Motivation Mondays: Matters Of The Heart
“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Motivation Mondays: Matters Of The Heart – Honoring Nelson Mandela Day
Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. Charles Dickens
Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. Steve Jobs
What matters to your heart? Today is Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrating the life and work of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, an anti-apartheid revolutionary, lawyer, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and politician. Mandela was fondly known as “the father of the nation,” and this is a timely celebration because his life and struggles remind us of the resilience of the human heart and of a determination to do what truly matters for the good of all. His actions as the first black elected leader of a free South Africa, reconciling all its people to forgive past atrocities and move forward as a united nation, are also a reminder that we can work together to overcome the ill will and petty hatreds that are rampant around the globe. We must work together for the sake of our collective humanity and our nations. Even though Mandela grew up under the oppressive apartheid system and fought to see South Africa become a free nation for all its people, he never bore any hatred for his oppressors. We live in difficult times, and we need to return to a path of heartfelt compassion and consideration for all humanity.
What really matters to your heart? If we follow the example of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, we would recognize that restorative justice gives everyone a chance to express grievances, heal old wounds and conflicts, and move forward in peace. This is sorely needed today. With the terrible tragedies that have occurred in the last 1-2 weeks, I was moved by the Facebook post a slain officer, Montrell Jackson, wrote. In it, he shared, “… hate takes too much energy…” and implored us all, “Please don’t let hate infect your heart.” When we let hate take over our hearts/minds and override our sense of fairness and respect for life, we become part of the problem. When we negate each other by justifying acts of violence against each other, we become part of the problem and mar the path to peaceful solutions. As Martin Luther King, Jr. aptly said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can.” Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can. Where do you stand on this divide?
A STORY: Letting Go Of Hate
Mind Studies was a lay self-improvement movement influenced by Zen. One day, a Mind Studies follower came to Zen master Shosan to ask about Buddhism’s essentials. The Zen master said, “Buddhism is not a matter of using your discursive intellect to govern your body. It is a matter of using the immediate present purely, without wasting it, without thinking about the past or the future. “This is why the ancients exhorted people first of all to be careful of time: this means guarding the mind strictly, sweeping away all things, whether good or bad, and detaching from the ego.
“Furthermore,” the Zen master continued, “for the reformation of mind, it is good to observe the principle of cause and effect. For example, even if others hate us, we should not resent them; we should criticize ourselves, thinking about why people might hate us for no reason, assuming there must be a causal factor in us, and that there may be other, as yet unknown, causal factors in us.
“Maintaining that all things are effects of causes, we should not make judgments based on subjective ideas. Overall, things do not happen according to subjective ideas; they happen according to the laws of Nature. If you maintain awareness of this, your mind will become very clear.” Source: Zen Antics
“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.” Nelson Mandela
Motivation Mondays: Matters Of The Heart – Honoring Nelson Mandela Day
Motivation Mondays: Matters Of The Heart – Honoring Nelson Mandela Day
Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller
Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. Oscar Wilde
In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. Khalil Gibran
What truly counts in your heart? What would you choose if, like Mandela, you’d spent 27 years in jail and 18 of them in isolation on Robbins Island? If all the world’s issues were swept away and we had to turn to what would sustain us, what would we choose? Sure, it would be easy to choose the path of hate, resentment, and revenge, but we must stop and wonder how that attitude would serve our progeny and us. What people often forget is that hate poisons the system and etches its angry marks on the psyche. We can pretend all we want, but if we carry around ancient hatreds and disregard for others, it will eventually seep through. So, every day, let’s consider what matters to our hearts and work on fixing any lingering feelings of disregard/hatred toward others. Once we make a concerted effort to remember the humanity in everyone, we will see a gradual shift in our interactions and experiences with others. I know that this is easier said than done, but it is imperative for our collective survival as members of the human race. Instead of pointing fingers at each other, we must search our own hearts and act from there.
