Have you ever wondered how to reclaim the innocence and purity of heart you once had as a child? Do you long to see the world through eyes of wonder and love again? The journey to cultivating a pure heart is one of the most profound and transformative paths you can embark upon. It’s a journey that will not only change how you see yourself and the world around you but will also profoundly impact every relationship in your life.
In my previous article, “25 Signs You Have a Pure Heart,” we delved into the characteristics that define inner purity. Today, we take the next step on this spiritual journey by offering practical ways to nurture and cultivate these qualities. This guide provides actionable advice, practices, and resources for each of the 25 signs, helping you to develop and maintain a pure, childlike heart in your daily life.
By embracing these practices, you’ll find yourself naturally embodying the qualities of a pure heart. You’ll experience more joy, deeper connections, and a profound sense of purpose. Most importantly, you’ll rediscover the divine spark within you and learn to see it in everyone and everything around you.
Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Let’s begin.
1. Live from a Place of Integrity
Integrity is the cornerstone of a pure heart. It’s about aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with your deepest values. When you live with integrity, you become a beacon of trust and authenticity in a world that desperately needs it.
Practical tips:
- Start your day by setting an intention to act with integrity
- Before making decisions, ask yourself, “Does this align with my deepest truth and core values?”
- Practice radical honesty, even in small matters
Suggested practice: Keep a daily integrity journal, reflecting on moments when you did (or didn’t) act with integrity.
Further reading: “The Power of Integrity” by Charles Swindoll.
2. Overflow with Humility
True humility is not about thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. It’s recognizing your own worth while also appreciating the value in others. Humility opens your heart to learn from everyone and every experience.
Practical tips:
- Practice active listening without interrupting
- Celebrate others’ successes genuinely
- Admit when you’re wrong and apologize sincerely
Suggested practice: Daily gratitude meditation focusing on others’ contributions to your life.
Further reading: “Humility: The Journey Toward Holiness” by Andrew Murray.
3. Exude Loving-Kindness
Loving-kindness is the gentle, compassionate approach to all beings that naturally flows from a pure heart. It’s about treating everyone, including yourself, with unconditional love and respect.
Practical tips:
- Perform random acts of kindness daily
- Practice using kind words, even in difficult situations
- Offer genuine compliments to others regularly
Suggested practice: Listen to my Radical Self-Love meditation regularly.
Further reading: “The Kindness Handbook” by Sharon Salzberg.
4. Live with Unshakeable Trust
Trust is the foundation of all meaningful relationships, including your relationship with yourself and with the Divine. Cultivating trust means choosing to see the best in yourself, others and in life itself.
Practical tips:
- Practice vulnerability in your relationships
- When faced with challenges, affirm: “I trust in the unfolding of life”
- Let go of the need to control outcomes
Suggested practice: Let the univerese have your back. Practice the Trust fall meditation – visualize yourself falling back into the arms of the Universe.
Further reading: “The Speed of Trust” by Stephen M.R. Covey.
5. Be Quick to Forgive
Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the chains of resentment and sets your heart free. It’s not about condoning harmful actions, but about releasing the burden of anger and hurt.
Practical tips:
- Practice self-forgiveness daily
- Write forgiveness letters (without necessarily sending them)
- Use the Ho’oponopono phrase “I love you, please forgive me, I’m sorry, thank you” as a daily mantra
Suggested practice: Listen to my Radical Self-Forgiveness Meditation.
Further reading: “The Book of Forgiving” by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu.
6. Embrace All with Empathy and Compassion
Empathy and compassion are the bridges that connect hearts. They allow you to step into another’s shoes and feel their joys and sorrows as if they were your own.
Practical tips:
- Practice perspective-taking in conflicts
- Volunteer for causes that touch your heart
- Offer support without judgment
Suggested practice: Send Heart Energy Meditation – sending out love and compassion to others.
Further reading: “The Art of Empathy” by Karla McLaren.
