Away from the noise
Lies an oasis of peace
Tap into that space
For the sake of the human race
Time to create a new place
Lies an oasis of peace
Tap into that space
For the sake of the human race
Time to create a new place
The heart space
How do you move to something more aligned?
We now realise the extent of the challenge that comes with using our minds to see things differently (our minds can convince us of anything!). We also now understand that our hearts can lead us to see and feel new insights.
Hence our heart space becomes an important vehicle.
The heart space is a feeling…Some might say it is pure presence, where there is no attachment, no observing, just centred, balanced and without anxiety. A place of refuge, a safe place. Where there are no triggers, no head talk, no agenda, no emotions, more like a neutral zone, with no bias, a feeling of oneness with everything around you. A space of readiness and clarity to take action, make choices with each of your next steps. A space where you are naturally more able to receive, feel and move with insight unaffected by the usual noise.
Have you ever felt something you could define as the heart space? How would you describe it?
The night I was diagnosed with cancer, when fear was engulfing me, I felt the need to meditate in a quiet space. I had been practicing various forms of meditation and it didn’t take long before I found what I would now call ‘my heart space’. It was a feeling of deep peace and calm. I later found myself walking through a circular portal to a scene of beauty, with a glistening creek flowing on a sunny and fresh day, with flowers lining the shore, and the magical sound of water flowing and weaving past pebbles and small rocks. It felt like a totally different dimension, that somehow helped me get through that night and prepare for what was ahead.
Finding your heart space is an important ability when fear, ego and conditioning, triggers discomfort, anxiety and stress in your emotional state.
As you become more familiar with how to transition to your heart space, it becomes a powerful tool for breaking the auto pilot mode and the patterns and biases, and open up to potentially see and do differently.
And as your nervous system and physiology settles into heart coherence, you are more able to respond with clarity.
‘Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.’
Viktor E. Frankl
There are no rules on how to reach the heart space feeling. Only you will know by the physical, physiological, psychological and emotional sensations that arrive. That’s why there is no one approach to recommend.
Our unique self will gravitate to different things for different reasons, at different times. Having some quick and reliable approaches at hand, is the key.
From your own experience and what has been shared, how would you describe the heart space?
Getting to your heart space
Our internal systems (physiology, biology, nervous, immune, lymphatic, psychological and more) are connected, which explains how any heart space approach using one system, can have a ripple effect on other internal systems. Let your senses guide the way.
Some people may feel inspired and relate to the more ancient practices such as yoga, meditation, chakras and kundalini energy points, mudras, mantras, breath work, chi kung, sound resonance and vibration, crystals, chanting. You may already have explored these disciplines and begun to understand and feel what they bring to the quality of your life. If not, it may be something to explore. Use your learnings so far to ask ‘the universe’ to help you find the discipline and the person who may align with you. Test what arrives. Keep those that align close by…
What ancient practices have you explored or continue to practice? What does it bring you?
Some may feel inspired by the heart, such as the things you love that bring your heart emotions such as listening and playing music, art work such as doodling, stroking and enjoying animals, volunteering, reading, listening to stories about the lives of others. A study conducted by the British Academy of Sound Therapy showed the power and benefits of listening to music, where it took just 13 minutes to ‘release sadness’ and just 9 minutes to feel happy. No matter what mode you utilise, it brings you into what is often termed, a state of ‘flow’. Flow is a state where you are so present in the moment of your experience, you have no sense of time or other external factors. Keep the things that align close by…
What things bring you into this state of ‘flow’ where you are totally present? How do you know when you are in the heart space and what does that feel like?
Some may be inspired by self care, and the deep want and joy that comes with knowing you are giving your body what it needs to heal or recover, such as breath therapy, energy work, homeopathy, reiki, myofacial release, EFT, hot and cold baths, natural fresh foods. While it may be painful and challenging withdrawing from practices that have been harming the self (drugs, cigarettes, vapes, sugar, alcohol etc), the sound of the voice from the deeper heart feelings will be valuable. Keep things that feel healing close by…
What self care actions have brought about the feeling of the heart space?
Some may be inspired by perspectives, words or messages that become key phrases you repeat to yourself. For example ‘nothing lasts forever, or it is nothing until it is something, or life is the dark and the light, or it might feel uncomfortable at first, or is that really true?’ Or stories that bring a principle or wisdom that resonates with you. For example the fable about a farmer who with each tragedy he faced, was asked if it was the worst day of his life. He replied ‘maybe yes, maybe no’, because he knew that while each event did cost him in some way, it also saved him in some way. Keep words and perspectives that work for you, close by…
What stories, words or phrases have you found settles your physiology and brings new perspectives that help you see differently?
