Hello, my dear friends,

Let's have a heart to heart, like two old friends, sitting in cosy chairs, sharing stories that come from the deepest parts of us. I'm not talking about the heart that pumps blood, I'm talking about that tender and delicate place where feelings reside, where we experience love, joy, and sometimes lots of pain.

Have you ever had a moment when someone said something that hurt you deeply? You held onto the pain, hoping they'd realise and apologise, but they didn't. Or perhaps, a friend or someone you cared about needed your help, but you hesitated, fearing they wouldn't be there for you in return? These are the moments when our hearts feel vulnerable, like they're caught between what our head thinks and what our heart feels.

The funny thing is, our feelings don't just stay inside our hearts, and they have a way of affecting our bodies too. You might feel a tightness in your chest or a heaviness in your stomach. It's as if our hearts and our minds are having a conversation we can't quite hear, but we can definitely feel.

But here's what we need to remember, my dear friends, we must nurture and strengthen our hearts, not let them grow weak. We don't want them to become hesitant, selfish, or lazy. We don't want our hearts to bear the weight of daily stress and negativity.

So, you might wonder, what's the remedy? It's not about lifting heavy weights at the gym; it's about something simpler and deeper waking up early in the morning, finding a quiet space, and having a heart-to-heart with the your Rabb. Regular prayers can offer us wisdom, health, and a sense of inner strength. Without this connection, life's problems can make our hearts feel adrift. Why should you care for your heart? Well, because a strong heart not only helps you make good choices but also affects how you see the world and how you make others feel.

Now, let's talk about connecting with God in the quiet of early mornings. Imagine a peaceful world, with soft morning light, where the only sounds are leaves rustling and your own thoughts. It's just you and God, with nothing to bother or distract you. Connecting with the supreme creator of the world that created you, your problems and also its solution.

This is where true empowerment comes from. When you talk to God in the morning silence, you gain wisdom from the divine. In this calm, you can hear guidance, feel love, and gather strength to face the day. As a poet rightly said -

Dhalta hai andhera suraj ki kiran se

(The darkness fades away with the rays of the sun)

Ibadat badi hai darr aur ghutan se

(Pray is greater than fear and suffocation)

Hatao chadar utho palang se

(Remove the sheet get up from the bed)

Milegi rahat gham o sitam se

(You will get relief from sorrow and suffering)

Early morning ibadat, are like secret meetings between you and your innocent soul. It's a time to let go of worries, share your hopes, and ask for guidance. You're at your most honest and open.

In this special time, you find wisdom for life's tough choices, the bravery to forgive, and the strength to heal your heart. You come out feeling stronger, ready to face the world with courage and kindness.

Think about it this way: Imagine your heart as a garden. The soil, the seeds, and the care you provide determine the kind of flowers that bloom. Neglect it, and weeds take over. Nurture it, and you'll witness a garden in full bloom, with fragrant blossoms of kindness, love, and empathy. Similar the neglect that you put on your heart and failing to nurture it will fail you someday.

Let me share a personal story with you. When I was 28, I underwent a heart test, and to my surprise, my heart was as strong as that of a 12-year-old, beating at a remarkable 75%. Most people my age have hearts that beat at around 50%. How did I manage it? I take good care of my body and mind.

We should aim for happiness, not sadness. Every time something makes our hearts sad or heavy, it weakens them a bit more. Instead, let's focus on getting stronger, not just in our hearts but in our minds and bodies too. Let's be kind not just to our friends and family but also to strangers, for kindness is a balm for the heart. Engaging in healthy activities and appreciating life's simple pleasures, like listening to birdsong or feeling the warmth of the sun, can help you feel grateful for the blessings that surround you.

In the grand story of life, a healthy heart is a result of a beautiful mix of things. That is eating nourishing diet, praying regularly, and engaging in activities that make our hearts dance with joy. So, let's embark on this journey of strengthening our hearts, not just for ourselves but for all of humanity, because we're all in this together.

With a heart full of love,

GC.