The ‘heart’ is the unifying centre of the person that gives meaning to everything he or she lives; it is where there is sincerity and no deception or pretence. It usually indicates one’s true intentions, what one really thinks, believes and wants.

This Idea invites us to ask ourselves what we think is most important? Where does each one of us put our hope, our energy, our lives and our hearts? The answer may have many different nuances: it may be love or giving, or relationships with others, but it may also be economic status, fame, success, power or our own security.

True freedom starts first of all from the heart. Accumulating material goods can lead to a sense of frustration as we encounter the many changes that life brings. Detachment from them can help us live with more transparent commitment to work and engagement in society thus overcoming anxiety, restlessness and fear for the future.

Pope Francis, says, “In a world where everything is bought and sold, people’s sense of their worth appears increasingly to depend on what they can accumulate with the power of money. We are constantly being pushed to keep buying, consuming and distracting ourselves, held captive to a demeaning system that prevents us from looking beyond our immediate and petty needs.” [1]

Experience tells us that we need to continually bring ourselves back to real life which is the best “investment” for which we can strive. Thinking not of ourselves but of others enables us to experience true freedom.

Philosopher and humanist, Erich Fromm, reminds us of this when he states, ” Giving is the highest expression of potency. In the very act of giving, I experience my strength, my wealth, my power. This experience of heightened vitality and potency fills me with joy.”[2]

Before whatever we do, let’s ask ourselves what is the motive for our actions: why are we acting in this way? And if we see that we need to reorient the intention, let us do so decisively. We will see that our hearts will be free from limitations and conditioning.

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[1]Pope Francis “Dilexit Nos” no. 218
[2]Erich Fromm The Art of Loving (1956)

Photo: © Alejandra-Ezquerro-Unsplash