Where did my Heartbeat go? – Mildred Lynn McDonald

Your heartbeat. Listen. Can you hear it? I’m not talking about the physical heart that beats in your chest. I’m talking about your HEARTBEAT, the one that resonates with your being — body, mind, emotion and spirit.

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many people have lost touch with the sound of their heartbeat and have replaced it with the closest one at hand — society’s “one-size-fits-all” version.

How do I know this? For a couple years I have been joyfully preoccupied with finding, nourishing and following my own heartbeat. On this journey, I have become astute at identifying what makes me tick and recognizing the peek-a-boo heartbeats of other people.

Where does your heartbeat go? You never loose your heartbeat, you just smother it with mental chatter, put it in a flower pot and forget to water it, wrap it in layers of emotional stuff, or set it on the shelf to collect spiritual lint and fur balls.The good news is that your heartbeat is built to last. At first your heartbeat may be faint, and then, with a little self-acceptance and TLC, it will start showing up, revealing itself, unannounced. Treat your heartbeat like a good friend; trust it, respect it and really open yourself to it. Have faith that you will find your authentic heartbeat, and always remember — you are not the only one looking; your bold, beautiful heartbeat is looking for you too!If you are feeling disconnected and would like to reconnect with your authentic heartbeat, please consider adding this simple exercise to your meditation toolbox.Heart Beat Visualization:
1. Go to the ocean. Stand on the shore. Watch the tide flow in and out. Feel the powerful, steady rhythm of the waves. Smell the fresh air. Quiet your thoughts. Take a deep breath. What are you experiencing? You are feeling the Ocean’s heartbeat, and it is magnificent!2. Take the gift of this ocean experience with you and refer to it often. It will be one of the best tools you have to find, nourish and support your own heartbeat – the one that provides fulfillment on all levels – mind, body, spirit and emotion.

3. If you don’t have easy access to the ocean, give yourself the gift of an Ocean Sounds CD, close your eyes and gently drift away.

Key Questions:
1. Do you feel connected to your authentic heartbeat? If not, where did it go?
2. How do you feel when connected to your heartbeat?
3. How do you feel when disconnected from your heartbeat?
4.What are you going to do TODAY to nourish, support and honor your heartbeat?
5. If your heartbeat had a fun-loving, comical name, what would it be?

Look forward to hearing from you … and enjoy the day!

Mildred Lynn