Heart Wisdom

One of my patients, a 75 year old grandpa, evidently didn't listen to his body when it said "Throwing my 8 year old grandson in the pool might not be a wise idea for my bad back." Well, it was good to see him, no permanent injury. I patched him up and sent him on his way. As a holistic chiropractor, I am always looking for ways to help my patients listen to their inner wisdom, which gives the best advice, better than me, or anyone. 

How does one hear inner wisdom? Very simply, just regularly check in with your heart. Do it right now. What is your heart saying? ...pause... My heart just said "You need to get up from this PC, look out the window and enjoy the day for a few minutes." ...pause... I'm back. The live oak trees are casting long shadows across the grass and marsh at 5:31PM on this March 5, 2025. I noticed there were a few small bugs on the outside of the window, enjoying the warm sun. This day started very stormy but it is bright now. ...I just had a lovely minute. Thank you, heart! When I do this exercise with my patients in the office the answer my heart usually gives is "You need to take a deep breath" because I usually talk a lot to a new patient, or a patient that's under a lot of stress.

Check in with your heart as often as you can. Set a reminder or use a trigger such as "Every time I go to the toilet I will check in with my heart." The message might be simple: "I need some water," "I'm hungry," "I ate too much," "I need a nap." Or it may be bigger: "I need to do my taxes and get that monkey off my back." 

It takes practice to hear your inner voice, but it is not hard. Simply tune in and listen. Call it a meditation because... it is. It's the very best mindfulness meditation; being present with your own heart. Like all meditations, your mind will go off in all directions and you will forget to tune into your heart. But congratulate yourself when you do remember. "Small victories" as my husband says. An important reason to practice is because during times of high stress - when you need wisdom and guidance the most - you are too distracted and unlikely to take the time to tune in to your inner guide. 

Here's the secret: This is about much more than self preservation. It's actually about learning self love.

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