Held in the Heart

I first became acquainted with Jim Dine's hearts as a freshman in university. I bought a print of this one, "The Heart, South of Naples," from the shop at the Hirschorn Gallery in Washington, D.C. 

Even back then, years before I knew anything about yoga, I was drawn to the energy and passion it conveyed, the tremendous activity taking place yet contained, as if life itself were being held in the heart.

All these years later, I still love to imagine the fullness of my life experience being held within a larger perspective. I envision the whole of my lived reality - all the ups and downs, ins and outs, upheavals, hopes, dreams, hurts, disappointments - as unfolding within in the compassionate, loving embrace of the heart.

Now, of course, I have much greater understanding of just how significant the vision of the heart is. I know how powerful and important this expanded perspective is for reframing difficulties and challenges, and deepening my capacity for feeling joy and happiness.

It’s the time of year when many of us begin to look back and review the year that’s coming to an end. If you’re moved to do that, I invite you to consider this perspective.

What if you viewed your year, or even just your day today, as being held in the heart?

What does it do for you to envision your reality - all of it – as enveloped by the unconditional love of the heart space?