My middle son, Sawyer, graduated from Ravenwood High School last weekend. It was a joyous occasion! All 4 of his grandparents were there as well as other family members, his girlfriend, and friends. It is naturally a time of reflection as a parent. What struck me the most was all the different types of friends Sawyer has. All kinds of different looks, sizes, and interests attended his graduation party. And many friends stayed at his party for many hours, when there were dozens of such graduation parties going on at the same time. Why where they staying that long here? What is the common link between all these different types of people and my son? It hit me! It is his open heart. Sawyer wears his heart on his sleeve. He loves everyone. So, he attracts all kinds of friends. And his friends I have gotten to know have open hearts as well. Michael Singer writes about that in his book, The Untethered Soul. He says our main job in life is to heal ourselves, clear out our mind, so we can keep an open heart in every situation. So that NOTHING triggers us, and we can be fully present in every moment and just experience what that moment has for us. I reflected on this a lot this week. Where am I closing my heart? I felt it when I was talking with my dad about politics. I caught it and reminded myself that I want to live with an open heart. It is not about him or politics but about me and how I want to live. I took a breath and let my heart soften and open again. I was facilitating a teambuilding and leadership training for an executive staff this week and felt my heart close when we were getting off schedule. But I realized it and opened it back up remembering that I am not here to stay on schedule but to help this team as much as I can. It all situations, it feels better to keep my heart open. With it open, joy, love and opportunity can come in.
I hope you had some time with family and to remember your heroes that are no longer with you over this Memorial day weekend. And I hope that you kept your heart open and will keep it open always.
Have a great weekend!
Art
