The definition of noise that we most associate with is “sound, esp. of a loud, harsh, or confused kind: e.g., deafening noises.” Another definition, however, that may not readily come to mind is “extraneous, irrelevant, or meaningless facts, information, statistics, etc.: e.g., The noise in the report obscured its useful information.” So how much noise do we each deal with on a daily basis and how much of that noise prevents us from hearing our own inner voice?
For me, I know that the sounds of my family each day take up space in my head. The sounds of phone calls and conversations do as well. And then there are the other types of sounds–email and electronic communications that come and go all day and even into the night. And what about the noise of my own mind–my own chatter that can go on and on and on…? With all of these different kinds of noise, it is no surprise that I often feel completely disconnected from myself.
I live so much in my head–the place where I deal with information. I think all the time. I think about what I need to do, what I’ve done, what I haven’t done, and so much more. All that thinking just keeps me caught in the swirl of past and future along with a heavy dose of ego. And it can get exhausting. So much going on and yet nothing is really happening! And where do I need to go to hear myself? It is to my heart–my heart center–the core of me.
Getting to my heart center is a constant challenge and yet whenever I connect with myself, I instantaneously feel overwhelming gratitude and joy and a deep knowing that all is right. Some people may read this and think, “Your heart? Well how mushy, gushy and sentimental is that!” Or others may think, “The heart? Well that’s what keeps my blood pumping and circulating through my body. When I think of my heart, I think of the cardio workout I need to do to keep it in shape.” So, there’s that Valentine’s Day concept of heart and the very medical, physical concept of heart.
But…there’s a deeper, more profound way to think of heart. The heart is the source of wisdom–it is intuitive and holistic–it is relational. The Egyptians seem to have understood the heart in this deeper way. The Egyptians believed that the heart, rather than the brain, was the source of human wisdom, as well as emotions, memory, the soul, and the personality itself. Notions of physiology and disease were all conceptually connected to the heart, and it was through the heart that God spoke, giving ancient Egyptians knowledge of God and God’s will. For this reason it was considered the most important of the body’s organs. However, despite the ancient Egyptian’s seemingly advanced medical and surgical knowledge, the heart’s role in blood circulation was not precisely understood. Today, we have the opportunity to blend our scientific knowledge of the heart with others’–past and present–knowledge of this very significant organ.
When we are able to connect with our heart center, we better serve ourselves and bring happiness, joy, and fulfillment to our lives. Here are a few ways to connect with your heart:
1. Meditate. Taking time to meditate each day is a deeply rewarding practice. It is a way to connect within and shut out all the noise and chatter. Early morning is a great time to sit quietly and listen within. Deepak Chopra suggests meditating twice a day for 30 minutes each. Once in the morning and once in the evening, preferably before dinner. Whether you make this your practice or manage to get 5, 10 or even 15 minutes in sometime during your day, you are beginning the practice of turning off the outside to listen within.
2. Check In. Whenever you need to make a decision–or make a choice–pause and check in with your body as you think about your options or directions. As you focus on each possible choice, stop, pay attention, and and ask your body, “If I make this choice, then what?” Your body will experience one of two responses: comfort or discomfort. Some people experience these sensations in the area of the solar plexus, but most sense it in the area of the heart. So, consciously put your attention on your heart as you ask the question. Only your heart knows the real answer–the right choice.
3. Journal. Because I’m in my head so much of the time, I find journaling to be a practice that really takes me to the heart of the matter. Somehow as I hold pen in hand and take it to paper, I bypass my thinking mind and words just flow. I can get to deep levels of emotion when I journal. Often, when I reread what I’ve written, I’m amazed at what I’ve uncovered. Because this process really takes me to my heart, I often try to avoid it. But every time I get back into the routine, I find that I am so much more connected to myself and others. For me, journaling for 15-30 minutes every morning right after I get up really starts my day off right. It’s an opportunity to greet myself on this new day and check in. Sometimes big things arise and sometimes it’s the simple knowing that I’ve connected with my deeper ME. I’ve journaled on and off for more than 25 years, but I especially love the practice of journaling as described by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way.
Each of us has to find our own way to turn off the chatter and get to the heart of the matter–to our deepest being. Try different things until you find what really resonates for you. You’ll know you’ve found the practice or practices that serve you best when you feel that glow–that deep ahhh. You may even realize you’re wearing a smile on your face for no apparent reason.
Happy heart day to you!
