The Wisdom of the Heart

We each are confronted with moments in our lives in which we are faced with difficult choices that need to be made. Perhaps these moments involve a change of location, a job transition, a divorce, or some other circumstance which forces us to make hard decisions that deeply affect us. Such periods often make us feel like loan trees being lashed by a violent wind. Just as a heavy wind bends a tree, we, too, waver as we struggle with the difficulty of choice.

What is right and necessary for us? What will make us happy? What will benefit us in the long run? Can't we please put this awful choice off a little longer?

I was recently faced with just such a difficult choice. I was very torn, because my head was trying to remain logical and rational, and telling me that I was overreacting to a difficult situation. However, my heart was gently encouraging me in a totally different direction. I spent many restless hours contemplating the contrasting views of my head and my heart. Which was I to obey? What should I do?

As I struggled with my difficult choice, I thought about the roles of our heads and hearts within our lives. The head, the mind, is the center of rational, logical thought processes. Our head helps us in negotiating contracts, deciphering difficult reading material, and dissecting scientific theories. It is no nonsense, practical and pragmatic. It is of tremendous value in day-to-day life. Yet, the stiff logic of the mind often leaves no room for dreams, emotions and the blooming of enlightening ideas.

The heart, in contrast, centers on love and compassion, dreams, ideas and gentle intuitive guidance. It asks for comfort in times of tragedy, yet it is amazingly resilient. The heart is the realm of our own personal and unique truths. Some say that our heart is the place where the spark of God within each of us, resides to guide and teach us. The heart is never a harsh critic. In the face of adversity, it remains optimistic. And in the face of difficult choices, its voice speaks softly but firmly.

As I spent restless nights wrestling with my choice, the clamor of that logical voice in my head seemed to dim in comparison to the gentle, yet annoyingly persistent voice of my heart. As I continued to consider my choice, I slowly began to realize that my heart was leading me on the correct path for me to follow. Ironically, it would have been far easier to give into the logic of my head. Yet, through it's wise and gentle counsel, the guidance of my heart won out in the end. The choice it helped me to make was the more difficult choice, but it was also the path that led to the peace, which I was so desperately seeking.

As you struggle with the choices in your own life, I encourage you not to forget about that soft voice in your heart. It speaks with love and compassion, and it has an inordinate amount of knowledge and wisdom to share with you, should you choose to hear it. Often times, this wisdom you will learn about yourself, when listening to your heart, will surprise you. Ego does not play a part in the heart's plan, and this is one reason why listening to the heart often leads to such important truths. Give your heart its say when making decisions, and allow it to assist you in discovering more peace, abundance and fulfillment. The heart's advice is not always the smoother road, but finding the treasures that await you at the road's end, is well worth the journey.