What matters to your heart? One thing is certain: legislation cannot change the human heart. We cannot pass laws to change how people think, feel, and act. Change must come from us, and we will accomplish this goal when we are ready to see the humanity in each other… to walk in another person’s shoes. We live in chaotic times, and with it have come many tragic events based on hate, fear, feelings of disenfranchisement, and a laundry list of unresolved resentments. Anyone can argue why these global events are happening, but we can never justify them. Violence is not the answer, and each of us must take responsibility for shifting how we think about the planet we share. If we want an equitable, peaceful, and just world, we must become part of the solution. How? By being mindful of our actions and how we interact with others. Our words must match our actions. Are you walking the talk on the road to global peace? What are you telling your children and loved ones behind closed doors? In these crucial matters that affect us all, peace must start with each of us.
A STORY: We All Are One & Same
Word spread across the countryside about the wise Holy Man who lived in a small house atop the mountain. A man from the village decided to make the long and difficult journey to visit him. When he arrived, an old servant inside greeted him at the door. “I would like to see the wise Holy Man,” he said to the servant. The servant smiled and led him inside. As they walked through the house, the man from the village looked around eagerly, anticipating his encounter with the Holy Man. Before he knew it, the servant led him to the back door and escorted him outside. He stopped and turned to the servant, “But I want to see the Holy Man!” “You already have,” the old man said. “Everyone you may meet in life, even if they appear plain and insignificant… see each of them as a wise Holy Man. If you do this, then whatever problem you brought here today will be solved.” Source: Zen Antics
Totivation Mondays details are below. Join in! The themes for June and July 2016 are:
JUNE
06/06 – 6 D-Day, WWII, 6 Ramadan begins
06/13 – 14 Flag Day, 14-15, The United State of Women Summit, 19 Father’s Day – third Sunday, 19 Juneteenth Day
06/20 – 20 Summer Solstice (The longest day of the year!), 20 World Refugee Day, 21 International Yoga Day, 23 Int’l. Widows’ Day
06/27 – 26 Day against Drug Abuse/Illicit Trafficking
JULY
07/04 – 1 Canada Day, 4 Independence Day – July 4th, 4 New Moon
07/11 – 11 World Population Day, 14 Bastille Day
07/18 – 18 Nelson Mandela Day
07/25 – 25 Thread the Needle Day, 30 International Friendship Day & Anti-Trafficking Day
Are You Looking for Ways to Stay Creative in 2016?
– Join the Daily Post Post-a-day or Post-a-week Challenge.
— Join the BlogHer Writing Lab
More Below!
“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” Swami Sivananda
Motivation Mondays: Matters Of The Heart – Honoring Nelson Mandela Day
Motivation Mondays: Matters Of The Heart – Honoring Nelson Mandela Day
Wherever you go, go with all your heart. Confucius
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs
How do we follow global matters from our heart? First, decide what counts for you. What do you cherish most: Kindness, Life, Love, Laughter, Longevity…? Health, Happiness, Home …? Friends, Family, Financials …? Regardless of what we choose, our hearts can take us to places our heads might not fully consider because the heart is not restricted by logic and duplicity or desire for manipulation. Our hearts speak honestly to us, and when we take the time to consider our attitudes toward others and imagine ourselves in their shoes, we might reconsider. We don’t always listen to our hearts, but when our life journey takes us to new places and experiences, our hearts remember, record, and pack our memories away to call on them another day. If we make even a small effort to let go of the pain and anger we hold and seek peaceful answers, we will make strides in building positive relationships with others. Like Rumi’s take below on the pure heart, I believe it is what sustains our world … the compassionate, light-filled heart. Our contemplative side helps the head follow the heart’s promptings, which, inevitably, helps us make decisions that keep our world from falling apart. What are your thoughts?
Heart by Rumi
The deliciousness of milk and honey is the reflection of the pure heart:
From that heart, the sweetness of every sweet thing comes.
The heart is the substance, and the world the accident:
How should the heart’s shadow be the object of the heart’s desire?
Is that pure heart the heart that is enamored of riches or power,
or is submissive to this black earth and water of the body,
or to vain fancies it worships in the darkness for the sake of fame?
The heart is nothing but the Sea of Light:
Is the heart the place of vision of God–and then blind?
Have a productive, heart-happy week ahead!
