A hardened heart is another way to say feelings have become rigid; a person is set in their ways. It has a negative connotation.
Our heart feelings are expressed through emotions. Feelings of love lead to actions flowing outwardly through caring deeds. A hardened heart is stymied in the inner circle of self-interest, though not the best interest for the self.
We have an ego to enlist for our true betterment, or temporary pleasures. When we choose to work for our betterment we begin opening to the wider circle of our life and our feelings, to include family, friends, community service.
It feels good to be expansive in our feelings, and moreover we feel in harmony within our body by being relaxed, and in the body of creation by feelings of our expanded self.
A softened heart is a sign of strength of character. We know enough to take the best care of ourselves that does not hurt anyone in the process. We have peace of mind in helping others lead good and useful, full, productive lives.
There are no benefits to stewing in a hardened heart: When a muscle is not used it shrivels, and a heart not stimulated retracts from the full experience of life.
Meditation is a way to begin the process of opening your heart through concentration on uplifting virtues and love for others beyond our self-interests.
In meditation, in the quiet stillness of an opening heart, a doorway opens, allowing the Inner Light to bathe with warmth, tranquility, feelings of connection with all life; expansion of awareness of our ultimate purpose in living.
Deep meditation is your railway pass to the ultimate travel destination, which ends up being your own expanded awareness of lightness of being, one with your Creator, and a radiant part of creation.
Spend time in meditation during the transitions of the natural day: dawn and dusk. These changing times in the daily cycle jumpstart our feelings, softening the heart, softening a hardened heart forever. Radiant joy enters and takes up residence, shining out through your pores in the pouring out of unconditional love.
Article and photo of North Sea by Susan Helene Kramer; the in and out waves of the sea representing the action of a caring and giving heart, sparkling on its crests.
For offline reading
Meditation Lessons for AdultsMore than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.
Meditation for all KidsSitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.