7. Speak from the Heart
When you speak from the heart, your words carry the power to heal, inspire, and unite. It’s about communicating with authenticity, kindness, and truth.
Practical tips:
- Practice pausing before speaking to check in with your heart
- Express gratitude and appreciation regularly
- Use “I” statements to express your feelings
Suggested practice: Heart-centered communication exercise – speak while keeping your awareness on your heart center and the physical sensations in your body.
Further reading: “Nonviolent Communication” by Marshall B. Rosenberg.
8. Listen with Your Whole Being
True listening is an act of love. It’s about giving your full, undivided attention to another, creating a safe space where they feel truly seen and heard.
Practical tips:
- Practice wholehearted listening without planning your response
- Use reflective listening techniques to ensure understanding
- Put away distractions when someone is speaking to you
Suggested practice: Practice heart-focused breathing while listening to a friend.
Further reading: “The Lost Art of Listening” by Michael P. Nichols.
9. Create a Safe Space for Others
A pure heart naturally creates a field of safety around it. People feel they can be vulnerable and authentic in your presence because they sense your non-judgmental acceptance.
Practical tips:
- Practice non-judgmental awareness
- Offer support without trying to fix or advise
- Respect others’ boundaries and confidentiality
Suggested practice: Sit in a circle with friend where you can practice Tej Steiner’s Five Ways of Being.
Further reading: “Waking Up with Everyone Around Us” by Tej Steiner.
10. Serve Something Greater than Yourself
Service is the natural expression of a pure heart. It’s about recognizing our interconnectedness and dedicating your life to uplifting others and making the world a better place.
Practical tips:
- Find a cause that ignites your passion and commit to it
- Practice random acts of kindness daily
- Use your unique talents to contribute to your community
Suggested practice: Seva (selfless service) – dedicate one day a week to serving others without expectation of reward.
Further reading: “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren.
11. See Innocence and Beauty Everywhere
A pure heart sees the world through eyes of wonder and love. It recognizes the divine essence in all beings and finds beauty in the simplest things.
Practical tips:
- Practice mindful observation of nature
- Look for the good in every person you meet
- Keep a beauty journal to record daily moments of awe
Suggested practice: Beauty scavenger hunt – find and appreciate five beautiful things each day, even in the darkest situations.
Further reading: “The Book of Awakening” by Mark Nepo.
12. Be at Peace with What Is
True peace comes from accepting reality as it is, while still working towards positive change. It’s about finding an unshakeable center within yourself, regardless of external circumstances.
Practical tips:
- Practice mindfulness in daily activities
- Use the mantra “This too shall pass” during challenging times
- Cultivate an attitude of non-resistance to what is
Suggested practice: Practice heart-focused breathing while fully embracing and accepting the present moment. Allow things to be the way they are.
Further reading: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle.
13. Embrace Your Own Shadows
A pure heart doesn’t mean a perfect one. It’s about embracing all aspects of yourself, including the parts you’d rather hide. By bringing your shadows into the light with compassion, you become whole.
Practical tips:
- Journal about your fears and insecurities
- Practice self-compassion when you make mistakes
- Seek professional help if needed to work through deep-seated issues
Suggested practice: Engage in Shadow Work – try dialoguing with your shadow aspects.
Further reading: “Owning Your Own Shadow” by Robert A. Johnson.
14. Sync with Your Soul
When you’re in sync with your soul, you feel a deep sense of purpose and alignment. You become more attuned to your intuition and inner guidance.
Practical tips:
- Start a dream journal to track your soul’s messages
- Take regular solitude breaks to connect with your inner self
- Follow your intuition, even when it doesn’t make logical sense
Suggested practice: Soul journaling – writing from your higher or Christ Self.
Further reading: “The Soul’s Code” by James Hillman.
15. Honore Your Body as Sacred
Your body is the temple of your spirit. Treating it with reverence and care is an essential aspect of cultivating a pure heart.