Any Zen Antics stories via Goodweb.cn
Positive Motivation Tip: Follow your heart and remember to add compassion to the mix.
Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge, or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for the months above/below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment, and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays. Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will help others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to complement the page. It’s another place to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.
Badge: I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo-editing tools. You can create your own, useWordPress’’ integrated tool on your blog, or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM
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PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos – Nelson Mandela Day via Wikipedia and Heart via Pixabay
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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I just watched the Tony Robbins documentary on Netflix, and he spoke a lot about doing things from a place of love. Mandela was the epitome of doing what is true to your heart.
“Guard your heart with all your might as from it flows the issues of your life.” That is one of the most profound quotes for me on this very interesting topic. 🙂
Always follow what our heart tells us.. It’s indeed will be a beautiful life ahead..
I think history has shown that hate only creates more hate. Conflicts are only resolved when people can come to an understanding.
Nelson Mandela was truly an inspiring and important man for his movement. His legacy will go on!
Mandela is a great man and deserved to be honored. Sometimes, I have struggles too whether I go for what my mind says or to follow my heart.
A lovely tribute to Madiba.
It is true our heart is pure whereas our mind is contrived and a product of our environment.
Nelson Mandela was an incredible man. And those pictures are awesome, btw.
I love that Madiba is mentioned in this article. He is such an inspiration to me and my country, showing you how a motivated person can change the lives of so so many people.
Nelson Mandela is such an inspiration to all of us. Love this post – I’ve been working with the principles of letting go of hate/resentment, etc. and I have learned so much in the process.
Dickens got it just right, love this quote. As usual, you covered the subject in a very detailed manner, thinking of every possible aspect Mandela’s life could influence ours. Thank you for your work.
I can always use a little motivation, especially on Mondays. This one especially, when it seems so much bad is going on in the world. Thanks so much for sharing.
I think this is a wonderful post! I think what really matters to the heart can be helpful too. You should always follow what your heart says.
I like the fact that you included the quote from The Little Prince, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” It’s one of my favorite quotes and it has changed my perspective of the world when I read it. The message that you’re sending out is beautiful, to put it simply, it would be better to choose a positive outlook than to choose a negative one. A good heart will always be so much better than a heart filled with hatred.
I love the messages of peace that Nelson Mandela spread. We need more peaceful hearts like his!
Jasmine /
what a great post and what an inspiration Mandela was. The heart wants what the heart wants and will always, eventually, be true to itself.
What matters to my heart is always and will always be my family. This is quite a good thought provoking post Eliz!
I really enjoyed the holy man story. It’s so simple, but really gets you thinking, huh?
I really do think it is important to let go of hate, forget the past and move on. Life is too short to keep grudges. I’m proud to be South African! 🙂
What a beautiful post especially after such a tragic weekend in Europe. Sometimes we forget to listen to our heart fully. I love your stories and anecdotes in particular about the wise holy man.
I really enjoyed this more laid back motivation monday post, especially after the weekends events in Europe. Hate truly takes up so much energy. I like te story about the holy wise man. Thanks
What a wonderful post and so interesting to read .Very inspiring too.
This is so beautifully written. I love your motivational monday!
I had no idea he had his own day. Your words are true! Very inspiring post, thank you!
Yes! I definitely look for ways to be creative because it makes me feel happy. This was a good evening read. Hoping to read more interesting stuff in the future too.
Fatima
Ive always admired Nelson Mandela. It helps perhaps that we share the same birth date (month and day). And yes, only by being in other’s shoes would one truly understand how to act and speak with kindness. Of course, we always want to be treated the way we treat others.
When I have a heavy decision to make, I always turn into what my heart says. Sometimes, my mind is overwhelmed.
If people thought more with their hearts more can you imagine what the world be like? I love these photos the padlock instantly makes me think of locks of love all over bridges.
I just wish we could all refind the love that we are naturally born with. The world needs more of it right now.
Letting go of hate will definitely set you free and live more confidently. Love all these heart landcapes but the tree photo attracts me most.
