I had planned my next blog topic to be about Pranayama (breath) and its role in your yoga practice. Well; sometimes plans change… instead; I’ll be writing about the ‘heart’ and its amazing influence in our lives.
A trusted yoga teacher recommended a book to me; The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer.
Little did I know the book would enlighten me on the dynamics of the human heart… Singer goes so far to say that; “It is one of the most beautiful and powerful energy centers, and one that affects our daily lives”. The heart is the energy center that controls the flow of energy and is does so by “opening and closing”.
In brief, Mr. Singer, explains that our energy is based on our decision to either be ‘open’ or ‘closed’ to events, people, places, colors, sounds, tastes, smells; virtually everything around us. And not only can the heart be ‘open’ or ‘closed’, it can do it in a split second based on your experience in any given moment. We are either energized or drained based on our heart being ‘open’ or ‘closed’.
In my case; I had become so focused on a path that I had; in essence; ‘closed’ my heart to everything outside of that path. It wasn’t that the path was negative; in fact, it was quite the opposite, but for some reason, my energy was low, slow and unsteady. The reason for the low-energy was because my heart was not ‘open’. While reading Mr. Singer’s book, I consciencely began to open my heart to… whatever.
What I discovered; was that when I opened my heart; not only did my energy surge, but it seemed there was an energy surge in everything around me. I was in a better mood; I had more energy than ever; I had drive, purpose and a readiness to accomplish everything set in front of me. My yoga practice is fruitful and life is more vivid…. All because I make a conscience decision everyday to keep my heart ‘open’.
Trust me; I have a lot of work still to do in keeping my heart ‘open’; it’s a daily challenge, but like yoga; it’s a practice that must be done consistently. How’s your heart? Is it open or have you closed it to all the extraordinary possibilities life has to offer. Take a moment to open your heart to… possibilities.
Namaste
