Body, mind and heart connection

“Instead of using the mind and body as instruments, we lose ourselves in it and stunt our spirit.” Vinobha Bhave

A video on the connection between the mind and heart appealed to me and reignited a spirit of introspection! While I pondered over the repetitive patterns in my life and how they slipped past my notice, the need for a mind and heart connection became clearer to me. My automated way of living never gave me a chance to sit back and think through most of my life’s events.  I went with the flow and believed that there was no point being stuck in the past. Moving on is a good philosophy but moving on while remaining in the dark, ignorant about why things happened, made me feel like I was on a giant rollercoaster grappling with breathless highs and terrifying lows.

This video explained the connection beautifully, highlighting the importance of a conscious life. When I live in the mind and body, I know where I am and where I need to focus my energies to accomplish a goal. However, when my mind, body and heart are aligned, not only do I know where I am and where my energy is spent, I am also very conscious of how I am! This awareness of how I am guides me to utilize my energy optimally. It also impacts how willingly a task is likely to get done.

Practicing yoga, meditation and NVC (Non- Violent Communication) have taught me to pause and introspect. Instead of living in random chaos, I now choose to live in rhythm and calmness, giving my mind the time to settle on one thought, one path and one direction.  With a conscious awareness of my self-sabotaging ways, I find myself finally able to break free from them.

Now, I encourage my mind to take the time to think through and reflect. And my meditative moments help me redirect these thoughts to the heart, so I can sense how these thoughts make me feel.  Is my heart happy and content or restless and agitated? If any friction persists, I meditate longer and allow my mind to dig deeper in search of the right approach which resonates with my heart.

I am no longer dragging my feet to work, nor do I feel obligated to do anything against my will. Mostly, my heart is at ease, and I spend my days with a smile on my face.