In our part of the world, summer is in its final stages. We’re just a few weeks away from what many call the “official end” of summer, Labor Day. Those of us who wear white after Labor Day keep riding the wave until it settles on the beach.
Right now, most of us are trying to get that last little bit of fun and joy out of the warm and sunny days. Many of the mentors that I follow have encouraged us to take time to relax, regroup and renew during the summer months. I have to say they were in-sync with me. That’s been my summer action plan.
Another theme I encountered over the last few weeks was the heart. A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned participating in a Taoist Heart Harmony program. Around the same time I read this quote from the Buddhist Monk Nicheren Daishonin, “It is the heart that is important”.
Just yesterday I saw a video discussion of the amazing neural network in our heart. A few years ago, I was so intrigued by this idea that I bought a book about it. Modern science is confirming ancient teachings.
The science says the heart, like the brain can think. Ancient Yoruba, Kemetic and eastern philosophies say the heart is “lord of intelligence”.
The summer focus on renewal and the heart have been great confirmation for me. The philosophy behind Life in 4-Part Harmony simply put is, “Keep your heart lighter than a feather”.
This is the essence of the Maat, an ancient philosophy for mind, body, spirit and community. This idea is to use our behavior, thoughts and emotions to flourish and to create peace and harmony in our lives.
My summer journey helped me to re-connect with the heart of my work. In all honesty, we are the heart of our work. In the same way that nurturing our heart sustains us, nurturing and renewing ourselves will sustain our business, our work.
I used to teach psychotherapy to graduate students. One of the lessons I taught was not in any textbook but it’s one that had a great impact on students’ success with clients. When I run into former students, they remind me this was one of the most important things they learned. Here it is:
“You are your best instrument”.
Knowing and nurturing you is the most powerful action you can take for your business, your work, and your goals. These things are all powered by YOU. This doesn’t mean you need to be good at multi-tasking.
This means get good at protecting, building, and sustaining your most precious capital, your body, mind and spirit – YOU. Become your chief human resource manager. Invest in you and the dividends will show up in your work and the rest of your life.
Think of your heart as having physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components. Nurturing your heart and revitalizing yourself means giving each one your attention.
Your assignment this week is to answer four questions:
How does my work reflect my heart?
Notice how your work reflects your purpose, your gifts, your truth.
What am I doing in my work that makes my heart sing?
Check out the order of your day and find those things that bring you joy and energy.
How am I taking care of my heart each day?
Notice how you’re balancing and using your resources like food, movement, meditation, sleep.
What thoughts keep my heart light?
Check out the ideas that leave you grateful, satisfied and full of appreciation.
Make your heart lighter than a feather. It’s the sm(he)art move and the best investment.
If you need support, contact us. The Living Source is here to help you plug in to the power of you.
© Sandra Y. Lewis