Happy Galentine's Day: How to Connect with Your Heart

By Dr. Mary Nochimson

Did you know that your heart started working when you were just 3 weeks old in utero, and it continues to work today?

Listening to your heart takes on new meaning in Craniosacral. A huge component of Craniosacral involves communicating with the cells, tissues, organs, and glands in your body. Due to third-party perspectives, having a conversation with yourself is not viewed as a "cool" thing to do, but it is very therapeutic and often results in a beautiful moment.

Did you know that your body is made up of a community of millions of tiny organisms known as cells? 

Each cell has a job, an energy, and a personality! That's right! Even a bacterium, a one-celled organism, has a purpose, has an energy, and has a personality. 

24 hours every day, cells of the lung community work together to form breathing. Sixty minutes of every hour of every day, cells of the gastrointestinal community work together to process the food we eat. 60 seconds of every minute of every hour of every day, the cells of the heart community work together to beat and pump fresh oxygenated blood throughout your body. All are out of sight and out of mind, but even cells, just like people, like to be acknowledged, loved, and appreciated.

Think of all the people in your life. When all the members of your family are happy, your family thrives. If there is one member who is unhappy and not functioning, your family may not function in harmony. One of the actions we could take is to reach out to that family member or friend. Try asking: What is going on? What is bothering you? How can we make your life better? 

Think of how that would make that human being feel... WHAT IF we can communicate with a single cell or a community of cells, and we consciously ask her what she wants? What do you think would happen if we listened, acknowledged, and made any changes…? What would happen? If a community of people can get better and thrive - then YOU- a system of satisfied, happy cells - a human being can feel better.

So, the following questions are: How do you talk to your body? How do you listen to your body? And what does your body say? Do you acknowledge the work your body does on a daily basis?

There is no better Galentine's present than speaking to your heart and doing what makes your heart happy!!!

How do we begin the process?

First, let's set the mood. 

Consider sitting or lying down in a comfortable spot, dimming the lights, or having the lights off with a scentless candle. The beach or a park are also great locations. Soundwise, I recommend quietness or light, soothing, wordless music. We don't want to persuade our body or appease our body; we want to have a real conversation.

Wherever you are, this is the next step; lightly place one or two hands over your heart and just envision your heart. Keep meditating on your heart. 

With the palm of your hand, feel the beating of your heart. Is it beating fast? Is it beating slowly? Is it beating strong? Is it beating soft? 

Once you feel your heartbeat, tune into your heart sounds with your ears. Mimic the beats with a whisper, "lub, dub... lub dub." Keep tuning into your heart. As you continue to go deeper into meditation, feel that connection. Note how it feels to be this connected with your heart. And note any images or memories that develop in your mind.

Begin a Heart-to-Human Conversation 

This next part will help guide you from your heart-to-human conversation.

First, let's talk rules:

1. After you ask a question, wait for the answer. Be patient. Your heart may answer in words or in images. Acknowledge the image or words as they come into your body and mind.

2. Don't doubt the words and images that come to you. It's NOT in your head. Your head may try to get in the way of the conversation.

3. Always thank your heart (or any organ you talk to) for taking the time to communicate with you today.  

What are questions to ask your heart?

1. How are you feeling?

2. What makes you sad?

3. What makes you happy?

4. Is there anything bothering you?

5. What do you need?

6. What can I do differently that will help you function better?

7. What did you want to do today?

This Valentine's Day, give yourself 10-20 minutes to practice connecting and talking to your heart.