Hearts and Minds

It is of interest to know that there are two major aptitudes keeping vigilance within us at all times. These aptitudes are our minds and our hearts.  They are intended to function with great creative power in our lives. To do this, though, they require connection to one another in a dance of balance and harmony. And so it is paramount to understand how each works.

Minds are made to be fluid and ever-changing. They flow easily and switch directions with little effort, or provocation for that matter. This is essential as the brain’s job requires such flexibility with running numerous systems. It is also home for curiosity, exploration, and possibility. This requires agile and quick mobility.  

Hearts, on the other hand, stand firm and solid. They house what we really believe and will not yield. If this seems unlikely, consider how many times a person can make up their mind to do something different and, instead, end up doing the exact same thing again and again. This can range from deciding not to eat sugar, to treatment of others (including self), and the state of one’s relationships. Think about it. If it worked to just change our minds, we all would have done that by now, and all our problems would be fixed.

It is innately brilliant that we are designed this way as we need both this incredible flexibility of thought and foundational consistency of belief. Imagine if hearts were as flexible as thoughts—blowing with every wind, changing with every whim. We would never be able to find rest or stability. And any attempt to build internal structures, in our search for that stability, would ultimately fail.

Here’s where trouble arises with these two aptitudes: we can become so distracted by our thoughts flitting around that we can’t hold onto any one thought long enough to develop it; and our hearts, through whatever process, can get falsehoods written upon them and, from then on refuse to budge as to the veracity of this information. Without consciously looking at and challenging our thoughts and beliefs, our hearts will quietly continue to run our lives from the inside out.

It isn’t hard to see how we find ourselves in states of great disparity within. As the old adage tells us, this divide will also topple our houses unaware. The really amazing thing is that there is a lot of science behind this very conundrum, as well as information about how to work with it to our benefit, which would be really fun to discuss together. For now, suffice it to say that when hearts and minds align there is a magnificent power that unleashes into our lives and the lives of those around us. 

Here’s where some potential discomfort lurks. While minds are off adventuring, it’s hearts we need to focus on. When we get our hearts in the right place, our minds will follow. And hearts don’t change without a humble vulnerability and willingness to look beyond physicality into spirituality.

The good news is that when willing to do this, what we find is the truth about ourselves which is that we are infinitely glorious and able. As we gently work at expunging loitering falsehoods lurking in our hearts allowing them to be scrubbed out, the truths about ourselves and our being-ness gets stamped on our hearts in their place with the intent to stay. And with every beat that it then beats—day in and day out—these truths  permeate, our days, informing our experiences here on this planet.

Like I said, there are many simple and incredibly effective ways to bring a heart and mind into alignment. Perhaps this could be a discussion for another day. Truthfully, I’m sure you already know many without even realizing it. For now, engage in those things which call to your soul. Take a walk in a forest, or along a beach. Speak kindnesses to yourself and others. Create with your favorite medium. Practice mindfulness; there are numerous ways to do so which are as easy as breathing. In fact, start with breathing…purposefully and meaningfully.

Personally, my favorite way to bring heart and mind into alignment is found in the simple expression of gratitude. Try it. Notice any and all things you have to be grateful for. I don’t say this flippantly. In my darkest hours, even when I’ve started outside what I actually feel in the moment, I’ve always ended genuinely. And it has changed me.

Tawna Burton