Heart Drops

Linda Jyoti Stuart
Feb 9
2 min read

02//9/26

It’s almost mid-February, and by now there’s usually something striking a strong chord in my heart to write about.

Several themes have floated through. A few lines scribbled here and there. I even considered writing about self-love. But every time I tried, I felt a subtle pushing — like I was trying to make something happen.

And lately, that just doesn’t work.

Something in me has softened… or maybe died… to forcing life, to pushing my agenda onto whatever moment is here. Life seems to move more honestly when I don’t try to steer it.

These days, I feel drawn toward less doing and more simply being.

Much of the time, there’s a wonderful, effulgent quiet — without much thought. Just allowing myself to be as I am.

And truthfully, over these last few weeks (today included), that has looked like not having many words at all. Not much ability to string thoughts together neatly.

Of course, the mind still spins up its familiar feast of “problems” now and then — resistance to what is. That still happens. I’m human. But there’s more space around it.

So this month, rather than trying to craft something clever or complete, I want to share what feels most authentic:

A few words on love and peace from wise beings who say it more simply and beautifully than I could.

*"Our walking itself cannot create peace. But when someone encounters us—whether by the roadside, online, or through a friend—when our message touches something deep within them, when it awakens the peace that has always lived quietly in their own heart—something sacred begins to unfold. This is our contribution—not to force peace upon the world, but to help nurture it, one awakened heart at a time… This is our hope. This is our offering. This is why we walk."*

— One of the walking monks

"Love recognizes no barriers." — Maya Angelou

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." — Lao Tzu

"When our buttons are pushed, we can repress, act out, or practice… If we breathe in and keep our hearts open to what we feel, we often discover we are open to what the other person is feeling too. Open heart is open heart."

— Chögyam Trungpa

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart." — Confucius

"Unconditional love is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others." — Rhonda Byrne

HEART DROPS

A few gentle reminders to help us move from our heads back into our hearts

• Place your hands on your heart and breathe

• Listen to music that lights you up

• Relax and watch thoughts without grabbing or pushing them away

• Take a walk outside

• Pet an animal

• Hug a friend (or a pillow)

• Watch something that makes you laugh