When we think of love we picture the symbol of a heart. The heart is one of the world’s most recognized symbols in the world. Particularly on a special day like Valentine’s Day we see many heart symbols representing love and kindness. So what do the real human heart and the heart symbol for love have in common?
Anatomically, the heart is the center of all vital organs and is responsible for our lives. It beats thousands of times a day, supplying blood and oxygen to all parts of the body. Without our heart we wouldn’t be here. Keeping a healthy and happy heart is very important.
The American Heart Association states that heart disease is the number one killer in America. Millions of people die each year due to cardiovascular disease. Their recommendation to reduce the risk of heart disease is to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle. At the heart of good overall health is good nutrition, engaging in plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, and keeping a clean heart tobacco-free.
But what about the health of your spiritual and emotional heart? For many years the heart has been believed to be the center of the human soul and used to represent love. The Dalai Lama speaks on the importance of love for human emotional survival, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
Love is an intense emotional feeling that can easily make our lives more peaceful and rewarding. Love is a natural free force that feeds our soul but cannot be bought or sold. If we learn to love ourselves and love those around us, then love will guide us on the right path to live a healthy and happy life.
Love has the power to transform everything. Think of the people you love: your spouse, children, parents, other family members and friends, and contemplate of how happy you are when you’re with them. This is because love feeds our soul and heals our wounds; love completes us and provides us with harmony and peace in our hearts.
This Valentine’s Day love is the answer to a healthy and happy heart. Protect your heart by giving the gift of love to yourself and others, and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Remember that you have the power to a make a difference in your life and make each day a happier, healthier, and better day.