OPEN | Lessons of the heart
The world seems to be in constant flux between guarding our hearts and keeping them open.
It is a bit of a yin and yang calling us to “feel… but not too much,” to “accept, but also reject.” Both literally and figuratively, I’ve been trying to strike a balance between these dichotomous thoughts.
Through a combination of lifelong competitive athletics (hello running and CrossFit) and years of computer-posture, my shoulders and chest have always been points of contention. From struggles with overhead positions to simply being able to grab my hands behind my back; I’ve always been painfully aware of where I hold a lot of stress, emotions, and anatomically speaking- where a lot of tightness and trigger points are. (hello upper-crossed syndrome)
One of the more powerful things I’ve learned on this mindfulness journey the past few years, is that a lot of elements from my life and athletic career have also been impacted by other moments and emotions in my life (if you’ve read The Body Keeps Score you’ll feel this)
"The Way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart."
- Buddha
It’s safe to say that now, more than ever, we’re all in need of a little direction to ‘the way’ these days. The worldwide COVID 19 pandemic has affected us on so many levels and we have yet to see the full extent of its repercussions.
One of the most noticeable outcomes: we’ve had to do a lot of sitting. And I’m not talking ‘sit’ in regards to posture. We’ve had to sit with ourselves. A lot of feelings, thoughts, memories, attitudes have come to the surface while we spend more time with fewer distractions. This can be invigorating and terrifying all at the same time.
How do we sift through this?
What does it all mean?
And where do we go from here?
I for one am not here to tout an all-being answer. But there is one idea that keeps coming up for me to help guide me through and to more clarity: open your heart.
We spend so much time trying to silence things that make us uncomfortable, moments that we relive in vain, and relationships that may be strained or stressful for one reason or another. But why? Why do we hold on to these things that don’t bring us more love and grace? Why are we still carrying things that weigh us down, instead of making us lighter?
Now, more than ever is a time to recognize that which does not serve us in order to let it go.
SIFT
As you sit, let these feelings surface. Write about it, talk about it, think about it. If it’s something that needs more outside work- by all means, try to call someone or talk about it in any other way. If it involved addressing an issue with another person, this may be the perfect time to do it.
MEANING
Take action and find out what and why certain emotions or reactions are coming up. I love digging a little deeper- looking back into my journal and noting times when this might have happened before. Recollection is a simple way to pinpoint patterns in behavior, to potentially find the source of these emotions or reactions, and to help get to the next step- moving forward.
NOW WHAT
Forward is always where we go from here. Using this time to recognize what is holding you down or holding you back can sometimes catapult you closer to the life you want to lead. Letting go of the weight that holds us down is the ultimate act of self-love. And that is a heart-opening experience like no other.
The great thing about challenges, even unpredictable ones, is that we’re able to grow in ways we may have never thought possible. There are of course some elements of this social and economic upheaval that make this task more difficult (not to mention more frustrating). But working with the above, if you are fortunate enough to find ways to root and rise, opening up to this possibility- our experience, can still become a source of life.
Some of the resources I like to use for self-reflection and motivation in my life include:
The Daily Stoic- This has become a recent addition and a very grounding yet simple way to stay focused on the things that really matter in life. I started listening to the daily podcasts (between 8-10 minutes) and then upgraded to the book, and I have read a handful of Ryan Holiday’s books based on stoic philosophy. This also helps with journaling prompts and reminders to stay present in the current moment instead of staying stuck in the past or future.
Alex Elle journaling practices (you can find more about her here). Her gratitude emails have been a great addition to my journaling as well.
To Be Magnetic (TBM)- Admittedly I’ve never taken any of their paid courses, but I have found extreme value in their podcasts and interviews. The manifestation practice digs deeper into our innate being to help us recognize what could be blocking us from getting what we desire from life.
Benjamin Hardy- Productivity hacks and simple, no-bullshit advice to help you get more from each day.
updated 30 May, 2023