Have you had your heart torn apart?

A heart is resilient. It beats continuously from you enter until you leave this mortal plane. In addition to having a physiological function, it is the energetic centre of your body, as it generates a powerful electromagnetic field that extends several feet beyond the physical body. This field is measurable by sensitive instruments called magnetometers. The heart's electromagnetic field is part of a dynamic system where energy flow significantly influences your emotions, thoughts, movements, and behaviours.

Yet, it is sensitive in all its resilience.

I remember the first time I said "I love you" after my divorce. I said it to my daughter. The feeling of saying these words ... it felt like removing a titan layer from the center of my chest. I believe I hadn't said it out loud for eight or nine years.

Research by the HeartMath Institute highlights the concept of heart-brain coherence, a state where the heart, mind, and emotions align energetically. Achieving coherence can enhance emotional stability, mental clarity, and overall well-being, positioning the heart as a central energetic hub that harmonizes various bodily systems. I use my Apple watch to measure HRV - heart rate variability.

I have walked a long path spiritually. My earliest memories running barefoot in a park, the sun filtering through the trees, the feeling of connection with the All...

From an energetic and spiritual perspective, the heart is associated with the fourth chakra, known as the heart chakra. This energy center is traditionally linked to feelings of love, compassion, empathy, and connection. When balanced, the heart chakra promotes emotional health, prosperity, security, and a dynamic presence, further emphasising the heart's role as an energetic center. Spiritual researchers believe that the Earth also has chakras. And I have a hypothesis that her heart chakra is about to close...

When I met love again, a year after my divorce, I was ecstatic. The pain I experienced when it ended was equally strong, eventually becoming part of the (cognitive) foundation for me becoming a monk.

I believe I have always had a strong connection with my heart. I remember, at the age of 10, lying in bed, and slowing my heart-rate down using my mind, breath and focus.

Research shows that individuals who are more consciously aware of their heartbeat ("good heartbeat counters") experience emotions such as fear, anger, and joy more intensely. This heightened awareness of the heart's activity can amplify emotional experiences and even enhance empathy toward others.

Here's an exercise for you: find the quiet centre in yourself. Close your eyes, breathe in-and-out through your nose, and search for the sound of your heartbeat. Adjust your body as necessary to find your deepest level of relaxation. Your body knows how - no matter what happens outside yourself.

I like to use the image of a baby breathing for this exercise. Like a wave, breath moves in and out. No strain, no tension. Simply flow.

The heart and brain are intimately connected through neural pathways. The limbic system, the brain's emotional center, directly interacts with the heart, meaning that changes in heart rhythm and activity can influence emotional processing and perception. Likewise, your emotions influence your heart rhythm. A beautiful dance.

So, have you had your heart torn apart? There is hope for you.

But first - a musical break. The first time I met the original of this song, I was so touched, I started crying. It spoke to me in a way words can't describe. So I had to make my own version: A prayer for those ready to wake up.

Some ideas you can explore:

• Practice heart-brain coherence through focused breathing and positive emotions.

• Engage in mindfulness and meditation to deepen emotional awareness and resilience.

• Cultivate positive emotions like gratitude and compassion regularly.

• Participate in regular physical activities that nourish your cardiovascular and emotional health.

• Create meaningful connections to foster emotional support and empathy.

Don't fall into the positivity-trap, though. Our darker emotions are fuel to create change in our lives. Acknowledge them!

As expressed in a poem I wrote some 35 years ago. Thanks to Gemini Advanced by Google for help with the translation into English.

The Shadow

A vague feeling that

someone

is kissing my

earlobe

Something black moves

in

the corner of my eye

A tickle at

the back of my head as if

someone

is watching me

Dark evening

"What are you doing here?"

I stretch

my hand

out

A breeze-light shadow

brushes

me

across

my ring finger, into

my palm, following

my pulse

The shadow smells faintly

dusty and

very

familiar

I stroke it

back.

Blessed be, Håkon