During my work, it's been shown to me over and over again, how deeply we are affected by matters of the heart. Not only the romantic “Valentines Day” kind, but matters of the heart that are not easy to endure.
Like when someone you love says a harsh word, and you take it to heart. Or when a person close to you gets injured, and you feel so bad for them. Or when you're grieving the loss of a partner, relative, or friend.
Sometimes the heartache is so great that you can feel it physically as if your heart were literally about to break. And sometimes that can actually happen, like when people “die of a broken heart.”
Every one of our relationships is a matter of the heart, and those relationships are impacted by our interactions with others, which can also serve as a barometer of our selves — if we are willing to open our own hearts.
As most of my newsletter readers are aware, the job of our loved ones on the Other Side is to continue a relationship with us here, with their “hearts” open.
Often, the DPs (dead persons) tell me that they don't want us to focus on negativity — past illnesses, for example; or woulda, coulda, shoulda-type stuff. Instead, they want us to go to the memory of happy times spent together — times when we hugged and laughed, or maybe just hung out. Those memories are ours to hold in our open hearts and keep the love alive.
So, do keep those loving moments close to your open heart. And remember that love is, and remains, the single most important mental, emotional, and spiritual aspect of life here on Planet Earth.
On another note, I feel I must say that I also appreciate expressions of love sent via Hallmark, etc. I think it's wonderful that, for example, parents (especially mothers) give Valentine cards to their kids. Some sisters and brothers also use Valentine's Day to express their love for each other. Whoever you love, you can say it with a card.
Many folks, I know, save those Valentines Day cards from years gone by. And going through that old chest or shoebox, looking at the cards your mom sent you way back when, can inspire some wonderful childhood memories, I am sure.
Now, I do recognize that Hallmark and other card companies likely make a significant profit on Valentine's Day, but hey, it's America, and it's still a good thing. The card makers are providing a very worthwhile product, though their prices do seem to have gone up lately.
If buying a card doesn't appeal to you, consider expressing your feelings the old fashion way — by making your own card.
Or get modern with a phone call, text, or email. Or even a personal visit. Whatever — Do express your love on Valentine's Day.
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Recently, I was reminded of a prayer that I had been called upon to include in one of my newsletters years ago. The prayer is about having an open heart. Hope you like it. Feel free to use this prayer, if the words suit you.
Mother and Father God in Spirit,
Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Mother and Father God in Spirit, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy, and love.
I think this prayer says it all!
Looking forward to seeing so many of you at my upcoming Spring events.
All my love to all of you, this Valentine's Day season!
With the Love of the Angels,
~Rev. Barbara
The Salem Love Psychic