Summary

The article advocates for living life guided by the heart's intuition and emotions rather than solely relying on the brain's logical analysis.

Abstract

The article "How to Live From the Heart and Not From the Brain" suggests a paradigm shift in how we approach life, emphasizing the importance of heart-centered living. It argues that while society often prioritizes intellectual prowess and competition, this can lead to stress and anxiety. Instead, the author proposes that by connecting with our true selves and trusting our heart's guidance, we can lead a more joyful and meaningful life. Living from the heart involves being present, compassionate, and following one's intuition, which the author suggests is a powerful tool for decision-making. The article also cites scientific research indicating the heart's significant role in influencing the brain and overall well-being, further supporting the idea that the heart possesses its own form of intelligence.

Opinions

The author believes that the current educational and societal systems overemphasize brain-centered thinking, which can lead to a sense of separation and competition.
It is posited that living from the heart can reduce stress and anxiety by fostering a sense of connection and love.
The article suggests that the heart's intrinsic cardiac nervous system, or "little brain," has a profound impact on our emotions and decision-making processes.
The author asserts that intuition and emotions are valuable and should be considered alongside rational thought when making decisions.
The article encourages practices such as meditation, spending time in nature, and expressing gratitude as ways to strengthen the connection with one's heart.
The author implies that forgiveness and living in the present moment are crucial for opening up the heart and attracting positivity into one's life.
The conclusion reiterates the significance of the heart's neural network and encourages readers to apply these principles in both digital and brick-and-mortar business contexts.
The author promotes becoming a Medium member to support their writing, suggesting that the content provided is valuable and worth investing in.

How to Live From the Heart and Not From the Brain

You’re taught to live from your brain and not from your heart starting at an early age. You’re sent to school to memorize facts and learn how things work. You’re taught that knowledge is key to solving problems and making something of yourself.

Our society is built on competitiveness, and you’re constantly compared to others. What grade did you get on that test? Is it average, better than average, or are you below the norm?

So you start your life off being conditioned to figure things out with your brain and you feel that you’re separate and in competition with everyone around you.

This way of living can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. You’re always trying to keep up with others and are fearful of making mistakes. You may even doubt your own abilities.

But what if there was another way?

What if you could live from your heart instead of your head?

Living from the heart means connecting with your true self and following your heart’s guidance. It means letting go of the need to control everything and trusting that things will work out.

It means being present in the moment and enjoying life instead of worrying about the future.

It means being kind and compassionate to yourself and others.

It means living with an open heart, even when it’s difficult.

When you live from your heart, you’ll find that life becomes more joyful and meaningful.

Instead of what you think you should do, you’ll be more in tune with your intuition and will make decisions based on what feels right for you.

You’ll be more compassionate and understanding towards yourself and others.

You’ll start to see the world differently and notice the beauty in everyday moments.

The heart is the seat of your emotions, and it’s where you feel connection and love. When you make decisions from your heart, you tap into something more powerful than your brain. You’re tapping into your intuition, your inner guidance system.

Scientists have discovered that the heart produces an electrical field 60 times greater in amplitude than the brain. In fact, the heart’s signal is so strong that it can be detected several feet away from the body.

One scientific study concluded the following:

“Dr. Armour, in 1991, discovered that the heart has its “little brain” or ‘intrinsic cardiac nervous system.’ This ‘heart brain’ is composed of approximately 40,000 neurons that are like neurons in the brain, meaning that the heart has its own nervous system. In addition, the heart communicates with the brain in many methods: neurologically, biochemically, biophysically, and energetically. The vagus nerve, which is 80% afferent, carries information from the heart and other internal organs to the brain. Signals from the ‘heart brain’ redirect to the medulla, hypothalamus, thalamus, amygdala, and the cerebral cortex. Thus, the heart sends more signals to the brain than vice versa…The heart is not just a pump. It has its neural network or ‘little brain.’”

There are numerous benefits to getting coherence between your heart and brain. I explain how to achieve coherence in another article I’ve written:

Everything Changes When You Harness the True Power and Intelligence of Your Heart

Your heart is the access point to your higher self

marybethhazeldine.medium.com

Some people may say that living from the heart is too risky or not logical. But the heart knows things that the brain doesn’t. The heart can feel things that the brain can’t.

Living from the heart doesn’t mean that you don’t use your brain. It just means that you’re not making decisions solely from your head. You’re taking into account your emotions and your intuition as well.

When you start making decisions from your heart, you’ll find that life becomes much more joyful and effortless. You’ll be in alignment with your true desires, and you’ll start attracting more of what you want into your life.

When you live from your heart, you’ll feel connected to everyone and everything in the universe rather than separate. You’ll feel a sense of community rather than competition. You’ll feel compassionate and loving towards yourself and others. You’ll see the beauty in everyday moments.

So how do you start living from the heart?

Here are some tips:

1. Listen to Your Emotions

Your emotions are like a guidance system, telling you whether you’re on the right track or not. If you’re feeling good, you’re in alignment with what you want. If you’re feeling negative emotions, it’s a sign that you’re out of alignment.

2. Follow Your Intuition

Your intuition is that inner voice that tells you what to do. It’s that gut feeling that you get. When you listen to your intuition and follow its guidance, you’ll find that life becomes a lot easier.

3. Connect with Your Heart

You can connect with your heart by meditating, spending time in nature, or doing anything that brings you joy. When you connect with your heart, you’ll feel more love and compassion for yourself and others.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

One of the most important things you can do is be kind to yourself. When you’re kind to yourself, you open up your heart and make it easier to live from that space.

5. Let Go of the Past

If you want to live from your heart, you need to let go of the past. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you’ve made, and let go of any hurt or pain that you’re holding onto. When you do this, you’ll make more room for love and happiness in your life.

6. Live in the Present Moment

One of the best things you can do for your heart is live in the present moment. When you’re fully present, you’re more likely to make decisions from your heart. You’re also more likely to feel joy and happiness.

7. Be grateful

Gratitude is one of the quickest ways to open up your heart. Try starting a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to think about what you’re grateful for. When you’re thankful for what you have, you start to attract more of the good into your life.

8. Give and receive love

When you give and receive love, you’re opening up your heart. Try to do something nice for someone every day, even if it’s just a simple act of kindness. You can also receive love by spending time with loved ones, being open to compliments, and accepting help from others.

Conclusion

The heart is not just a pump. It has its neural network or ‘little brain.’ The heart sends more signals to the brain than vice versa, and most importantly it often knows things that the cerebral cortex doesn’t.

Whether you’re selling a digital product online or you run a brick-and-mortar business, these behavioral neuroscience principles will work for you if you let them. Making a decision to live from the heart is the best thing you will ever do.

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