Take Heart!
Greetings TSJ Friends and Faithful Fans,
Today Solomon and I want to spend a few minutes sharing some heart felt messages with you.
For years I have been caught between being heart focused and mind focused in both my work and my own life experiences. I am not alone. It is comforting in a way to read about how much research has gone on in the world of science and psychology to understand issues related to the coherence or interconnectedness of our heart and our brain.
Most of us are very aware that our heart is vital to our living – in a literal sense; but it is equally vital to living well in every aspect of life – emotionally and spiritually too. The fact that John had a visit to his cardiologist was a reminder of the heart’s physical properties and we are grateful he is doing well after his bout with the flu that really sent his heart into irregular patterns.
On the way home from his appointment we celebrated by going out to lunch. We enjoyed lunch and at the end – on my way to the restroom – I passed several booths filled with diners. I had already been looking around and noticing that a lot of people looked weary, in ill health, possibly angry, sad or lonely. In fact, I often notice that in crowds. (As a culture, I do think we are often burdened by social and personal issues.)
Then something magical happened! At the last table I passed I caught the eye of a young woman who had the biggest and most radiant smile I had seen in a while. When she looked up and smiled at me I felt it! Yes, I really felt it. Some current went through my heart. Almost like a jump start for my heart. And I was not even really in need of a jump start, but the experience captured my attention.
While in the restroom I pondered the uniqueness of that encounter. I felt a mysterious connection to this young woman. Should I say something? But what? and Why? Well… I could say thank you. Why? I was unsure at first but it felt like I got a “nudge” (I call them God nudges) to thank her. That’s it! Gratitude was my reason. Gratitude is a well proven mood elevator. When it comes from the heart it is good for the heart.
When I came back to the dining area I stopped at her table and said,, “I just want to thank you for your smile. In this weary and often sad and overwhelmed world your smile is truly a light. Thank you. Please keep shining your light. We need you!” Her partner beamed his approval and thanked me proudly. I moved on. But we touched each other’s heart. I am sure of it.
So, I have been thinking about the supreme value of living from the heart. Apparently this is old news. Think about our language and how often we speak of the heart. It is rather interesting to me because in the age of scientific discoveries and research about the brain (which I revel in myself) there has been a bit of an attitude of cynicism when it comes to heart talk. Yet it is vital to pumping out love and friendship, joy and gratitude – all good things!
Think about phrases we have used for years: Have a heart – whole heartedness – heart break – heart ache – heartfelt – heartless – heart of the matter and from the bottom of my heart.
Scriptures refer to the heart in many places. “Write these words on your heart” – “pour out your heart to him” – “Do not let your heart be troubled” – “Do not harden your heart” and many more.
But for today, let’s consider Proverbs 4:23 “Above all, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.” (NIV) Current research is verifying its truth. We must guard our hearts to connect with others and with God.
There is much credible and empirical research that indicates mental and emotional coherence can lead to a higher degree of physiological health and overall happiness and wellbeing..
I have read “The heat’s electromagnetic field is the most powerful and extensive one in the human body – about 5,000 times stronger that the electromagnetic field of the brain.” I of course am not a scientist so I am only going by one source. You may want to check out fascinating information and research here.
How can we practice the “Butterfly Effect” ourselves this week? You know the story: a butterfly that flaps its wings on one side of the world might ultimately be the source of a typhoon on the other end of the world.
“How you treat people in the grocery store, at the office, at the bar or wherever, may not appear to be revolutionary….but it starts with little things, and before you know it, the small waves you make can turn into a tidal wave of conscious transformation that impact the whole of humanity.” Henk J. M. Schram from Manifest From the Heart.
That sounds impossible, but it sure is consistent with how social media and news affect our hearts and minds each day. We can turn overwhelm and negativity into jump starting people’s hearts with grace and gratitude. How? Take heart! It is simple.
!. By giving a genuine compliment
2. By letting yourself have a good laugh – a belly laugh
3. By a smile
4. By listening with love and encouragement.
You see, one young woman’s smile is being passed on. That is how the “butterfly effect” works.
Margie