When we talk about the capacity to do something, we usually refer to physical ability, skills or talents, or mental capacity. However, what about heart capacity? The capacity to love, feel compassion and extend love to all beings?
The heart has been associated with love and compassion since ancient times.
Recently, Scientists have discovered how our body sends love signals via the vagus nerve, also known as the wandering nerve. The vagus nerve starts from the brain stem and travels to vital organs, including the heart, and down to the stomach. The vagus nerve is a messenger between essential body organs and the brain. It can send signals and check-ins to find out if you are okay. It can initiate rest and digestion to recover. The vagus nerve can stimulate healing, the feeling of safety, and calm. These are the scientific findings on the connection between love, the heart and the brain. It’s a fascinating subject if you are an enthusiast of how the body works.
But today, I want to connect with you from a traditional & spiritual perspective of heart and love.
We all have an immense and limitless capacity to love all beings.
But what happens when that capacity dries up or becomes bitter in a time?
What are some ways to increase our capacity to love?
How can we protect our hearts?
How can we continue to love and embrace love?
Have you ever felt a time when you couldn’t give any more love or show compassion? Maybe your heart felt empty or heavy with other things.
I have been there, too. And it felt like there was nothing left to give.
There is wisdom to learn from that experience. It may mean your well got empty because you have been through some challenging times where you couldn’t keep up with the demands of life and had to give everything you had. It may mean you must rest, nourish your soul & body, and soak in nature to receive love from Mother Earth. It may mean connecting mindfully with friends and family to develop trust. It may also mean you must stop dwelling on the past and start being present. And treat yourself to a good full-body massage, haircut, and all.
Look after your heart, take deep breaths, have compassion for yourself and smile.
Join the mindful living community by following my Instagram page, @mindfullivingwithnalan. Let’s do it together!
With love
Nalan