Throughout human existence, there have been stories of good and evil, of hatred and love, of perseverance and of failure. These human emotions and experiences shape us as individuals as much as they shape the world as a whole. It’s often hard for people to figure out their role in the larger picture. The world is so large, and each individual plays such a small part. However, no matter how small a person may seem in the larger scheme, any impact an individual makes can have a rippling effect on the world at large.

So your question is not ‘Can I make an impact?’ but ‘How will I impact the world?’

Will you impact the world with your heart or your mind? In TCM, the Heart is known as the king of the organs. Ancient TCM texts say: “If the king is happy, there is peace and harmony in the kingdom.” Think about how powerful your heart is and how strong its potential for unconditional love. Real love comes from your heart, not your mind. Your mind does your thinking, your Heart handles your feelings, and they both try to guide us. One of the purposes of Qigong practice is to help empty your mind and open your Heart, and thereby strengthen your intuition. When your mind is empty, your Heart can truly open. If you can reach this state, unconditional love and forgiveness can enter. When a Heart offers unconditional love, it can reach infinity. And then, just imagine the rippling effect you can have on the world.

The great poet and activist, Maya Angelou, offered us beautiful words during her lifetime–words that shaped the lives of countless individuals. “My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humor to lighten the burden of your tender heart.”

Listen to her words and as you empty your mind and lighten your heart, bring kindness and love to yourself, to those in your smaller circle and to the world at large.

Excerpted from A Natural Guide to Weight Loss That Lasts by Nan Lu with Ellen Schaplowsky.