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Have you ever had an intuition about something that you couldn't logically explain? For those who prioritize rationality, intuition is often dismissed as emotional, unreasonable, irrational, or unfounded. It turns out that intuition may not only be valid and reasonable, but it also originates from a source that operates in a manner similar to the brain.
Your heart plays a significant role in your ability to make wise decisions and tap into your intuition. While often overlooked in modern Western cultures, the heart has been revered as a source of wisdom and intuition in many ancient traditions. In this blog post, we will delve into the scientific understanding of the heart's intelligence, the connection between the heart and brain, and the significance of listening to your heart's guidance when making important decisions.
Your heart plays a significant role in your ability to make wise decisions and tap into your intuition.
The Science Behind the Heart's Intelligence
When most people think of intelligence, they associate it with the brain. Recent research has revealed that the heart possesses a unique form of intelligence. The heart possesses a complex nervous system, commonly known as the "heart-brain" or the intrinsic cardiac nervous system in medical terms. This system is capable of processing information and making decisions independently of the brain, making it a unique and fascinating aspect of the human body. In fact, the heart contains approximately 40,000 neurons, which are capable of processing information, making decisions, regulating emotions, and even storing memories.
The heart has the ability to communicate with the brain and other organs in the body. The heart sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. These signals have an impact on our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. For instance, during times of stress or intense emotions, the heart and brain collaborate to regulate our reactions. The heart experiences an increase in heart rate due to strong emotions, and sends signals to the brain to reduce the release of stress hormones. This helps us feel calmer and more centered.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the heart is that its electromagnetic field is much stronger than that of the brain. This field extends several feet beyond the body and has the ability to influence the environment around us. This field not only allows us to energetically express our experiences to others, but when we are in tune with it, it also enables us to understand and empathize with the experiences of others. This means that the heart is capable of making decisions not only based on our internal experiences but also taking into consideration our environment and the experiences of others.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the heart is that its electromagnetic field is much stronger than that of the brain.
Research has also shown that there is a symbiotic relationship between the heart and brain when it comes to decision-making. When we make decisions that align with our values and beliefs, our heart rate variability (HRV) increases, indicating a state of coherence between the heart and brain. This state of coherence is associated with improved cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall well-being. On the other hand, when we make decisions that contradict our values and beliefs, our HRV decreases, resulting in feelings of stress, anxiety, and confusion.
The Wisdom of the Heart in Spiritual Traditions
Many spiritual traditions emphasize the significance of listening to one's heart when making decisions. In Christianity, it is believed that Jesus taught, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). This suggests that the heart not only guides us towards the truth, but it is also the source of truth.
In Hinduism, the heart is associated with the Anahata Chakra, which is believed to be the center of love and compassion. When this chakra is balanced, it is believed that we have a profound connection with our inner selves and the Divine. By heeding the wisdom of our hearts, we can synchronize ourselves with this powerful energy and attain a heightened sense of tranquility and direction.
By heeding the wisdom of our hearts, we can synchronize ourselves with this powerful energy and attain a heightened sense of tranquility and direction.
In Buddhism, the heart is considered a source of insight and wisdom. The Buddha taught that we should cultivate a "heart of boundless love," which would guide us towards enlightenment. By focusing on our hearts and cultivating compassion for ourselves and others, we can transcend our egos and attain genuine happiness.
In Tantric Shaivism, there is a concept of the heart known as the Hridaya, which refers to the spiritual heart. The Hridaya is considered to be the aspect of your heart that is identical to the heart of Shiva or Pure Cosmic Consciousness. It is what connects you to the entire universe. Having this connection within yourself means that you possess all the answers to the questions of the entire universe. The Spanda, also known as the sacred tremor, is the pulse of creation that vibrates throughout all of existence. This pulse can be felt in our own hearts, which is unique to each person and reflects their individual incarnation. The pulse of all creation is what connects us to our purpose and place in the world. By tapping into it, we can establish a profound connection with ourselves, the world around us, and the Divine.
Accessing the Wisdom of the Heart & Overcoming Obstacles
Following our hearts can be a powerful tool for making wise decisions and living a fulfilling life, but it is not always easy. One of the greatest obstacles to following our hearts is fear. Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of the unknown can all hinder us from taking risks and pursuing our hearts. These fears can be paralyzing and prevent us from reaching our full potential. However, it is important to recognize that failure is a natural part of the learning process and that taking risks can lead to great rewards. By facing our fears and pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones, we can grow and learn to live from the heart. By recognizing, acknowledging, and labeling our fears, we create a sense of separation between ourselves and them. We can begin to overcome these obstacles and make progress towards a more fulfilling life. When we start prioritizing our hearts over our heads, even in small ways, we begin to recognize the value of following our hearts and trusting in its guidance.
By recognizing, acknowledging, and labeling our fears, we create a sense of separation between ourselves and them.
It is important to remember that our own ego and personal will can also color and cover our heart. The heart communicates with us in a very silent, still, and simple manner. This is why listening to one's heart can actually be quite difficult for many people. Consistent spiritual practices, such as meditation or yoga, can help us connect with the inner silence of the heart and enhance our connection with it.
When in doubt we can remember past instances where we followed our hearts and it resulted in positive outcomes. This can give us the confidence to trust our instincts once again. We must acknowledge that following our hearts may not always be easy and can be intimidating. Participating in heart-centered ceremonies & retreat are important for bringing a revitalization to our heart connectiong. Being in environments and communities that prioritize following one's heart can provide support and also being in those kinds of environments serve as a consistent reminder to the particularly frequency that the heart resonates at. Which then helps us to stay attuned to this.
Ultimately, accessing the wisdom of the heart requires trust and surrendering control.
Ultimately, accessing the wisdom of the heart requires trust and surrendering control. We must trust that our hearts hold the answers we seek and be willing to surrender our doubts, fears, and personal wills. By doing so, we can tap into the universal pulse (the Spanda) and discover our unique place and purpose.Learning to trust our hearts can be a process, but it is a worthwhile endeavor. When we follow our hearts, we align ourselves with Truth, which ultimately leads to a fulfilling and authentic life.
Join our upcoming course, "Living from the Heart," to discover how you can lead a more fulfilling life by following your heart's desires. Take the first step towards a more heart-centered life and join us on this journey.