What Antoine de Saint-Exupery have said is very powerful and I believe it. If only everyone will do what the heart say, the world maybe a a much better place to live.
what a beautiful post the matters of the heart or what I would say the power of love
Nelson Mandela was such an incredible human being. I really enjoyed reading this.
It is easy to choose hate rather than understanding. I am so sad because of the tragedies happening around the world. It seems that more people are no longer decide with their hearts.
When I think of Nelson Mandela, I think of peace. His gentle presence and quiet smile alone is enough to make you feel special and loved.
Motivational Mondays…truly worth attempting every day
Love the Zen stories, they have such powerful motivational themes many of them conveyed in a few sentences.
In my heart, I have three things – God, Family, Work. The three most important things in my life. I would not dare ask for more that these.
I admit that I don’t listen to my heart well but there are times that I made mistakes because I choose to listen to what my mind says.
I never heard of Nelson Mandela International Day, sounds like a nice day to honor him. He is such a great man.
I sort of hit a brick wall on my recent journey to finish my novel but you actually motivated me with your post, just that line by Confucius – Wherever you go, go with all your heart. helped so much. Thank you for posting you are doing a great service.
Sometimes it is really hard to stay positive, when u r treated otherwise. Happened to me a lot a foreigner. But gotta accept the reality and move on. It’d be better if people saw everyone the same way
I really love that Charles Dickens quote. There is so much that matters to my heart and so much that hurts it when I think about society today.
These are great motivations! I get lack of motivation, especially on Mondays. Thanks!
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was an extraordinary human being–I wish we all could be like he was. In this period of our history there is far too much hate being thrown–as we used to say back in the 60’s–Make Love Not War!
Nelson Mandela is truly an icon. He represent so many good wills to humanity in his era.
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! There is sooo much hate and not nearly enough love and light. I also loved this quote: “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.” Charles Dickens. Great article! <3
Such great reminders in a world that is constantly in flux! Follow your heart and it does matter!
Beautiful words and pictures. It would sure make the world a better place if everyone was to show more love!
This is an excellent post in light of all the tragedy lately. It saddens me that people are attacking the wrong groups of people because they are upset. There are other constructive ways to deal with things other than resorting to violence.
I can’t even imagine having so much of life wasted so thoroughly as being in isolation, or even being locked up (not in isolation). I’m sure freedom is that much sweeter and def. a matter of the heart, once one gets out.
Super great motivation!
Love, a word and topic that I love. Nelson Mandela, What a man.. 27 years of incarceration and he walks out and FORGIVES. That to me defines greatness …and I am grateful you mentioned that it was his day on Monday. Not many of us remembered that!
The heart is the Heart of the energy we attract and also the life we hold so dear…its a gift, a miracle….
I love Nelson Mandela and his writings. He definitely is one of those unforgettable people in US history.
I love all the heart images you have! Very pretty!
Love,
Ivelisse | CarnationDreams.com
I actually follow my head more than my heart. Nevertheless, I always see to it to find that inner balance between the two. I think I’ll be happier and more in control of myself if I do it that way.
I feel especially inspired by the quotes of Nelson Mandela since he was such a remarkable person and his life was full of love and compassion for mankind.Thanks for this amazing article,truly appreciated the effort you put behind this awesome share.
I’m glad I had a chance to stand in mandela’s cell in 2010. It was a profound experience!
Such a beautiful way to honor one of the great leader in World History, Nelson Mandela who has been a great inspiration to many. I agree Violence is not the answer & we all have the responsibilities to make a peaceful future sometime sooner!
Indeed so true! We all are one and same. All have the same heart and same heartbeats. This should be the bonding fact for all humans. The photos are awesome.
Another great post and amazing quotes! Nelson Mandela was a wonderful person, I wish all people were like he was. Just follow your heart, that’s all that matters anyway. I wish we can make our world a better place.
True reconciliation requires heroic sincerity and humility. It is not easy to forgive a big sin and live together. You must love unequivocally to be able to do this.
What your heart desires is what you should you follow. But not to the point of hurting yourself. And I really admire those individuals who manage to show affection still despite all the pain they have gone through.
This was a really lovely post, I enjoyed it immensely! I especially enjoyed the Oscar Wilde quote as he is one of my favourite people to have ever lived!
