The science behind Heart-led living

Heart of gold, light hearted, heart broken, you have a place in my heart…

..beyond the heart being an organ that pumps blood, for most of us it is also a sacred symbol of emotions, vitality and love. 

According to a Scientific Review from the HeartMath Institute (McCraty et.al,2009) our life-affirming sentiments towards the heart is not just poetic symbolism; it is a unique form of intelligence:

• the heart has its own neurological network that sends signals to the brain and body (contrary to the traditional belief that the brain is the sole control centre)

• generates pressure waves influencing brain function and hormonal production (such as the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin)

• and radiates an electromagnetic field of emotions that extends outside the body

The good news - with the right knowledge and practices we have the possibility to influence our heart’s impact on our and others mental, relational and physical wellbeing. 

One  way of doing this is to elevate our Heart Coherence, a physiological state where the heart system is in sync with our brain waves, creating a harmonious state that improves cognitive function, decision making and emotional stability. 

The simplest way to start creating Heart Coherence is to connect with, and calm down your heart. Try to do this a few times a day, even right now, and see how it makes you feel:

1. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed, soften your body;

2. Place your hand and attention on your heart; 

3. Slow, deep breathing in and out though your heart area – Inhale for 5 sec, exhale for 5 sec; do this five times

4. Feel a calm, warmth and stability radiating from your heart;

5. Close with an intention "Today I will ask myself, what would my heart do?"

Next time I’ll be sharing more tools on how you can continue to enhance your heart intelligence and wire yourself towards a more joyful way of living.

Until then, I wish you and your heart a sweet time together. 

With love, A

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Reference: McCraty, R., Atkinson, M., Tomasino, D., & Bradley, R. T. (2009). *The coherent heart: Heart–brain interactions, psychophysiological coherence, and the emergence of system-wide order*. Institute of HeartMath.