For several years I’ve used imagery of moving into the heart space or heart chakra as a way to quiet my thoughts. As I lead guided visualizations I also use this imagery. Recently, while working with a young woman who has been experiencing anxiety and panic attacks due to a physical trauma, I used this imagery. After her experience she said, “I feel so much calmer and better. I feel clearer and I don’t feel as anxious!” Personally, I’ve experienced inner peace and calming using this imagery.

Some of you have probably heard people talk about heart-based living. This is something I’ve embraced but I didn’t learn how to do it from anyone. As I laughingly tell people, “Some travel from point A to Z in a straight line and others zig and zag!” Guess which way I do it? Yes, I zig and zag. For me, it’s all about experiencing things! LOL Whichever way you use you will get there eventually!

So, things have been percolating and I’ve been sitting with this for a few days. I asked, “What is heart-based living and what does it mean to me?” For those of you who like to investigate and understand things and you aren’t familiar with HeartMath Institute I encourage you to take a look at their website. There have been lots of studies done looking at brain, heart and consciousness. Doc Childre, founder of HeartMath said, “Heart-based living is about including your heart’s intuition as you navigate through life’s relationships and events. This brings balance to your mind and emotions and unfolds your authentic self.” Amazing, isn’t it?

It’s nice to know that others are embracing the power of heart! It’s also nice to confirm what I and others have felt intuitively is real and being studied. Living from the heart, to me, means looking at the world through the lens of love. My intention is to become more loving, kind, accepting, forgiving, patient, and compassionate with myself and others. However, this doesn’t mean that I condone violent behavior!

Many people that I talk to find it challenging to trust their intuition. Does this sound familiar? They also describe having racing thoughts and self-doubt. They also say they spend a lot of time thinking about and analyzing “what ifs”! They don’t want to make a mistake or wrong choice!

Some days I feel like I’m doing better than others. I’m more conscious about the choices I’m making and focused on making them from my heart. How about you? Through a meditation practice that I have used for the past 20 years I find it easier to quiet my thoughts and experience more inner peace and love. I’ve learned to trust my instincts/intuition more.

I’m happy to share it with you and find it helpful. First, find a safe and quiet place. When you are comfortable, close your eyes and take a few deep cleansing breaths. Deep breathing also helps you relax and calm. Next, with your eyes still closed begin to breathe normally and bring your awareness to the center of your chest. This is what I call your heart space. Continue to breathe and feel yourself calming. Feel the tension in your face and jaw relaxing; neck and shoulders relaxing; and feel the tension leaving the rest of your physical body. Continue to focus on your heart space and breathing while you enjoy this time feeling more relaxed and peaceful.

When you’re finished, notice how you feel. Do you feel or notice any difference? Is there a sense or a feeling of greater calm or clarity? If so, what kind of choices will you make when you feel like this instead of when you feel anxious or your thoughts are racing and chaotic? Will they be different when you feel more heart-based?

What reality can be co-created if more of us embrace heart-based living? What does heart-based living mean to you and what are you willing to change in order to co-create it?

I will be channeling Luminus at Storm Wisdom on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 6:30p-8:00p. Please join us and be ready to receive unconditional love, and healing at many levels! You will be invited to ask questions too!