Over the years, many people have asked me how I distinguish between information coming from my head and information coming from my heart, as well as how I use my head but follow my heart. Learning to differentiate the fear-based patterns of the brain from the voice of spirit speaking through the heart requires expanding conscious awareness through becoming a conscious observer of our experience and engaging in disciplined practice.
The point of view we see with our heads is that of the analytical brain, which views life from a limited perspective and only one aspect of conscious awareness—the past. The brain is like a computer that can scan, access, and store data mechanically, but because it does not tap into creational energy it can only use the information that we provide it. This information often takes the form of negative mindsets, beliefs, and patterns stored on its “hard drive.” For example, it employs such fear-based dictates as “Be careful not to let your guard down,” “If you take that risk you’ll get hurt,” and “Don’t confide in anybody, because they’ll let you down,” all of which eventually produce a lack of trust in our own experience and restrict the quality of the choices we make. Accessing such negative files, the brain can only report on the data they contain.
In addition, because of its hard wiring, when the brain moves into survival mode it shuts down to protect itself from any new experience it does not recognize as a past mental file, including new information coming from the voice of spirit. Past mental files stored in the brain program us to think that only logical thinking is valid. Operating from such a basis distorts information coming through our conscious awareness, which creates conflict between our heads and our hearts. This short-circuits the flow of spiritual information, producing an energy block. The brain is then given permission to accept what has been stored and is reinforced as the master of our reality. In contrast, the voice of spirit speaking through our heart provides information from an expanded point of view, validates present-oriented experiences, and guides us without judgment. It whispers, “I know” instead of “I think,” “I trust” instead of “I believe,” and “I create” instead of “I wait.”
Listening to the voice of spirit speaking through the heart requires making an effort to nurture a more introspective and integrated relationship with ourselves. It is often difficult to find time in our busy lives to be quiet and listen inwardly. Our minds are filled with endless to-do lists, obligations, and distractions. We are constantly making excuses for not having the time to develop an intimate, loving relationship with ourselves. Unfortunately, these circumstances set us up to follow the dictates of the ego instead of our true being. Many people have revealed to me how difficult it is to stop the incessant ricochet of thoughts that prompts their constant anxiety. Unfortunately, we spend most of our time playing out past events or worrying about future outcomes, which interrupts our experience of the present moment. More often than not, we hear the voice in our heads that judges us instead of the loving, guiding voice of spirit through our hearts. Solitude and introspection, however, helps us open our hearts, gain knowledge and appreciation of our true being, and, guided by spirit, begin to make choices without relying on others for validation. In these reflective states we experience our connection to source as a channel of light energy.
Because of the importance of opening our hearts and listening to the voice of spirit, it is advantageous to set aside time each day for quiet reflection and meditation, whether walking in a labyrinth, sitting in a garden or on a park bench, soaking in a bathtub, or journaling, trying each day to increase the length of time spent alone without diversions. It does not matter where, when, or how we spend this time. What matters is that the sacred space we create is a safe sanctuary and that we view the act as a covenant with ourselves to assure future happiness, which we can achieve by tuning to the vibration of the heart.
Observing ourselves without judgment or resistance, we can watch how our incessant mental dictates surface, then simply allow them to move through the mind. We can further cue our brains to step aside by touching the center of the chest, using a mantra like “Open heart,” or consciously directing our attention to the heart. Such simple cues help us let go of our negative thoughts and focus on our connection with source through our open heart.
Sustained time alone also assists us in distinguishing our negative fear-based thought processes from positive spiritual information channeled through our heart. Journaling during these times can help us bypass the brain-induced ego and fear-based thoughts to make us aware of the voice of spirit speaking through our hearts.
While quiet and solitude promote a meditative state, we can also experience such a state by approaching daily activities like cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, eating, shopping, walking, and driving with mindfulness, participating in them with the intention of being fully present and enjoying the moment. For example, while walking we can focus on the larger significance of our movements by observing how stepping forward signifies advancing toward the future, releasing a back foot means letting go of the past, and the space between our steps represents being in the present. Learning to quiet the mind, open the heart, and allow the whole body, including the brain, to align with energy coming through the heart promotes a state of internal congruence in which we can listen to the voice of spirit and receive guidance for our choices.
Another way to do this is by sitting in a chair and touching the center of your chest, which immediately cues you to direct your attention from your head to your heart. As you attend to your heart center, focus on the ebb and flow of your breathing. Using your breath as a focal point, breathe in love and breathe out fear. Then practice opening your heart while observing the incessant thoughts that move through your mind, such as the unfinished grocery list, the discussion you want to have with your boss, or the phone call you forgot to return. When distracted by such thoughts, touch the center of your chest to focus their attention back to your heart.
Surrender to self-awareness and listen to the voice of spirit giving you new possibilities for choices in your life. In this way, instead of mind over matter, you can achieve heart over mind and gain valuable guidance from spirit.
