by Beverly McNeff
Back in the 1960s, singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon had a big hit with the song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart.” The 60s saw a lot of upheaval in our world, sort of like now. But then, as well as now, love is the antidote. DeShannon wrote the song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” as an answer to the warring mentality of the Vietnam War, but she didn’t come up with the song’s most important words herself; her mom did!
Her mom would always say to her that whenever she was dealing with a difficult relationship or circumstance, or when she was worrying about something, to do something positive instead. Her mom would say, “Put a little love in your heart.” Well, evidently, kids DO listen to their parents because DeShannon put a little love in all our hearts with her song.
It seems like we could take a tip from this powerful song, because the chaos of then is going full force now. We are hating, attacking, and blaming each other instead of focusing on peace and healing. It is definitely time to put a little love in our hearts!
A focus on our true strength in love does not mean we become punching bags or doormats. Strength is not found in pounding our chest, threatening, or bullying other people or countries; that is weakness. And, frankly, everyone knows that, even those doing the threatening. It is time we apply the answer to our warring mentality toward others and ourselves: put a little love in our hearts!
There is also another reason to escape this attacking mentality, and it has to do with its link to dementia. The data from a 14-year study of 9,000 healthy adults aged 50 or older, conducted by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that those who were most optimistic were less likely to develop dementia.
This study could have a major impact on dementia prevention in the US. Currently, there are approximately 7.2 million people living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this figure is projected to double by 2050, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. So, finding a link between something we can control, like our attitude, could turn the tide.
Optimism lowers the stress hormone cortisol and also levels of harmful inflammation in the brain. Both of these factors have been linked to dementia.
Optimistic people are not blind to the fact that life is full of challenges, but they know they can work through them. As the study stated, “there was a sense [with optimistic people] of self-efficacy that they have the ability to navigate whatever comes their way.” Optimistic people have a sense of purpose, whether it is caring for others and/or working toward a positive goal.
So, how do we, as students of A Course in Miracles, apply this? Easy! The Course is a focus on the truth: love is everyone’s essence. From this awareness, we have access to the insight and healing direction of miracles. The Course is calling us to assume our vocation as miracle workers, bringers of peace and healing wherever we find ourselves. That seems pretty optimistic and purpose-filled to me!
It is time we follow the Course’s plan of action, and here’s a great affirmation to say every day (and perhaps every minute or second):
“Today I will accept the truth about myself. I will arise in glory, and allow the light in me to shine upon the world throughout the day.” (W-237)
This thought will remind you of our true purpose at this moment: 1) to remember that you have the answer within you, 2) to arise in your power, and 3) to allow the light (love) in you now to shine upon the darkness of the world of hate and war and transform it into a miracle!
WOW, are you feeling it? You can also put it to music…
Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
If you want the world to know
We won’t let hatred grow
Put a little love in your heart
And the world will be a better place
And the world will be a better place
For you and me
You just wait and see
Put a little love in your heart
Put a little love in your heart
Put a little love, love in your heart!
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