware. A warrior seeks always that which is beneficial, nurturing, and that which will sustain a long journey. But being aware and taking care of the self are not enough. A spiritual warrior knows that no life is complete or fulfilling without action. Action leads to experience. Experience leads to knowing. A warrior knows these things. The goal is to learn by experience. But do not be fooled into thinking that every opportunity is an experience of import. No, the warrior must decide which path to take, which experience is the one that will lead forward, which path is the path of heart.