By Kathryn Wheeler / Happiful
"We explore the concept of 'heartfulness' and discover how the key to wellness could already be within us, literally.
When the world around us is full of noise, stress, and pressure, it makes sense that we might want to retreat inside ourselves for moments of solace. It's not groundbreaking to point out that our hearts are at the core of our being, both literally and figuratively. But have you ever taken the time to consider how this vital organ can support your wellbeing?
Simply put, 'heartfulness' is the practice of centring mindfulness around the literal, emotional, and spiritual heart. Meaning to use the heartbeat as an 'anchor' during mediation (something to bring your focus back to when your mind wanders), or reflecting on its emotional and spiritual significance, those who tune-in to heartfulness are simply using what is readily available to them, to reach another level of wellbeing, and to create coping mechanisms for when times get tough.
"For me, heartfulness is the process of living life by focusing on how your life impacts your heart – because the heart is central to your vitality," says Jacqueline Denton, a meditation teacher and holistic therapist. To her, this means creating an awareness of the relationship between your emotional state and your physical body – noticing your heartbeat, when it accelerates, can take your body into flight or fight mode and, equally, noticing what things make your heart 'sing'; things like receiving love, laughing with friends, or being in nature."
Image: Happiful