How to listen to your heart, and give your mind a rest

In my therapy sessions, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that cultivating a deeper connection with the heart can have on our overall well-being and healing journey. Drawing on the principles of HeartMath, the teachings of Tara Brach, and the work of Peter Levine, I am constantly inspired by the transformative power of the heart and its role in our emotional and physical health.

Tara Brach, a well-known meditation teacher and psychologist, advocates for cultivating a mindful and compassionate connection with the heart as a means of healing and transformation. She teaches that, when we bring mindful awareness to our heart space, we can access the wisdom and intelligence of the heart, and connect with our inner resources of love, compassion, and resilience. By practising self-compassion and extending compassion towards others, we create a heart-centred approach to life that can lead to greater emotional healing, connection, and well-being.

Peter Levine, a pioneer in the field of somatic experiencing, emphasises the importance of the heart as a powerful resource for healing trauma. In his work, he highlights the role of the heart in regulating our nervous system and restoring balance to our bodies and minds. By developing a felt sense of safety and connection with our hearts, we can engage in healing practices that help us renegotiate and release trauma from our bodies, leading to greater resilience, vitality, and wholeness.

How to connect with your heart

How can you increase your connection with your heart in your daily life? Here are some practical tips:

Cultivate mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing non-judgmental awareness to the present moment. By intentionally bringing our attention to the sensations in our heart space, we can become more attuned to the messages and wisdom of our hearts. Heart-focused breathing, where we inhale and exhale through the heart, can be a powerful practice to anchor our awareness in the heart and cultivate mindfulness.

Practice heart coherence

Heart coherence exercises, as taught by HeartMath, involve intentionally shifting our emotions towards positive and heart-centred states, such as appreciation, care, and compassion. This can be done through visualisation, deep breathing, or recalling heartwarming memories. Engaging in heart coherence exercises regularly can help us create a coherent and harmonious rhythm in our hearts, which has been shown to have numerous benefits for our physical and emotional health.

Cultivate self-compassion

Practice self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, care, and understanding. Be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes or face challenges, and practice self-forgiveness. Embrace yourself with the same compassion and acceptance that you would offer to a dear friend.

Engage in heart-centred activities

Engage in activities that foster a heart-centred connection, such as spending time in nature, engaging in creative expression, connecting with loved ones, or practising acts of kindness and service. These activities can help us tap into the intuitive and emotional aspects of ourselves where the wisdom of the heart resides.

Finally, integrating heart-focused practices into our daily lives can help us maintain a consistent connection with our hearts. Heart-focused practices such as heart-centred meditation, heart coherence exercises, or heart-opening yoga poses can help regulate our heart rhythms, reduce stress, and increase our overall well-being. These practices create a harmonious resonance between our heart, mind, and body, allowing us to access the wisdom and guidance of our heart more effortlessly.

As a somatic psychotherapist, I have been privileged to witness the profound impact of increasing our connection with the heart in my clients' lives. When we learn to listen to our hearts, we tap into a wellspring of wisdom and intuition that can guide us towards healing, growth, and authenticity. By cultivating mindfulness, listening to your emotions, practising self-compassion, and opening your heart, you open yourself to a world of possibility.