“The heart is the organ with which one is able to see what is denied to the physical eye”
– Jan Gonda
I am noticing these past few months that at times I find myself struggling to maintain a truly open heart. The heart is a sensitive organ and can quickly become overwhelmed with emotion. The world feels tenuous, scary, often unkind and not a very safe place for many vulnerable beings . I recognize of course that with being alive in the world it is inevitable that we will encounter experiences that have the potential to bring suffering. When I am able to remember the practices that I am blessed to have access to, especially yoga and Qi gong, I am able to connect with my heart in a way that allows me to both give and to receive from this space.
When I rub my palms together as I practice Qi gong or yoga, the energetic/ meridian lines that run from my fingers and hands through my arms into my lungs and heart space help me to remember my gratitude for breath and how each inhale is a new beginning. The arms are known as the wings of the heart and whether I am practicing an active flow routine or am resting in stillness and aware of this powerful energy, I am reminded that my heart continues to beat no matter what chaos may be happening around me.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the pericardium known as the heart protector is the sac surrounding the heart that shelters the Shen , the spirit that resides in the heart. This spirit needs protection from negative external influences and harms. This protection goes beyond the physical level and extends to the spiritual, emotional and energetic levels.
When the energetic buffer around the heart is torn, the spirit can be left unguarded and feelings of depression, fear, shame, and overwhelm can take up residence.
In Chinese medicine an empty heart is most beneficial and desirable. When our hearts have space to process and let go of big emotions we are able to receive what we need and to release what is ready to go. This allows our beautiful heart to integrate a wide range of feelings without drowning in the flood.
In yogic traditions the heart is the innermost resource for all sentiment and a source of compassion and empathetic awareness. At the center of this spiritual heart is stillness and silence. The Cave of the Heart is the hidden and secret space at the innermost depths of the heart. This safe space is not affected by circumstances or interactions with the external world and it is not contaminated by our conditioning or negative messages and self judgment.
When I breathe and imagine this innermost cave of refuge in my heart, I feel centered and grounded and resourced; ready for the action steps that can be so necessary and helpful in living purposefully in a chaotic world.
Taking right action that is well thought out can help us to feel less powerless and hopeless. Practicing stillness and deep inner listening is an essential precursor to taking action. I find it helpful to consider the four qualities of the awakened heart also known as the Four Immeasurables in guiding me in mindful action. The qualities are: Loving Kindness, Compassion, Empathetic Joy and Equanimity.
I consider how these qualities help to guide me with:
● Active listening
● Responding with compassion instead of judgement
● Recognizing the importance of service work and volunteering with a population or organization whose mission I align with
● Practicing non violence in speech and action toward self and others
● Practicing purposeful and intentional rest so that I am well sourced and serving self and others from a full well
I often find equanimity to be the most challenging , which is about the heart remaining balanced even as it is touched by emotions: Joy, grief, fear, greed, anger or judgment. Allowing life to be just as it is . The heart remains tenderly open and caring for every being . It is so easy to “Take Sides” these days. The shadow of equanimity is indifference. Maybe this is putting our heads in the sand or running away with avoidance and distractions ( ie doomscrolling / using alcohol or other drugs / emotional eating ) This might feel good and safe In the short run but shielding parts of our heart to protect ourselves from potential pain can lead to disconnection from self and others and we also cut ourselves off from joy as well as community. There exists a spaciousness and freedom when we can practice equanimity.
If you are interested in finding out more about the practices of Yoga, Qi Gong and breathwork to help in finding ease and inner stillness amidst the chaos and unmanageability of daily life , please reach out for information about my comprehensive and unique coaching and retreat opportunities.
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