Practical tips:
- Eat for your heart – practice mindful eating, savoring each bite
- Engage in movement that brings you joy
- Establish a nurturing self-care routine
Suggested practice: Body blessing meditation – sending love and gratitude to each part of your body
Further reading: “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk.
16. Lead from the Heart
Heart-centered leadership is about inspiring and uplifting others through love, compassion, and authenticity. It’s leading by example and empowering others to shine their light.
Practical tips:
- Practice vulnerable leadership by sharing your own struggles and growth
- Celebrate and nurture the unique gifts of those you lead
- Make decisions based on what serves the highest good for all
Suggested practice: Find Your Heart Path Meditation – consulting your heart before making important choices about your life’s direction.
Further reading: “The Heart of Leadership” by Mark Miller.
17. Honor the Divine in All
Recognizing the sacred in everything and everyone is a hallmark of a pure heart. It’s about seeing beyond surface differences to the underlying unity of all life.
Practical tips:
- Practice the Indian greeting “Namaste” (the divine in me honors the divine in you)
- Look for signs of the sacred in everyday life
- Treat all beings with respect, regardless of their status or species
Suggested practice: Seeing with the Heart Meditation – visualizing the divine light in everyone you meet.
Further reading: “One Spirit Medicine” by Alberto Villoldo.
18. Revere All Living Beings
A pure heart extends compassion to all sentient beings, recognizing our shared essence of life. This reverence naturally leads to a life of non-harm and respect for all creation.
Practical tips:
- Be more mindful about how your actions affect people around you
- Support animal welfare organizations
- Practice conscious consumption to minimize harm to the environment
Suggested practice: As you walk on the stree, notice the trees around you. Feel their energy. Revere them as they revere you as you pass.
Further reading: “The World Peace Diet” by Will Tuttle.
19. Be Unattached to Outcomes
Non-attachment doesn’t mean not caring. It’s about doing your best while surrendering the results to a higher power. This cultivates inner peace and resilience.
Practical tips:
- Practice setting intentions rather than expectations
- Celebrate the journey, not just the destination
- Let go of the need to control others or situations
Suggested practice: Merging with the Cosmos meditation – visualizing releasing your desires to the universe or cosmos.
Further reading: “The Bhagavad Gita” translated by Eknath Easwaran.
20. Embrace Simplicity
A pure heart finds joy in simplicity. By decluttering your life – both materially and mentally – you create space for what truly matters.
Practical tips:
- Practice minimalism in your living space
- Simplify your schedule, leaving plenty of room for creativity, spontaneity and rest
- Focus on quality over quantity in possessions and experiences
Suggested practice: Digital detox – regular periods of disconnection from technology
Further reading: “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo.
21. Practice Radical Gratitude
Gratitude is the antidote to fear, lack, and separation. By cultivating a grateful heart, you open yourself to receive more of life’s blessings.
Practical tips:
- Keep a daily gratitude journal
- Express appreciation to others regularly
- Practice finding gratitude in challenging situations
Suggested practice: Gratitude walk – noticing and appreciating everything around you including people, animals, buildings, nature, etc.
Further reading: “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne.
22. Take Responsibility
A pure heart doesn’t blame others or circumstances. It takes full responsibility for its experiences, reactions, and the energy it brings into the world.
Practical tips:
- Practice using “I” statements instead of blaming language
- Reflect on lessons learned from challenging situations
- Ask yourself, “How am I creating or contributing to this situation?”
Suggested practice: Manifesting your Heart’s Desires meditation – visualizing yourself as the creator of your reality.
Further reading: “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
23. Choose Joy
Joy is your natural state when your heart is pure. It’s not dependent on external circumstances but arises from within.
Practical tips:
- Engage in activities that bring you genuine joy regularly
- Practice laughter yoga or watch comedy
- Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people
Suggested practice: Finding True Joy meditation – recalling and reliving moments of pure joy.
Further reading: “The Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.