Some may be inspired by humbling memories that tap into and lead to heart emotions that can be felt. When you revisit a beautiful memory (of a time, a person, a situation), notice what is happening in your whole self (HMBS). When you find yourself in the emotion of the memory, immerse in it; hear the sounds, see the expressions, feel the energy. In times when you are caught up in ‘nonsense’ (conditioning and stories that feed your moments and sabotage your ability to bring you to the here and now), the heart emotion may shift how you see the situation. Keep these memories close by…
What memories help you to feel your heart emotions? Have you used this approach to diffuse any ‘nonsense’ in your life? How close are these memories and feelings in your every day?
Some may be inspired by movement, your body engaging in tapping, rocking, jiggling, humming, dancing, walking, swimming. When you have engaged in movement that activates your senses and your heart, there is something blissful about it. Yes at times movement can put us into discomfort from the intensity, however it can also release much energy, tension and feel freeing. When you read your body and respond with love and care, it can provide a pathway to give your body what it needs (stretching, cardio, strength, balance) for the heart space to be felt. Keep movements that you can easily engage, close by, because movement has been used for healing since the beginning of time.
Have you ever found yourself in a rhythm of movement that brought you into a trance like state, in flow, into your heart space? Take the time to notice the feeling.
Some may be inspired by nature such as placing a part of your body in direct contact with an aspect of nature e.g. feet on the ground, arms around trees, eyes to sky in star gazing, forest walking, smelling the ocean, feeling the ocean spray and ions, breathing in fresh air. It is going out into nature to receive the benefits, rather than watching it through a screen, barrier, wall, window. Grounding is another term that connects our bodies with nature through the feet and other areas that support you enough to bring the feeling of stability, safety and security.
What happens when you immerse yourself in natural environments? Does it bring a connection that brings you into your heart space?
Our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits are always in a changing state, so having a range of tools to reach the heart space will be valuable.
For example, you may have an injury (physical constraint) or a time constraint, hence having a simple breathing technique or heart memory or mantra may suit your situation.
Because I now work from home, I have more opportunity to move as I feel. So I tend to get up and engage in flowing actions that have no set structure, and which use many different planes and directions, that flow with the pattern of my breath. It brings me to my heart space, that settles my body and mind and leads me to deeper clarity and a sense of freedom.
When you discover ‘that something’ that leads to this feeling, aim to take in that moment and observe what else arrives.
Addressing the nervous system
For some people it may be difficult to arrive at the heart space. Researcher Dr. Stephen Porges’ has shown that our autonomic nervous system, may not have the ability (neuro-ception) to settle because of an unconscious sense or perception of danger or threat.
He explains how people’s nervous system move between activated states and dulled states in response to events happening in life. Hence it is important to have the flexibility to adapt and adjust to these states.
Often however people perceive threat, they are unable to regulate between these states and may find themselves in a more constant state of anxiety (activated) or depression (dulled).
As this exists below conscious thought, the mind is unable to rationalise its way free. Until our nervous system can become more regulated, he suggests we may not reach the state of awareness required to see things differently.
His research shows however that via the vagus system using techniques such as breathing, grounding and rhythmical movement, regulation is possible.
Hence if you feel you are stuck or unable to adjust to the changing situations you are faced with, you may choose to explore more specific techniques for your tool box, to support this regulation.
The impact of the heart space
So what does feeling the heart space bring?
It brings the opportunity to feel an unbiased and unaffected state, where calm and clarity is possible and where deeper messages, intuition or guidance may arrive. In such moments, old patterns you were once running on, may be left aside.
Notice what the heart space brings you…
And with clarity you may find that ‘aha’ moments arrive, which leads to new ways of seeing.
And what a discovery that is!
To see things you couldn’t see before.
And when you do, you can’t un-see them. What you thought you knew, no longer exists. This becomes a way to break the cycle from what has kept you stuck.
This is the beauty of such a journey… the ‘aha’ moments add more pieces to the puzzle and naturally move you closer to feeling the value of your life.
In time, this process comes with an ease and sense of lightness… as though you can breathe for the first time.
