Have you ever wondered if there’s a way to truly connect with yourself and the world around you? A way to feel fully present in every moment and deeply in tune with your emotions and thoughts? Let me introduce you to a concept that I write about in my books and teach in my courses: Heartfullness.
What is Heartfullness?
Heartfullness is like mindfulness, but it goes a step further. Mindfulness is about being aware of what’s happening right now, focusing on the present moment without getting lost in thoughts about the past or worries about the future. It’s like when you’re fully enjoying a sunset without thinking about anything else. Heartfullness builds on this by adding an essential element—the heart.
In heartfulness, you don’t just notice what you’re feeling and thinking; you also pay attention to your heart’s responses. It’s about letting your heart, with its kindness and compassion, guide you in understanding your experiences more deeply.
Why Practice Heartfullness?
1. Emotional Understanding: Sometimes, we feel emotions that are hard to understand. Heartfullness helps us get in touch with our deepest feelings, making it easier to understand why we feel a certain way. It’s like having a conversation with your heart to figure out what’s really going on inside.
2. Stress Reduction: Just like mindfulness, practicing heartfullness can help reduce stress. When you focus on the moment and listen to your heart, you might find that many things that worry you aren’t as big as they seem.
3. Better Decision Making: When you’re more in tune with your heart, you can make decisions that truly reflect what’s important to you. It’s not just about what you think is right, but also what feels right.
4. Enhanced Compassion: By focusing on your heart, you naturally develop more compassion and empathy. You start understanding others better because you understand your own feelings more deeply.
How to Practice Heartfullness
1. Find a Quiet Spot: Just like with mindfulness, find a quiet place where you can sit comfortably without distractions.
2. Focus on Your Breath: Take deep, slow breaths. Feel the air moving in and out of your body. This helps calm your mind and brings you into the present moment.
3. Listen to Your Heart: Focus on the area at the center of your chest, the sacred space where your heart chakra resides. As you breathe deeply, feel your heart beating, the rhythm of life pulsing within you. What emotions are stirring in this space? Is your heart calm, fluttering with joy, or perhaps carrying a weight of sorrow? Without judgment, acknowledge these feelings. It’s okay if your heart feels troubled or if it’s filled with peace. This moment is about understanding and accepting your heart’s true state. Envision a gentle, green light enveloping your heart, soothing any discomfort, and amplifying feelings of tranquility. Let this light represent love, healing, and compassion emanating from your heart, touching every part of your being. As you continue to breathe and focus on this area, allow any tension to melt away, replaced by a sense of deep inner calm and a profound connection to your emotional core.
4. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Whatever you find in your heart, just let it be. If you’re feeling happy, embrace that. If you’re sad, allow yourself to feel that sadness. This isn’t about changing your feelings; it’s about understanding them.
5. Use Affirmations: Sometimes, it helps to have a positive phrase to repeat in your mind, like “I am open and at peace” or “I listen with a compassionate heart.” This can guide your practice and keep you focused.
Ending with Gratitude
Always end your heartfullness practice with a moment of gratitude. Think about one thing you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as being grateful for the quiet time you’ve had to practice heartfullness. This helps end your session on a positive note and reminds you of the good things in life.
Heartfullness isn’t just a practice; it’s a way of living. It’s about bringing your heart’s wisdom into your daily life, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, remember to pause and listen not just with your mind, but with your heart.
