Modern life can be stressful. Our lives are busy, we feel pulled in many directions at once. The media loves to tell us about all the things that are going wrong in the world- the economy is in upheaval, terrorism is a threat and schools are dangerous for our children. People wonder what to do about these and other issues in their life. At times, they become overwhelmed by fear and worry. They get trapped in negative thought patterns. Too much thinking can lead to anxiety, fear, worry and dissatisfaction, sometimes, making them feel like a hamster stuck on an exercise wheel. Thinking, thinking, thinking-the mind is trying to figure everything out. Getting off that wheel can be challenging at times.
If you find yourself in such a state, the best thing you can do is shift out of your head and reconnect to your heart. As you open heart, you shift your perspective. It is easier to let go of negativity and relax into the moment.
Three Keys to Opening the Heart are:
1) The Heart Salutation
Extend your arms toward the earth, palms together. Inhale as you bring them up to your heart with your palms still together. Exhale and bow forward, acknowledging the Divine with the Sanskrit salutation Namaste. "Namaste" means, “I see the Divine in you as a reflection of the Divine within me.” (In this example, you are acknowledging the world as a mirror for seeing the Divine within yourself.) Inhale as you straighten back up. Finally, exhale as you allow your hands to return to the starting position, pointed toward the earth.
2) Heart Breathing
Bring your awareness to your heart center. Now, begin breathing deeply into your belly for a few minutes, letting go of any tension as you breathe. Scan your heart, notice if it is open, closed or somewhere in between. Focus all your awareness on your heart. Allow your heart to begin to relax and open as you breathe into the center of your chest. Close your eyes and allow a feeling of unconditional love to fill your heart. Breathe love into your whole being. When you are ready, open your eyes. Look around and notice how you feel.
3) Offer Gratitude and Blessings
Offering gratitude and helping those less fortunate is a great way to shift our attention and appreciate all that we do have. Think of 7 things in your life that you are grateful for and say them out loud. Think of someone less fortunate than you, someone who is suffering and could use your support. Send them a blessing. Ask that they receive what they need to transform their situation in the best possible way.
Practice these 3 Keys whenever you find yourself getting lost in negative mind patterns, such as fear, anxiety or worry, or if you are feeling disconnected from your heart. Opening your heart allows you remember that love is your true nature. It helps you to love yourself and appreciate your life. It reminds you to send love to those less fortunate and feel gratitude each day. If you practice these 3 Keys regularly, you will discover that living from your heart is much easier than living from the mind's idea of what life is about.
Namaste'