Notice where the heart space takes you, and the impact it has on the way in which your mind, body and spirit begin to work together to support your choices.
How do you move to something more aligned?
We now realise the extent of the challenge that comes with using our minds to see things differently (our minds can convince us of anything!). We also now understand that our hearts can lead us to see and feel new insights.
Hence our heart space becomes an important vehicle.
The heart space is a feeling…Some might say it is pure presence, where there is no attachment, no observing, just centred, balanced and without anxiety. A place of refuge, a safe place. Where there are no triggers, no head talk, no agenda, no emotions, more like a neutral zone, with no bias, a feeling of oneness with everything around you. A space of readiness and clarity to take action, make choices with each of your next steps. A space where you are naturally more able to receive, feel and move with insight unaffected by the usual noise.
Have you ever felt something you could define as the heart space? How would you describe it?
The night I was diagnosed with cancer, when fear was engulfing me, I felt the need to meditate in a quiet space. I had been practicing various forms of meditation and it didn’t take long before I found what I would now call ‘my heart space’. It was a feeling of deep peace and calm. I later found myself walking through a circular portal to a scene of beauty, with a glistening creek flowing on a sunny and fresh day, with flowers lining the shore, and the magical sound of water flowing and weaving past pebbles and small rocks. It felt like a totally different dimension, that somehow helped me get through that night and prepare for what was ahead.
Finding your heart space is an important ability when fear, ego and conditioning, triggers discomfort, anxiety and stress in your emotional state.
As you become more familiar with how to transition to your heart space, it becomes a powerful tool for breaking the auto pilot mode and the patterns and biases, and open up to potentially see and do differently.
And as your nervous system and physiology settles into heart coherence, you are more able to respond with clarity.
‘Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.’
Viktor E. Frankl
There are no rules on how to reach the heart space feeling. Only you will know by the physical, physiological, psychological and emotional sensations that arrive. That’s why there is no one approach to recommend.
Our unique self will gravitate to different things for different reasons, at different times. Having some quick and reliable approaches at hand, is the key.
From your own experience and what has been shared, how would you describe the heart space?
Getting to your heart space
Our internal systems (physiology, biology, nervous, immune, lymphatic, psychological and more) are connected, which explains how any heart space approach using one system, can have a ripple effect on other internal systems. Let your senses guide the way.
Some people may feel inspired and relate to the more ancient practices such as yoga, meditation, chakras and kundalini energy points, mudras, mantras, breath work, chi kung, sound resonance and vibration, crystals, chanting. You may already have explored these disciplines and begun to understand and feel what they bring to the quality of your life. If not, it may be something to explore. Use your learnings so far to ask ‘the universe’ to help you find the discipline and the person who may align with you. Test what arrives. Keep those that align close by…
What ancient practices have you explored or continue to practice? What does it bring you?
Some may feel inspired by the heart, such as the things you love that bring your heart emotions such as listening and playing music, art work such as doodling, stroking and enjoying animals, volunteering, reading, listening to stories about the lives of others. A study conducted by the British Academy of Sound Therapy showed the power and benefits of listening to music, where it took just 13 minutes to ‘release sadness’ and just 9 minutes to feel happy. No matter what mode you utilise, it brings you into what is often termed, a state of ‘flow’. Flow is a state where you are so present in the moment of your experience, you have no sense of time or other external factors. Keep the things that align close by…
What things bring you into this state of ‘flow’ where you are totally present? How do you know when you are in the heart space and what does that feel like?
Some may be inspired by self care, and the deep want and joy that comes with knowing you are giving your body what it needs to heal or recover, such as breath therapy, energy work, homeopathy, reiki, myofacial release, EFT, hot and cold baths, natural fresh foods. While it may be painful and challenging withdrawing from practices that have been harming the self (drugs, cigarettes, vapes, sugar, alcohol etc), the sound of the voice from the deeper heart feelings will be valuable. Keep things that feel healing close by…
What self care actions have brought about the feeling of the heart space?
Some may be inspired by perspectives, words or messages that become key phrases you repeat to yourself. For example ‘nothing lasts forever, or it is nothing until it is something, or life is the dark and the light, or it might feel uncomfortable at first, or is that really true?’ Or stories that bring a principle or wisdom that resonates with you. For example the fable about a farmer who with each tragedy he faced, was asked if it was the worst day of his life. He replied ‘maybe yes, maybe no’, because he knew that while each event did cost him in some way, it also saved him in some way. Keep words and perspectives that work for you, close by…
What stories, words or phrases have you found settles your physiology and brings new perspectives that help you see differently?
