This series of passages from the book "Alchemy of the Heart" are about the power of the heart and cultivating gratitude. Also check out the other passages from this wonderful book!
Of all strong things, nothing is as strong, as irresistible, as divine love. -William Law
When we love, purely for the sake of loving, and without any ulterior motive, God trusts us with more power because he trusts us to use that power wisely.
Have you ever seen how a seemingly friendly person, or even yourself, suddenly changed when he was given some degree of authority or responsibility? Before he was given that title or position, he seemed like a saint. Then an appalling metamorphosis took place. Without a portion of love, power can quickly lose its balance. And each new increase in power, requires a greater administration of love.
When you love, you develop a tremendous sensitivity to life. You understand people, you understand how they suffer, you understand their needs. When you love, you can put yourself in someone else's heart, and it touches you to see how another part of life is touched. Therefore, you use your power to live with rather than control.
Gratitude strengthens us, because when we are grateful, we establish an 8-shaped flow of love from our heart to the heart of God. And when we send love and gratitude to God, we receive light and blessings in return. If, in our busy day, we do not take a moment to feel and express our deep gratitude toward the spiritual Source that continuously provides us with breath, life and opportunity, then we are not tapping from the vast source of energy available to us every hour of the day and night.
When we consciously cultivate our gratitude, it becomes a habit to see the positive in everything. We are not going to pick things apart before they have even had a chance to come to life. We are naturally more balanced and at peace, and therefore we criticize and blame less. We make the best of what we have, and we enjoy life more.
Love is learning from everywhere,everywhere the gifts of God and the generosity of Godin see. -Sheikh Muzaffer
When we are grateful, we look with our hearts. That's the secret the little prince learns from the fox in the enchanting fable The Little Princeby Antoine de Saint Exupéry. 'And now I tell you my secret, a very simple secret,' the fox says to the prince. 'Only with your heart can you see well; everything essential is invisible to the eye.'
Gratitude is so powerful that it can elevate or bring down an entire civilization. We can talk about everything that has brought down the great world civilizations, but it all comes down to a failure to give thanks to the Spirit. Civilizations fall into decline when they stop appreciating the gifts God has given them.
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