The Power of Your Heart

"In the stress and complexity of our lives, we may forget our deepest intentions. But when people come to the end of their life and look back, the questions that they most often ask are not usually 'How much is in my bank account?' or 'How many books did I write?' or 'What did I build?' or the like. If you have the privilege of being with a person who is aware of the time of his or her death, you find the questions such a person asks are very simple: 'Did I love well?', 'Did I live fully?', 'Did I learn to let go?'"
Jack Kornfield, A Path With A Heart

Following are several ways to set the tone for your day. Through regular practice, you can create peace, be centered and feel even greater kindness toward others, and to yourself.

Here are a few simple yet profound phrases. For best results, speak these words each day for ten to fifteen minutes. This meditation has been used effectively for over 2,500 years.

Find a comfortable and quiet spot and take several deep breaths. Direct these phrases to yourself, bringing even greater light and powerful love within.
Your Powerful Heart Affirmations

May I be filled with loving-kindness.
May I be well.
May I be peaceful and at ease.
May I be happy.

As you let your feelings flow with each phrase, feel your heart opening with kindness. As you practice this for several weeks, notice how your loving compassion within grows.

Then, as your love is radiating out, you can include other people in your meditation -- using these same phrases for their benefit. Finally, you can apply this meditation for difficult people in your life, total strangers, world leaders, and whomever you choose to send your love and compassion to.

Now, let's look at how the heart can help you in your everyday life. Think of something that is bothering you. Let's take an example. Perhaps your challenge is physical, such as a headache, lingering tension in your muscles, neck or shoulders.
The Art of Allowing

Sit quietly and go within. Now mentally move to where you have the physical discomfort. Open your heart, and send love and kindness to this place -- as if you are comforting a child. Use this same technique for any other areas in your body.

You can use this same practice with thoughts that are resistant. For instance, let's say you are upset because you think you are not making enough money. Maybe you are frustrated with paying bills or resent the process of paying them.

Once again, use the meditation practice. The words, "Ah, this too" are the wise words of a Buddhist teacher to enable the person meditating to allow and accept all thoughts and feelings.

As you go within, acknowledge your thoughts and say mentally "Ah, this too." As other thoughts arise you can repeat the neutral phrase, "Ah, this too." Then surround the resistant thought with loving kindness and compassion. "Soften your heart" as you would when you play with a pet or hug a close friend.
Facing Difficulties

Try this process for feelings. If you sense frustration, anger or impatience, go within and use your neutral phrase-then surround that feeling with a soft accepting heart.

"The seeds of wisdom, peace, and wholeness are within each of our difficulties. Our awakening is possible in every activity."
Jack Kornfield, A Path with Heart

I can assure you that through these practices, which are derived from the wisdom of many ages, you will notice that your thoughts, feelings and body will be more peaceful. You will feel less stressed and increasingly centered each day.

The key to the meditation and loving-kindness practice is accepting the feelings and thoughts that you have. By accepting all thoughts and feelings, you surrender -- letting go of resistance. The less resistance you have, the more you can shift into experiencing the high energy of love, joy and peace.
Focusing on Love

"Love focuses on the goodness of life in all its expressions and augments that which is positive -- it dissolves negativity by recontextualizing it, rather than by attacking it." Dr. David Hawkins, Power VS Force.

Do you have any thoughts or personal questions about this month's ezine? Please email Marcie at the email address in the Contact section of this ezine. Please write a subject line mentioning that you are an "ezine member" so I'll be sure to read your email!
Monthly Technique

Notice differences during the next weeks. When do you feel tension or resistance- and when do you feel in harmony, loving and peaceful? Notice your physical reactions, thoughts and feelings.

See if you can use the loving kindness meditation at times when you feel resistance.

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Copyright for this article by Marcie Hunt, 2006, 2007. If you would like permission to use this article, it must include the marciehunt.com link above. Please email marcie at: Email: marcie@marciehunt.com