Language of the Heart
by
Reynyl Joshua M. Floreta
The beating of the heart is more than just the rhythm of life. In my humble understanding, it is a language. It was because of my experiences and the odd advices that my father gave me that I learned that the heart has a language that speaks loudest when the lips are quiet and the beat of your chest takes over. The language of the heart can be expressed into three ways such as through silence, some odd things such as giving a banana, and by giving up first.
As a child, I used to believe that this language had to be declared loudly, through words and grand gestures. It was because of the teachings of my parents that I learned that one of the truest expressions of this are found in silence. Prayer is one of them. When I pray for someone, I do not speak to them directly, but my heart carries its words to God. It is a communication that asks nothing in return but only heard from God’s heart. To pray for someone’s safety, healing, or happiness is to quietly place their well-being above my own. They may never know I prayed for them, but the good intentions remain. It has taught me that sometimes the purest form of goodness that you can do is not what you say, but what you whisper in faith when no one else is listening.
Another language of the heart is giving. True giving is not about wealth or grand offerings; it is about selflessness. To give is to say, “I thought of you first.” Even small gifts or simple gestures can carry enormous meaning when they come from a sincere heart. Whenever I had a crush on someone back in high school, this was how I expressed my language for them. Whenever they lack paper, I would give mine with no hesitation. Even answers from an assignment or during a quiz. However, this language can sometimes be one-sided because you won’t always get a response back. I still remember a girl saying, “I’m sorry but I cannot reciprocate what you have for me.” I got a response at least but words do cut like a spear sometimes.
Failure in this communication pushed my curiosity to ask how my father courted my mother and what things he has given her. He told me that he gave her a bunch of bananas when he went to their house. At first, I was confused at the thought for it might as well be a joke. What romance could there be in bananas? He then explained to me their meaning. He said, “Flowers are beautiful, but they fade quickly, and they have no heart. A banana blossom, however, has what we Filipinos call as “puso ng saging,” and “puso” in English is translated as a heart.” In a way, my father was offering his heart to my other. A gift with meaning lasts longer than beauty alone. I couldn’t stop staring at the flowers that day because a banana just beat them in romance. It is truly important to note that such language in the heart can hide in the oddest things from a simple meal shared, a humble offering, or even a fresh bunch of bananas. These gifts may not sparkle, but they speak from the heart, and that makes them unforgettable.
I finally found someone during my senior high school years who could speak from their heart. Our relationship was like a phone call when it comes to our heart’s language. After all, it is a long-distance relationship. Little do I know that I would be learning one of the hardest languages of the heart; humility, the willingness to give up first. I used to think that winning an argument or proving a point was important. However, I slowly discovered that words from this language is not about being right; it is about valuing the person more than the pride. When someone gives up their pride for the sake of peace, it is not weakness but strength. To yield first in a disagreement shows that care matters more than victory. That act speaks louder than words. It does not stop in yielding but extends beyond what we are willing to let go of. We may let go of comfort and time for the sake of keeping what matters most, the communication between two hearts. Undoubtedly, my partner would also do the same and it kept our voices going.
This language can be spoken in silence through prayer, shown in the deeper meaning of a simple gift, and proven by giving up first through humility and sacrifice. Together, this language forms a communication of love; the true language of the heart. It is quiet but powerful. It is simple yet profound. A language not taught in schools, but learned in life and lived out in the choices we make every day. It is the language that sustains relationships, heals wounds, and makes love real. May your heart’s words be heard and your love spoken to.