Our humanity and spirituality converge in a good heart

Famed actor and comedian Alan Alda met the love of his life over a ruined rum cake. In 1956 at a mutual friend's dinner party, Alda met Arlene Weiss. When a rum cake slipped from the hostess’s hands and landed on the kitchen floor, they were the only two guests who didn’t hesitate to eat it with spoons -- not out of hunger, but out of kindness, unwilling to see her feel embarrassed. The good-hearted couple married a year later, and this past year celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

What made them both reach for those spoons? A good heart -- and classic wisdom teaches that this quality is the source of a vibrant spiritual life. Today we'll explore the power of a good heart, navigate the 'two hearts within,' and discover how life's experiences soften and open us.

✨3 Ideas

1. The Power of a Good Heart

More than kindness, a good heart is a spiritual superpower. Just as the physical heart pumps life-giving blood to every organ of the body, a good heart circulates goodness through every part of our being.

When we have a good heart, we potentially possess all other virtues -- they simply await actualization. 

Classic wisdom illuminates that this is the greatest quality we can cultivate, for it becomes the wellspring from which all other spiritual strengths naturally flow.

2. The Two Hearts Within

Each of us lives with two hearts -- one that uplifts, one that distracts. Within us exists a quiet tug-of-war; one heart seeks meaning, truth and what endures; the other seeks comfort, ease and the passing moment.

Which heart will we follow -- the one of soul or the one of self?

The good heart is drawn to love and reaching our potential; that which nourishes our soul. To maintain focus we must gently remind ourselves: I want to be good. That simple intention, held in awareness, begins to transform our choices and illuminate our path.

3. Softening the Heart

Classic sources teaches that the heart is like an unplowed field -- naturally hard and resistant, unable to receive nourishment until the soil is softened through cultivation. Our hearts, too, must be opened, and this happens through both joy and sorrow.

Joy waters the heart through gratitude; difficulties open it through empathy.

The invitation is to let both do their softening work. When we let life’s experiences touch us deeply and open our hearts to others, we nurture our own soul. That’s where vibrant spirituality comes alive.

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📜2 Quotes

“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life”
— Proverbs 4:23

“Good heart is the best religion; its light is the most powerful light”
— Mehment Murat ildan -- Turkish playwright, novelist

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❓1 Question

What’s one challenge you face in choosing truth and meaning over ease and comfort?

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Neil Young’s 1972 classic ‘Heart of Gold’ captures a universal spiritual quest: “I want to live, I want to give. I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold.” We’re all miners, searching for that sincerity and depth of connection -- not just with others, but with our own soul’s essence. The good news? That heart of gold isn’t buried somewhere far away. It’s the jewel within you, waiting to be polished by awareness, softened through experience, and awakened by intention.

Until next time,
May you discover and nurture your heart of gold.

Rabbi Ze'ev Smason

P.S. When have you felt your good heart guiding you -- and what helped you listen? If it stirred something within you, I’d love to hear what surfaced.

P.P.S. A good heart shares what nourishes the soul. If these weekly reflections have touched you, I’d be honored if you’d share them with someone seeking deeper meaning. When friends subscribe through your referral, you’ll receive:

*1 friend —> ‘Seven Blessings for the Journey’

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*5 friends —> Personal Q & A with me

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