An open heart and mind

What does it take to foster an open heart and mind? It is one idea that we are like open books as babies. Our minds and hearts are new and forming. We embark on learning and much of that is dependent upon outside influences (environment). As we age a lot of our heart and mind is shaped by experiences. Some of those experiences will have us learn to close down and protect. This type of learning and becoming stays with us even past infancy, into early childhood, young adulthood and for some of us into adulthood.

How can we, once we become aware of ourselves and our actions (with the ability to self reflect), foster being open in both heart and mind? How do we catch ourselves when a deeply embedded prejudice pops up in the mind to block and perhaps even lash out? How do we stay open to others who may be different, have different ideas, etc.? Is this even important?

I am reading a book that is talking about wisedom written by a Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist. I am learning many things of his theories and research (which I find fascinating!). One of the ideas I have latched onto is that yes!... fostering an open heart and mind is not only important but it is essential within our human being existence. In fact, we are hard wired to foster community, to rely at times on others, to be dependent and then learn to be independent and yet contribute to our larger human society even in our independence. All of this requires levels of open hearts and minds. I won't go into the myriad of proof and details about this. I recommend you read the book. My older children, River and Audrey, gifted me a copy this past Christmas. It is titled "Wiser" by Dilip Jeste, MD with Scott Lafee. The book is ultimately about wisdom.

One way to foster keeping our hearts and minds open (or even to just soften) is through a regular yoga practice. Another way is through meditation. And, I am sure there are other ways too. However, LIBY being a yoga studio I am advocating for a regular yoga practice. The physiological effects of a well practiced yoga session calms the inner body (nervous system) which allows us to release tensions, etc. When we exist in the calm...even if we only touch on this for a few seconds at a time...it is a very powerful place and time that allows us to become open.

If you are new to yoga this may not be, in fact, most likely is not your main reason for beginning yoga. That's okay! A regular practitioner of yoga will tell you these more subtle yet powerful places that a yoga practice takes you is anecdotal. You can almost not even think about it...in time, it will just manifest. Of course, we will all meet "ourselves" at some point on the mat and the question becomes can we stay with it even if at times we get uncomfortable? Well, I encourage you to just begin and enjoy your journey, and find out. Stay curious.

Fostering our own ability to have open hearts and minds brings only good things to ourselves and to others. It is essential for compassion, caring and loving.

Which yoga practice is for you? Write to Chanda through letitbeyoga.org we can discuss.

"Let no one be slow to seek wisdom when he {she} is young nor weary in the search of it when he {she} has grown old. For no age is too early or too late for the health of the soul."

Epicurus

Chanda added {she}