It seems a natural question right now, how to maintain a heart centered focus. Maybe you’ve veered away from your natural heart place and want to find your way back, and it just feels too vulnerable. Maintaining a heart-centered focus in a world filled with violence and stress can indeed be challenging, but it's not impossible. Cultivating a heart-centered approach involves nurturing compassion, mindfulness, and a sense of connection with others. I believe the most important point to remember here, is to stop the “othering” that can so easily happen. The “othering” of us and them, the separation from each other. For me, it really helps to remember that we all want the same things, like calm, peace, prosperity, health and well-being, to name a few points. Underneath it all, we are the same, we are humans and when we can stop being at each other we can remember to be with and for each other. Here are some strategies to help you navigate this difficult terrain while staying centered in your heart:
Practice Self-Care:
Start by taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and inner peace. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, and awareness practices like meditation and being in nature can help you build resilience against external stressors.
Limit Media Consumption:
While it may feel important to stay informed about global events, exposure to negative news can contribute to stress and anxiety. Set boundaries on how much time you spend consuming news and consider seeking out positive and uplifting content to balance your media diet. Set timers on your devices to alert you to get off the apps and and unplug for a set amount of time each day. Good News Network
Cultivate Gratitude:
Remembering positive aspects of life can shift your perspective and nurture a heart-centered mind/body/soul connection. Practice gratitude by regularly acknowledging and appreciating the things you're thankful for. This can help counteract the overwhelming negativity and stress around you.
Engage in Acts of Kindness:
Notice how sweet it feels to simply be kind and patient. Tolerance in the face of strife is incredibly powerful. Performing acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create a ripple effect of positivity. Whether it's helping a neighbor, volunteering for a cause you believe in, or simply offering a smile to a stranger, these actions can remind you of the goodness in the world. Remember, Be the Change You want to See!
Connect with Nature:
Spending time in nature is deeply nurturing, grounding and healing. Take walks, hikes, or simply sit in a park, by a body of water, against a tree to connect with the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. Turn off your podcast, audio book and allow the sounds of nature to surround you. If you are in an area with loud noises, consider listening to sounds of nature on your earbuds instead of someone talking. This can help you find solace and perspective amid the chaos. Free sounds of Calm
Practice Compassion:
Extend compassion to yourself and to others. Remember that everyone is navigating their own challenges, and understanding this can soften your heart and reduce judgment. Engage in compassionate acts and conversations that promote understanding and unity. Allow others to also experience the consequences of their choices with a patient presence and let go of judgement. Let them know that you believe in them and their ability to navigate their lives. Sometimes just knowing someone has faith and trust in us can make the difference we need to see our way through. Compassion is not about fixing “it” for others, it is loving them through what they are dealing with.
Limit Negative Relationships:
Evaluate your relationships and interactions. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, rather than those who contribute to negativity and stress and drain your energy.. Foster connections with individuals who share your values and promote a heart-centered approach to life. Compassion may include giving way when negativity is overwhelming a relationship. Allow time and space for yourself and others when negativity is present and the stress or tension feels insurmountable.
Mindful Breathing:
Panic attacks, insomnia, abject doom and gloom can take over when our breathing is short, out of balance and irregular. When you feel overwhelmed by stress or negativity, take a few moments to focus on your breath. Deep, mindful breathing can help you ground yourself, reduce anxiety, and create a sense of inner calm. Make a daily practice of Nadi Shodhana, Left/Right Nostril Breathing, 6-12 minutes every single day will set your nervous system right.
Engage in Heart-Centered Activities:
What brings you Joy? What reminds you of your True Self? Engage in activities that align with your values and bring you joy. This could include volunteering, creative expression, practicing a hobby, or participating in activities that promote social and environmental well-being. Whether it is doing something for yourself or another or simply being, take time to explore what brings you Joy. If not now, when?
Seek Balance:
Give yourself permission to focus on your own well-being and the positive actions you can take to make a difference. Be the example to your family and friends, lead the way to harmony and health. When you take time to balance yourself, those around you may feel more inclined to join in.
Remember that maintaining a heart-centered focus is an ongoing practice that requires patience and self-compassion. By nurturing your own well-being and cultivating compassion for yourself and others, you can find strength and resilience in the face of the world's challenges. We are all in this together, on a journey of self discovery and self mastery. Release the judgement and curiosity arises.