Too Many Arrows to the Heart?

In Sanskrit, the heart center is called “Anahata” which translates as unstruck. I’ve always loved this way of seeing the heart center because it connotes the notion that your heart’s true nature is impervious to damage. 

There is no doubt that the body follows the mind, but vice versa is also true – the mind follows the body.  A great example of this is when we stand taller, lifting the heart, our mind shifts, instantly and momentarily, into a more confident, more open energy. Have you ever notice the effects of simply lifting your heart?  Try lifting it up now and see how the mind reacts. Perhaps, for a moment, you feel more capable.

Now, what if we sustained that lifted heart center for more than a moment? What if it became our default posture?  That touch of capability would turn into longterm confidence and openness – perhaps creating a more “can-do” attitude – and we’d hit an energetic jackpot! 

The key is to 1. strengthen the back body (especially the upper back body), 2. stretch the chest, and 3. learn how to keep your shoulders down and back and in a relaxed state. These are three very easy things yet, they have a high return….and guess what? Our workouts promote them.  Surely, a lifted heart is yours for the taking! 

So check yourself throughout your day today. Is your heart sunken and defeated, or it is lifted and unstruck?