The Heart: The Center of Life, Joy + Spirit
TRUE FACT: ACCORDING TO CHINESE MEDICINE, THE HEART IS WORKING ITS STRONGEST BETWEEN 11 AM AND 1 PM AND IT'S WEAKEST FROM 11 PM TO 1 AM.
It is said that our heart is our sun organ because it is the center of all movement. It is viewed as the place of connection between the mind and body; it is the seat of the soul and emotions. Through our heart, and its electromagnetic wave transmitting, we have an energetic effect on our immediate environment and so we can sense the moods, feelings, and attitudes of other people.
During this time of the year, February can feel like an exciting time or a depressing time. For some, it's just another month. However you look at it, the heart decorations are everywhere on display as a reminder that this month is about LOVE. Love is defined as a deep sense of care and commitment. You can experience love solely for yourself. You can share the love with someone else. You should experience love on a solo intimate level, daily. Taking care of yourself (and your heart) is the ultimate way to show yourself some love.
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE HEART (THE ACTUAL HEART INSIDE OF YOUR CHEST CAVITY)...
The heart has four chambers that help pump and filter oxygenated blood throughout our bodies. It is the center of life. Without a beating heart, we wouldn't be able to live. If it isn't functioning properly, someone may experience physical symptoms such as high blood pressure, palpitations, murmurs, cardiovascular disease, even respiratory issues. On a deeper, emotional level, someone may experience trust insecurities, fear of rejection, fear of abandonment, greed, jealousy, or think they are unloveable.
The heartbeat changes when we turn our attention to different emotions. When we focus on positive emotions, such as appreciation or compassion, the heart rate improves which reduced the release of stress hormones and allows the body to relax. Focusing on negative emotions makes us ill. This focus stimulates stress hormone production, resulting in brain cell damage, a decrease in bone density, an increase in fat storage, and heart rate irregularity.
Try this: The heart is like an engine. It can get overheated and worn out. When the heart gets overworked, it messed with the rhythm. If you experience chest issues, try putting a cold pack on your chest to help your body ease and sync up. Try telling yourself something nice.
OUR HEART IS CONNECTED TO OUR EMOTIONS + OUR EMOTIONS INFLUENCE OUR HEART
Did you know? The heart is the organ of duality as its left and right chambers run in opposing directions right next to each other. This symbolizes the partnership of opposites. True love is accepting that opposites exist to allow both components to develop as they are.
The heart is the house of pleasure and joy. We genuinely experience these emotions when it's felt soul level. Some people chase after things hoping to fulfill these emotions but only then are they felt superficially and temporarily. This kind of life drains your vital energy and sometimes results in living with a superficial attitude about life. Since the heart is connected to the tongue, speech can influence our heart health. Self-criticism, judgment, and self-doubt can impact your health. Speaking negatively and living to extremes is a sign of disruption to the heart's energy. People then begin to lose their sense of purpose in life because they see no value in establishing goals.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR HEART NEEDS HEALING
If you are experiencing any ailments, don't stress (stress actually makes the heart work harder). Take these signs as an alert to change something you are doing in your physical wellness routine.
Moving + Breathing
Are you doing any cardio? Cardio is exceptionally good for the heart! A gentle 20-minute walk each day could help improve blood circulation. Do your walk outside to really experience the benefits!
Being outside, particularly on a windy day, is said to help the heart feel better. If cardio isn't your thing or you're unable to incorporate it in your daily life, try standing or sitting outside and breathing in the air. This helps the respiratory system and circulatory system sync up and work in unison. Just simply sitting and breathing in meditation for 10-15 minutes could be beneficial for the heart and restoring its rhythm.
Green Food
Eating all the green veggies and fruits is good for your heart. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collards are exceptionally good for the heart! Granny smith apples, bell peppers, broccoli, asparagus, lima beans, and so on. The Heart chakra is green as well, so think of these greens as medicine for your cardiac muscle.
Be Kind
Try practicing speaking kindly to yourself. Starting with yourself is important because if you don't know how to accept kindness then you won't know how to see its value. Speak words of self-love, self-forgiveness, trust, being open to receiving, and let go of self-criticism.
"I am worthy of love."
"I am open to forgiveness."
"I let go of the past."
"I forgive myself."
"I love myself."
"I am loved."
"My vulnerability is courageous."
Building a relationship with yourself helps you build healthier relationships with others. If you don't know how to take care of yourself (meaning loving yourself), how will anyone else know how to properly? We are all different and have different needs. When we know what we deserve and what brings us genuine joy, we can work at that with others.
Crystals + Aromatherapy
If you are into healing with crystals and aromatherapy, try holding jade, or dispersing rose quartz or emerald around your environment. Rose, Jasmin, and Ylang Ylang are heart-healing smells you can diffuse in your space as well as you sit and breathe.
YOUR CHALLENGE…
Connect with the things that bring you joy. For some it’s being outside in nature fishing or hiking. For others it’s eating a really delicious meal or taking a hot bath. Maybe you feel especially loving when you’re around people you love or in time of solitude. Whatever your happy place is, find it and live there for a little bit.
