March 2026

by Maria Gabrani

Since I was a small child, I have been able to “see” faces in shapes everywhere —in pavement tiles, in cloud formations, and beyond. Recently, however, I have noticed something new: I have begun seeing hearts and deeper kindness everywhere. And I mean everywhere —in the shapes on the floor, in plants and napkins, in clouds and folds, and, of course, in faces, animals, and even the smallest bugs.

This has been such a beautiful, positive experience. With every small heart, every kind glance, every compassionate shape, I feel my heart warming. My view of the world softens, and my connection to it deepens. What does it reveal about human consciousness that even arbitrary shapes—like patterns in a floor—can be imbued with meaning so powerful that they move our emotions, shape our thoughts, and potentially transform our perceptions and actions?

As I explore these questions, I realize the reply must be through training my mind. Thanks to the positive life recommendations made by @‌SamuraiMatcha, I started to search for heart shapes more intentionally. Initially, it seemed difficult, and I would fail consistently, but with time, they began to pop up unbidden almost everywhere.

Similarly, by daily chanting the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra and feeling the compassion of the Gurus’ smiles, the Jewel —Mani —and the wisdom of the Lotus —Padme, step by gentle step, I began to experience the world as more compassionate and kinder, seeing the goodness in all.

It is the need of the heart that drives the mind (citta): its longing for the positive effects it brings. I guess it is like the longing for freedom, which drives us to learn to cycle. After a few bloody knees, there is a time when we can ride without hands and feet, even just for a few moments —feeling the air and the freedom, feeling as if we are flying.

I’ve come to understand that the world reflects our own mind back to us. The more we commit to simple, consistent practices—even without fully understanding them (like the mantra) or seeing immediate results (like looking for heart shapes) — the more we gain new ways of perceiving, experiencing, and appreciating the world in our everyday life. Teachings are constantly present, even when they seem invisible —like a silent teacher waiting to be discovered.