Reposted from Renee’s Letters from the Hearth Substack Article Dated February 17th 2026
It is a few days after Valentine’s Day… how is everyone doing out there?
After being together for 25 years, I finally realized something about love languages. As much as I want to give my partner cards, clothes, and all the traditional Valentine gifts… I know that is not what he truly wants or needs. And I don’t mean that sarcastically — I mean it from a deeply realistic, heart-centered place.
My love language for my honey?
Food. Nourishing, intentional, lovingly prepared food.
This year I made him apple, cheese, and ham heart sandwiches… strawberry yogurt parfaits topped with almond butter, cinnamon, walnuts, fresh strawberries, and lemon zest… served with sparkling cranberry juice and homemade kombucha — all laid out on thrift-store “new-to-me” Love-ly placemats.
Later that night, the leftover heart-shaped bread cutouts became egg-in-the-hole sandwiches alongside homemade miso soup that we prepared together.
So yes… food was our love language that day.
And it made me wonder…
What is yours?
“Where in your life do you express love through simple, quiet acts?”
Love Expanding Beyond the Personal
Speaking of love… did any of you watch the Walk for Peace live coverage in Washington DC last week?
I found myself completely captivated — glued to the television, listening deeply as Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara spoke. At one point, he shared how he turned to his teacher and expressed his desire to fully devote himself to the path.
And suddenly I was transported back years ago to a Buddhist retreat in Gley Spey.
I remember feeling as though someone reached into my chest and said:
“You have to do this.”
I wanted to dedicate my life fully to the teachings… but at that time, I was a mother, working, building a life. The monastic path was not mine to walk. Instead, I made a quiet vow to live those teachings in another way.
And I did.
Where Heart Centered Living Was Born
The teachings of loving kindness and compassion became foundational to me. They were one of the primary inspirations behind creating Heart Centered Living in 2006 — deeply influenced by the gentle yet profound teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh.
Through the years I attended retreats, workshops, and meditation trainings rooted in these principles. At one point, while visiting Asheville, I was even approached by a Buddhist monk through a translator and invited to study under him and potentially teach within his temple community. Later, a similar invitation came through another lineage and teacher.
Life had other plans — but those teachings never left me.
The Universal Thread of Peace
In May, many traditions honor Wesak — a time symbolically celebrating both Jesus and Buddha as messengers of peace, compassion, and awakening.
To me, it has always represented something simple and profound:
No matter the religion, culture, or tradition… at the heart of it, we all long for the same thing.
Peace in our minds.
Peace in our bodies.
Peace in our souls.
For as long as I can remember — even as a little girl — I have carried this quiet dream that I would live to witness greater peace on Earth… and somehow contribute to it through prayer, drumming, singing, healing, writing, and teaching.
And over time I have come to understand something essential:
Peace is not something we wait for.
Peace is something we practice.
It begins with us because it is already within us.
This pic was taken on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Absolutely astounding.
The World Is Stirring
Many people in spiritual, healing, prophetic, and contemplative communities have sensed that humanity is moving through a profound turning point. What we are witnessing can feel overwhelming… heartbreaking… and yet also deeply transformative.
I understand anger.
I understand feeling unseen or unheard.
But there are always moments where kindness, compassion, and understanding become possible again.
Those moments matter.
Those moments are seeds.
Returning to the Breath, Returning to the Heart
As we were reminded during the Walk for Peace… mindfulness is not complicated. It is returning to the breath. Returning to presence. Speaking peace into our daily lives, one moment at a time.
This remembering has awakened something in me recently. It has invited me to revisit many of the teachings, resources, and spiritual tools I have created over the years centered around peace, compassion, and heart-based living.
And honestly… it feels good to reconnect with my original “why.”
“Sanctuary is not always a place. Sometimes it is a moment we remember to breathe.”
Gentle Doorways If You Feel Called
If this reflection stirred something within you, I have a few offerings available — each designed to support you in cultivating peace and heart-centered awareness in your own way.
If you are looking for personal reflection and spiritual exploration, you may enjoy my Inner Alchemy Oracle School, which guides participants through deep inner transformation using intuitive and symbolic practices.
If you prefer a more personal and immersive experience, I offer recorded intuitive audio sessions and Heart’s Compass Coaching — both designed to help you reconnect with your inner clarity and guidance.
For those who feel called to gather in sacred space, I am currently offering Seasonal Reflection and Visioning sessions in person through the sanctuary at The Heart Center.
You can explore these offerings here:
There is never pressure — only invitation.
Some people sit quietly at the threshold.
Others feel ready to step inside.
Both paths are sacred.
A Final Reflection
For now, simply sit back… breathe… and allow yourself to witness what is unfolding in your life and in our world.
No popcorn required for this show.
Only an open mind, a steady heart, and living water to nourish your soul.
The seeds have already been planted.
It is up to each of us to water them.
And from the wise words of Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara.
“Today is going to be a peaceful day for me.”Write it, sing it, write it down, and SPEAK it into existence.
Sending you love, compassion, and peace as we continue traveling together on this beautiful blue and green marble we call home.
Namaste. Amen. Aho. And so it is.
With love from the sanctuary,
Renee
💛A Note From My Heart💛
I’ll share something honestly and simply. This season has been one of the quietest financially that I have experienced in many years of doing this work. Like nature, spiritual service moves through cycles of expansion and stillness.
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