I've been reading this, and it's literally changing my life. It has turned my heart and my brain in new directions, opened my narrow mind to new horizons, and challenged me to really evaluate how I'm living every single day.
The book is based on an experiment Virginia H. Pearce participated in when she was in a Stake Relief Society Presidency. Here's a great description of the premise of the book (found it here)
What is the experiment all about?
As the introduction to the book states:
The love of God truly is the most joyous and delicious thing we can experience on this earth. It is so good that when we are filled with it, we are consumed with a desire that others should feel it too.
But experiencing God's love can be an elusive thing. Though we believe that His love is constant and unchanging, we seem unable as mortals to consistently feel it. And if we can't feel it, we are unable to help others feel it.
This book is meant to help the reader explore and experiment with the simple concept of opening her heart--simply making space for the Lord and others. Because this experiment is more about becoming than doing, it is simple, doesn't consume time, actually creates energy, and is therefore self-perpetuating.
The Experiment:
- I will be more aware of the condition of my heart, and with that awareness, seek to keep it more open toward others.
- I will do this in the normal course of my life, in other words, not feel pressured to put any extra activities into my day--no extra visit, casseroles, etc.
- I will notice the way I feel and be willing to honestly report what happened or didn't happen.
A few guidelines:
- Observe the physical/emotional/spiritual response of your heart, independent of your words or actions.
- Think of your own metaphor for an open heart and a closed heart.
- Observe your physical approach to people. What is your body language saying?
- Take the initiative to get outside yourself and express an interest in those you encounter. Pray for the courage to do so.
It would be great to do this as a group of friends, or a book club and be able to really discuss everyone's experiences, but it's been an amazing gift to do it on my own as well. I am so much more aware of the how the people I interact with could be perceiveing my actions, so much more aware of offering any kindness that comes to mind, and perhaps most importantly, I am so much more aware of the small, quiet whispers of the Lord to my heart to say certain words, share an experience, or just listen.
It has been a true gift, and I hope I will continue learning to live this way. It has been such a blessing to me, more than I would have imagined the day I bought it for my Kindle after listening to an interview with the author about her new book here.
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