The Divine Heart Pt. 1: Lessons from Our Ancestors

In ancient Egypt, death was not an end, but a transition. According to mythology, upon death, Osiris would judge the soul of the deceased in a ceremony known as the Weighing of the Heart, determining each soul’s worthiness to reach the afterlife.

The heart, heavy with a lifetime's worth of deeds, was weighed against a feather, symbolizing truth and righteousness. If the heart was perfectly balanced with the feather, the soul was deemed worthy of eternal life in the Field of Reeds, a paradise of abundance and bliss. But if the heart was heavy with wrongdoing, it would tip the scales, and the soul would be devoured by Ammit, the fearsome Devourer of Souls.

The Egyptians believed that the heart was the source of not only emotions but also intelligence, memory, and even one's soul. They understood that true wisdom and understanding came not just from the intellect, but from the heart's ability to discern truth, to empathize with others, and to navigate the complexities of life with compassion and integrity.

The Divine Heart

The heart has held a sacred place in the human experience, far beyond its role as the big muscle that pumps blood through the body. In Chinese philosophy, the heart is associated with the element of fire, representing passion, vitality, and the spirit. The Maori of New Zealand believe that the heart, or manawa, is the source of one's life force and spiritual essence. In Native American cultures, the heart is often seen as the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, a gateway to intuition and higher consciousness.

This reverence for the heart's wisdom echoes through the ages, reminding us that even in the face of modern advancements and technological marvels, there is a deeper intelligence within us, a compass that can guide us towards a life of meaning and purpose.

Beyond Logic and Reason: The Language of the Heart

The heart's wisdom is a language of intuition, empathy, and deep knowing, one that guides us towards choices that resonate with our truest selves, even when our minds are clouded with doubt and uncertainty. It speaks to us through subtle sensations, emotions, and gut feelings. It is that sense of resonance or dissonance we experience when faced with a choice, and the subtle cues that help guide our moral compass.

Intuition, often described as a "knowing without knowing," is a powerful tool for navigating life's complexities. Our intuition is the inner voice that speaks to us beyond the realm of logic and reason, offering insights and guidance that may not be immediately apparent to the conscious mind.

When we are attuned to our intuition, we can make decisions that align with our deepest values and aspirations, even when the rational mind is struggling to find a clear answer. We can sense when something feels right or wrong, even if we can not explain why. We can tap into a deeper knowing that guides us towards choices that will ultimately lead to greater fulfillment and well-being.

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is another hallmark of the heart's wisdom. When we connect with our hearts, we open ourselves to a deeper level of compassion and understanding. We can sense the emotions of those around us, offering support and connection even without words. This empathic connection fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens our bonds with others.

Deep knowing, that sense of profound understanding that arises from within, is perhaps the most elusive yet transformative aspect of the heart's wisdom. It is that knowing that transcends intellectual understanding, a recognition of truth that resonates on a soul level. When we access this deep knowing, we tap into a source of wisdom that can guide us through life's most challenging moments and lead us towards a life of greater purpose and meaning.

Unlocking the Heart's Wisdom: Lessons from Our Ancestors

Long before the advent of modern science, our ancestors recognized the heart's profound intelligence, its ability to guide us towards truth, compassion, and a life lived in harmony with the rhythms of the universe. From the sacred rituals of ancient Egypt to the profound teachings of Eastern philosophies, the heart's wisdom has echoed through the ages, and many cultures across history have developed practices and rituals aimed at cultivating a deeper connection to the heart's wisdom.

In Hawaii, the practice of hoʻoponopono, or "making things right," is a powerful tool for healing and restoring balance within ourselves and our relationships. It involves acknowledging and taking responsibility for our actions, seeking forgiveness, and making amends. At its core, hoʻoponopono is a heart-centered practice, recognizing that true healing comes from a place of love and compassion. By releasing resentment and cultivating forgiveness, we create space for the heart's wisdom to emerge, guiding us towards reconciliation and harmony. It is a reminder that even in the face of conflict or hurt, the heart can lead us towards understanding and connection.

In India, Bhakti Yoga, the path of devotion, offers another profound way to connect with the heart's wisdom. It aims to cultivate a deep love and reverence for the divine, expressed through prayer, chanting, singing, and selfless service. By opening our hearts to love and devotion, we tap into a source of boundless wisdom and compassion that can guide us on our journey towards self-realization and pono. It is a reminder that the heart, when filled with love, can become a beacon of light, illuminating our path and guiding us towards our highest potential.

Many Native American cultures utilize the Medicine Wheel, a sacred symbol representing the interconnectedness of all life and the four directions. The Medicine Wheel teaches us to honor the wisdom of the heart, represented by the south direction, associated with emotions, intuition, and compassion. By aligning ourselves with the Medicine Wheel and walking the Sacred Hoop, a path of balance and harmony, we can tap into the heart's wisdom and live in accordance with the natural rhythms of the earth. It is a reminder that our hearts, when connected to the wisdom of the land and the cycles of nature, can guide us towards a life of balance and interconnectedness.

The ancient Chinese practice of qigong that combines movement, meditation, and breathwork, emphasizes the cultivation of qi, or vital energy, throughout the body. The heart is considered the emperor of the internal organs, governing not only our emotions but also our consciousness and sense of self. Qigong practices that focus on the heart, such as heart-mind meditation and gentle movements that stimulate the flow of qi, can help us access the heart's wisdom and cultivate a sense of inner peace and vitality. By nurturing the flow of energy through our hearts, we can awaken a sense of inner peace and vitality that radiates outwards.

The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a ritual steeped in mindfulness and reverence for the present moment. It is a practice of preparing and serving tea with intention, grace, and a deep appreciation for the simple beauty of the experience. The goal is to engage all our senses and focus on the present moment, where we create space for the heart's wisdom to emerge, guiding us towards a deeper sense of connection and tranquility. It serves a reminder that even in the simplest of acts, when performed with mindfulness and intention, we can tap into the heart's profound wisdom.

Stay tuned for Pt. 2, where we dive into the science that supports the heart’s profoundness!