THE HEART AND MIND CONNECTION
Our everyday grief presents us with an opportunity for growth. We train our minds by finding what is within our control. We heal our hearts by acknowledging grief and all of the emotions that come with loss. The result is the ability to let go of what we cannot control. Connecting the heart to the mind through meditation links the idealistic longings of the mind with the reality that is our present existence. In doing this, we can align with our highest potential and see clearly the next step for our soul’s evolution. Plot your point on the happiness/suffering continuum nearest happiness as possible by accepting the ‘is’ness of your life. Wanting for something that you cannot change will only draw you further from the joy you so deserve. However, we cannot simply force things out of our minds. Accepting loss, rerouting the mind and opening the heart takes practice. It is a practice in consciousness with care and loving-kindness for ourselves.
Photo by Josh Sorenson
STRONG MIND
The realization of ever-present grief can drag us into a pit of despair if we allow the unconscious mind to take charge. You can follow the mind’s negative thinking into suffering or shift the consciousness to finding gratitude, see what is in your control, and what is going right. This is not to ignore that the grief is there but to see it for what it is, accept grief as a part of life. If each moment will end, the commitment to open the heart in the present should become the deepest resolve. Initiate this awakening by accepting what ‘is’ and finding gratitude. Discard anything out of your control and take action on what is within your influence. This ‘wanting to be otherwise’ is a dead end into suffering. In every situation, no matter how bleak, there is always something to be grateful for.
Everything ends so what is the point? What is the point, exactly! Find gratitude and see the point. The purpose to our soul being placed in these mortal bodies is not for nothing. I refuse to accept that. In the grandness of the universe, everything has a purpose. Even if we do not always know what that purpose is, trusting that fact is essential to a fully lived life with a mind of equanimity.
PEACEFUL HEART
Seeing life for what it is as this temporary destination welcomes in experience with gratitude. Pleasure is not sought after for the remedy to pain. Pleasure is experienced as unique, magical moments to be enjoyed fully. The mind wants more. The soul knows the temporary state of all things. This is contentment. An attitude of equanimity to all things.
Where does one start when embarking down the path to a happier more fulfilled life? Begin with what is arising. A moment of sadness, frustration or disappointment are perfect to work with. Sit with that emotion. What happens when you notice your frustration in traffic? Initially, you start down the path of wishing you were somewhere else. Stop. Next, the mind criticizes for being angry. Stop. Skip the wishing and self judgement. Go right into exploration. What is here? What is the story? What is the ‘I want?’ Here is where you will find insight to your grief and healing for your heart. Counter frustration with patience and love by saying “I am patient.” “I cherish all living beings.” Then, use the acceptance/gratitude/action feedback loop “I accept that I am waiting in traffic.” “I am grateful I have a car to get to work.” Instead of working yourself up into a stress ball over something you cannot change, the action here might be turning on a podcast or tuning into the breath. You are training the mind to be unaffected by everyday grief. Eventually, grief will not affect your mind at all. Equanimity of mind is achieved through training the mind to instant acceptance and gratitude. Grief becomes one of our greatest teachers instead of something we fear and dread.
MEDITATION PRACTICE
Heal the heart by sitting with the emotions present. Train the mind by continually putting yourself on the acceptance/gratitude/action loop. Link the two through meditation. Like anything practiced, integration becomes automatic after repeating the cycle countless times.
Below is a reading on exploring grief as well as the grief meditation. Take time for yourself after listening. Go for a walk or bike ride, connect with nature. As you process what arises for you, sense into the beauty around you. The magnificence of the universe that you are a part of.
To your greatness