Connecting to the wisdom of the heart
We are very accustomed to living in the rational mind. Our world encourages it, we get rewarded for it and it’s very addicting. However, when we live only in the thinking self, we limit ourselves. We cut off a huge source of wisdom and intuition. In Chinese Medicine, the mind actually resides in our heart. By connecting with the heart, we open up to an incredible abundance of wisdom and guidance that is always waiting for us. Here are some tips for tuning into the heart and accessing the great treasures that lie there.
Step 1: Spend time in stillness and solitude.
Disconnect from all mental stimuli as well as other people. Even just a little time spent alone can bring us present to what is actually here inside of ourselves. Follow the breath, allow the body to slow down and the nervous system to uwind. When we quiet the mind, the heart can speak and the true emotions that are longing to be felt can rise up.
Step 2: Give yourself permission to feel and embrace the Uncomfortable.
Allow what is here to be felt. We are very comfortable being with positive emotions, but not so practiced at allowing the negative ones. But when we let these feelings be present, we allow ourselves to grow and to connect with our shared humanity, herein lies the seeds of compassion. Be curious about all of your emotions, investigate where they live in your body and allow them to be expressed through movement, words or tears.
Step 3: Connect with your inner support.
Call upon your higher self, God, The Divine Mother, or just the word love if you don’t have a personal connection to spirit. Imagine yourself being tended by this image of the divine to comfort yourself. Often just saying to yourself, “It’s ok, I’ve got you” or “I love you” can help to calm us and strengthen our resolve to explore the feelings emerging.
Step 4: Ask your heart what it needs.
When we are not tuned into the wisdom of the heart, we are missing out on valuable information that can be used to guide us towards a more authentic human experience. Literally asking the heart what message it has for you can reveal deep insight into your life. Asking the questions, “What do you need?, what do I need to hear from you?” And then focusing your attention on the heart center will begin a deep process of transformation.
Step 5: Listen and be vulnerable
As the heart answers, you may be called to take certain steps that make us feel vulnerable. In order to answer the call, you must trust the true nature of your being. You are a wise and powerful force of love, the heart holds the key to unlocking that force. Be gentle with yourself as you begin to move in the world from this heart centered-awareness. Old patterns of the mind will push their way back in. Keep centering in your heart, keep taking risks and allow your deeper self to be revealed. When the heart leads, our connection to ourselves and others deepens, enriching our human experience.
Taking time each day to practice these steps can transform your life. At first it may be challenging to get under the chatter of the mind, but with practice the deeper knowing of the heart can be heard and felt. Once you begin to tune into this source of wisdom, you will never let it go.