Some may be inspired by humbling memories that tap into and lead to heart emotions that can be felt. When you revisit a beautiful memory (of a time, a person, a situation), notice what is happening in your whole self (HMBS). When you find yourself in the emotion of the memory, immerse in it; hear the sounds, see the expressions, feel the energy. In times when you are caught up in ‘nonsense’ (conditioning and stories that feed your moments and sabotage your ability to bring you to the here and now), the heart emotion may shift how you see the situation. Keep these memories close by…
What memories help you to feel your heart emotions? Have you used this approach to diffuse any ‘nonsense’ in your life? How close are these memories and feelings in your every day?
Some may be inspired by movement, your body engaging in tapping, rocking, jiggling, humming, dancing, walking, swimming. When you have engaged in movement that activates your senses and your heart, there is something blissful about it. Yes at times movement can put us into discomfort from the intensity, however it can also release much energy, tension and feel freeing. When you read your body and respond with love and care, it can provide a pathway to give your body what it needs (stretching, cardio, strength, balance) for the heart space to be felt. Keep movements that you can easily engage, close by, because movement has been used for healing since the beginning of time.
Have you ever found yourself in a rhythm of movement that brought you into a trance like state, in flow, into your heart space? Take the time to notice the feeling.
Some may be inspired by nature such as placing a part of your body in direct contact with an aspect of nature e.g. feet on the ground, arms around trees, eyes to sky in star gazing, forest walking, smelling the ocean, feeling the ocean spray and ions, breathing in fresh air. It is going out into nature to receive the benefits, rather than watching it through a screen, barrier, wall, window. Grounding is another term that connects our bodies with nature through the feet and other areas that support you enough to bring the feeling of stability, safety and security.
What happens when you immerse yourself in natural environments? Does it bring a connection that brings you into your heart space?
Our bodies, minds, hearts and spirits are always in a changing state, so having a range of tools to reach the heart space will be valuable.
For example, you may have an injury (physical constraint) or a time constraint, hence having a simple breathing technique or heart memory or mantra may suit your situation.
Because I now work from home, I have more opportunity to move as I feel. So I tend to get up and engage in flowing actions that have no set structure, and which use many different planes and directions, that flow with the pattern of my breath. It brings me to my heart space, that settles my body and mind and leads me to deeper clarity and a sense of freedom.
When you discover ‘that something’ that leads to this feeling, aim to take in that moment and observe what else arrives.
Addressing the nervous system
For some people it may be difficult to arrive at the heart space. Researcher Dr. Stephen Porges’ has shown that our autonomic nervous system, may not have the ability (neuro-ception) to settle because of an unconscious sense or perception of danger or threat.
He explains how people’s nervous system move between activated states and dulled states in response to events happening in life. Hence it is important to have the flexibility to adapt and adjust to these states.
Often however people perceive threat, they are unable to regulate between these states and may find themselves in a more constant state of anxiety (activated) or depression (dulled).
As this exists below conscious thought, the mind is unable to rationalise its way free. Until our nervous system can become more regulated, he suggests we may not reach the state of awareness required to see things differently.
His research shows however that via the vagus system using techniques such as breathing, grounding and rhythmical movement, regulation is possible.
Hence if you feel you are stuck or unable to adjust to the changing situations you are faced with, you may choose to explore more specific techniques for your tool box, to support this regulation.
The impact of the heart space
So what does feeling the heart space bring?
It brings the opportunity to feel an unbiased and unaffected state, where calm and clarity is possible and where deeper messages, intuition or guidance may arrive. In such moments, old patterns you were once running on, may be left aside.
Notice what the heart space brings you…
And with clarity you may find that ‘aha’ moments arrive, which leads to new ways of seeing.
And what a discovery that is!
To see things you couldn’t see before.
And when you do, you can’t un-see them. What you thought you knew, no longer exists. This becomes a way to break the cycle from what has kept you stuck.
This is the beauty of such a journey… the ‘aha’ moments add more pieces to the puzzle and naturally move you closer to feeling the value of your life.
In time, this process comes with an ease and sense of lightness… as though you can breathe for the first time.
Notice where the heart space takes you, and the impact it has on the way in which your mind, body and spirit begin to work together to support your choices.