24. Let Love Transform You
Opening your heart to love is the most powerful transformative force. It requires courage to be vulnerable and let love change you from the inside out.
Practical tips:
- Practice being vulnerable in your relationships
- Regularly express love and affection to others
- Choose love over fear in your daily decisions
Suggested practice: Awakening the Heart meditation – visualizing your heart expanding with love.
Further reading: “The Mastery of Love” by Don Miguel Ruiz.
25. Live in Devotional Service
A life of devotional service is the ultimate expression of a pure heart. It’s about seeing every action, no matter how small, as an offering to the Divine.
Practical tips:
- Set a daily intention to serve love in all you do
- Find ways to make routine tasks sacred
- Offer your talents and skills in service to your community
Suggested practice: Karma Yoga – performing all actions as an offering to the God or the Divine.
Further reading: “The Yoga of Spiritual Devotion” by Prem Prakash.
My Journey to a Pure Heart
As I reflect on my own journey towards cultivating a pure heart, I’m reminded of the challenges and profound beauty of this path. There was a time in my life when I felt disconnected, seeking fulfillment in external achievements and relationships. I chased success, thinking it would fill the void I felt inside.
But the more I pursued these external markers of happiness, the emptier I felt. It was only when I began to turn inward, to do the deep work of connecting with my own heart, that true transformation began.
I remember the first time I sat in silent meditation, attempting to quiet my restless mind. It felt impossible. My thoughts raced, and I felt frustrated and inadequate. But I persisted, day after day, gradually learning to observe my thoughts without judgment.
As I continued this practice, something remarkable began to happen. The noise in my mind started to subside, and I began to sense a deep wellspring of peace within me. It was as if I was rediscovering a part of myself that had always been there, waiting patiently for me to notice.
This inner work wasn’t always easy. As I peeled back the layers of conditioning and fear, I encountered parts of myself that were painful to face. There were moments of intense vulnerability, where I had to confront my own shadows – my insecurities, my fears, my past hurts.
But with each layer I released, I felt lighter. My heart began to open, not just to myself, but to others as well. I found myself naturally becoming more compassionate, more forgiving, more loving.
The changes in my inner world began to manifest in my outer reality. My relationships deepened and became more authentic. My work took on new meaning as I aligned it with my heart’s true purpose. I started to attract experiences and opportunities that resonated with my newfound sense of self.
But the greatest gift has been the deep sense of connection I now feel – to myself, to others, and to the divine presence that permeates all of life. I’ve come to understand that this connection, this purity of heart, is our natural state. It’s who we truly are beneath the layers of conditioning and fear.
Steps to Embody a Pure Heart
I understand that all this information about cultivating a pure heart might seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to wholehearted living. With that in mind, here are 10 simple steps to get you started on your journey to a pure heart:
- Begin each day with a heart-centering practice (meditation, prayer, or journaling)
- Set an intention to approach each interaction with love and compassion
- Practice mindfulness throughout your day, staying present in each moment
- Engage in regular self-reflection to identify areas for growth and healing
- Cultivate gratitude by acknowledging the blessings in your life daily
- Perform acts of kindness without expectation of reward
- Practice forgiveness – of yourself and others
- Nurture your body with wholesome food, movement, and rest
- Spend time in nature to reconnect with the beauty and sacredness of life
- Practice this simple Heart Coherence meditation I share on my YouTube channel:
Final Thoughts
You have within you the power to reclaim the childlike purity of heart you once had. That is your Divine birthright. Every small step you take towards living with more integrity, compassion, and love ripples out into the world, creating positive change far beyond what you can see.
As you embark on this journey, keep in mind that having purirty of heart is a journey, not a destination. It’s about choosing love, again and again, even when it’s challenging. It’s about seeing the divine in yourself and in all beings. So, please be patient and compassionate with yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem.
The kingdom of heaven truly is within your heart. By looking inside and awakening to your true loving nature, you have the power to inspire, heal, and transform not only your life but the lives of all those you touch.
From my heart to yours,