(Written May 2020, this is a reflection several months into the by-now-global covid-19 crisis.)
A clerical error twelve years ago included me in an email invitation to join a two year Lev Shomea (Heart Listening) spiritual direction training program…. The timing was right. I was ready. My personal mind/ body/ heart well-being journey had already convinced me of the importance of “heart knowing.” Integrating that focused Heart Listening training into daily life helped me understand how my heart senses deeper levels of reality and intently guides – even when my mind tries its best to run the show.
Heart, body, and mind wisdom are three important and intricately intertwined aspects of ourselves. These differ from emotions, physical strength, and IQ. Perhaps the body can be thought of as the vehicle that carries us, the mind as the chauffer, and the heart as the compass, integrator, and connector (to Source, to ourselves, and to each other). Our mind and body are wired to react and keep us safe. Reflexes are a great example of this. Depending on our histories, situations, stress levels, and time or work demands, we can go through our days being reactive rather than responsive. Heart listening is a good way to responsively engage life. Especially now….
I am feeling the ongoing upheaval of the pandemic:
Quarantine fatigue has set in.
I am “zoomed out!”
I miss sharing coffee, meals, and hugs with friends and family.
I am grateful for how well I am doing and am sad that others are having a much harder time.
I am heartened by the courage, creativity, and tireless work of so many, and am angered by loud voices that seem intent on fueling chaos and confusion.
I am distraught by the glaring disparities in pandemic severity and outcomes for those who are already disadvantaged – and by a reluctance to seriously look at ways to address those issues.
I understand, respect, and comply with the mandates to manage the acute problems of the pandemic, and I am frustrated by shortsighted views that ignore the robust scientific evidence on biologic, environmental, and social determinants of health resilience.
I feel guilty that I am no longer an essential worker, and feel powerless to do anything to help.
As I listen deeply, my heart welcomes and holds all these feelings. Entering the grief helps me see, prioritize, and honor what I love. Fatigue and overwhelm prompt me to ask what I need right now – rest, food, exercise, a loving ear to bend? By sitting with frustration and anger I can better discern what exactly is not okay and can channel true power into addressing the core of the threat. Guilt and a sense of powerlessness prompt me to recognize all the knowledge and skills that I do have. From this a sense of responsibility emerges along with guidance about where, when, how, and with whom to lend my voice and energies. And sometimes my heart is just practical and says, “Yes, and… for now, keep clearing your clutter.”
May heart wisdom guide us through these challenges to a healthier new normal.
(Written May 2020, this is a reflection several months into the by-now-global covid-19 crisis.)
A clerical error twelve years ago included me in an email invitation to join a two year Lev Shomea (Heart Listening) spiritual direction training program…. The timing was right. I was ready. My personal mind/ body/ heart well-being journey had already convinced me of the importance of “heart knowing.” Integrating that focused Heart Listening training into daily life helped me understand how my heart senses deeper levels of reality and intently guides – even when my mind tries its best to run the show.
Heart, body, and mind wisdom are three important and intricately intertwined aspects of ourselves. These differ from emotions, physical strength, and IQ. Perhaps the body can be thought of as the vehicle that carries us, the mind as the chauffer, and the heart as the compass, integrator, and connector (to Source, to ourselves, and to each other). Our mind and body are wired to react and keep us safe. Reflexes are a great example of this. Depending on our histories, situations, stress levels, and time or work demands, we can go through our days being reactive rather than responsive. Heart listening is a good way to responsively engage life. Especially now….
I am feeling the ongoing upheaval of the pandemic:
Quarantine fatigue has set in.
I am “zoomed out!”
I miss sharing coffee, meals, and hugs with friends and family.
I am grateful for how well I am doing and am sad that others are having a much harder time.
I am heartened by the courage, creativity, and tireless work of so many, and am angered by loud voices that seem intent on fueling chaos and confusion.
I am distraught by the glaring disparities in pandemic severity and outcomes for those who are already disadvantaged – and by a reluctance to seriously look at ways to address those issues.
I understand, respect, and comply with the mandates to manage the acute problems of the pandemic, and I am frustrated by shortsighted views that ignore the robust scientific evidence on biologic, environmental, and social determinants of health resilience.
I feel guilty that I am no longer an essential worker, and feel powerless to do anything to help.
As I listen deeply, my heart welcomes and holds all these feelings. Entering the grief helps me see, prioritize, and honor what I love. Fatigue and overwhelm prompt me to ask what I need right now – rest, food, exercise, a loving ear to bend? By sitting with frustration and anger I can better discern what exactly is not okay and can channel true power into addressing the core of the threat. Guilt and a sense of powerlessness prompt me to recognize all the knowledge and skills that I do have. From this a sense of responsibility emerges along with guidance about where, when, how, and with whom to lend my voice and energies. And sometimes my heart is just practical and says, “Yes, and… for now, keep clearing your clutter.”
May heart wisdom guide us through these challenges to a healthier new normal.