I have a question. Why do no comments appear here????
love the charles Dickens quote. it’s one of my all time favorite ones.
Wow, this was quite a read! Nelson Mandela was incredibly inspirational.
What matters to my heart right now most is my husband and my dogs. They are the most important things in my life.
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. Steve Jobs”
I struggle with this all the time. Being brave enough to follow my heart, to trust my gut.
I love stopping by your site. You always have amazing information and awesome pictures to stare out. 🙂
It is hard to define what really matters to my heart but I would have to say that love and friendship is definitely up there!
This is one of my favorite posts. We are all one!! Let go of hate. Go with love in your heart. This is what the world needs – especially now.
Brilliant post, there’s so much food for thought in this one! Hate and ignorance are the cause of so much evil in this world. We really do need to let go of hate but I guess for some, it’s so deeply entrenched that it’s a steep slope to climb.
We all have our motivation, and I think being true to yourself is important, like Mandela as you mentioned.
There are so many things in this post that made me think twice. My heart has been heavy lately.
It is so true that legislation can not change the human heart. What we think and feel is always going to be.
I love this! What you said resonates in me… what we value most stems from our beliefs and what we treasure most in our hearts.
The 2 men I completely adore and at the top of my list are Mandela & Gandhiji. They changed the world through love!!
The heart really matters. The quotes you put in your post are really toucing. The one from nelson Mandela and Hellen Keller are my fave
Really wonderful post to honor a wonderful person. Thanks for sharing!
I know one thing for sure. Nelson Mandela is sorely missed. He inspired a lot of people and touched so many hearts. He must be smiling from heaven now coz he did so well in this world.
I love all of the images of hearts! That would be a good game to play while traveling/outside…find the heart shaped things!
this is a inspiring article. But it’s not enough. I always wonder, how to actually bring this message across to people and spread this message to more people! Not many people are conscious of what you said. 🙁
This is very beautifully written. Today, it is important to let go of all the hate and just love everyone.
I must confess I didn’t know there was an international day for Mandela, I love the quote only when you love your job can you do great work.
Wow such an insightful post! I have a hard time because I become very passionate in the things that matter most to me, and it’s frustrating when I meet people who seem so close minded. I know it probably comes off as hateful but… I just hate that they’re hateful! Sigh.
Great advice for the readers. It was an important reminder and great motivation.
I think you served and important reminder to your audience and it was great motivation for the week
Love Mendela. Such an inspiring person. Is very important to remember his message of unity and love in these dark times
I will always choose happiness. I have learned that happiness is a choice and being grateful even with the little things will truly make a difference.
Starting he week with a beautiful and inspiring motivational thoughts is a great way to deal with the tasks and routine of the day!
My temper is tried, but never lost. My heart could be softer sometimes though.
Read this again and it is nice to reflect on it again. This time, i learned of letting go of the hurt and starting a new. For so many years, ive been living in hatred which only brought more hatred to my life. Its liberating to live life in and for love n
I love this quote by Charles Dickens: “Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. Charles Dickens.” It is easier said than done, though. Sigh!
I don’t know Mandela not until he passed away and learned his great works. Sad but one remarkable man has to pass away. I hope people from his nation learned so much from him.
What matters most to my heart is family and love. I think love is very important, because love conquers anything. With love, one will not hate. They will focus more on loving than on hating. Without hate, there will be more peace.
letting go of the hate is very important to living a healthy and happy lifestyle… love this post about the heart, it’s a great reminder of how to live!
I love this post! I believe what truly lies in your heart shows in your actions and love for others.
What matters to my heart is happiness and peaceful. Being able to be happy despite we don’t have the best but I am happy. Forgive and let it go all the pain and hatred.
I adore Nelson Madela so much because of his wisdom words. He is such a wise man with a good heart.
My mother in law loves hearts. She would love this post!
27 years in jail and 18 of them in isolation on Robbins Island – tough one! I don’t know if I still would be sane the moment I get out of jail. Such a man is strong to surpass all the physical, emotional and mental agony brought about by such situation. Amazing, Nelson Mandela is purely amazing.