Adventures With Elaine

Living from your Heart

Hi Family and Friends,

Driving from Colorado to Michigan gave me the opportunity to enJOY all the variations of Spring! From Cottonwood Trees turning chartreuse green in Fort Collins, to manicured farm fields in Iowa, to a crayon box of greens in Michigan.

Curiously the energy center of the heart, frequently referred to as the Heart Chakra, is represented by the color green. So, as nature comes into bloom it is a reminder for me to open my heart to life.One of the finest gifts I received in South Africa that is so clear to me right now was the opportunity to live each and every day from my heart. 

It is a very different experience then living from my mind. It made my daily life experiences softer, sweeter, and deeper. It quieted my 'mind chatter,' anxieties and worries, judgments and assumptions. It was so freeing, that I decided to consciously live from my heart when I returned to the United States. I am learning that is not an easy thing to do, because we are so mental in our approach to living in this Country.

Most of us are multi-taskers, which means we have to compartmentalize our thoughts and plans to cope with juggling numerous activities. We have a high need for predictability and control, and when those two things elude us, we become even more mental. Always thinking, thinking, thinking!

Over these last two weeks, I have already noticed how my mind wants to know my next steps, my next destination. It is programmed to have a 'plan!' I don't think there is anything wrong with that since it does limit the chaos in our lives. But, I also don't think we were meant to do it constantly. I think each of us has a part in us that wants to throw caution to the wind, and just see what happens. But, we deem it too risky, or time is insufficient or we are too busy.

It's been pretty easy to tell when I am living from my heart. There is a distinct absence of needing to plan, follow timelines, worry, control, manipulate, control, problem-solve, control, etc. I think you are sensing the control part at this point. Living in my heart is about giving up control; and, the irony is, I feel more in charge of myself than ever.

Since, I left Santa Fe on May 19th, I have changed my plans twice now and this coming week will see a third shift in plans. The radio show I am recording ten pod casts for was delayed a week, so I have spent extra special time with my oldest daughter and part of her family. Prior to that all my daughters gathered in Michigan over

Memorial weekend so I left Denver a few days earlier than I planned and joined them and their dad for a delightful re-union. There were many sweet, simple moments even though the main reason for coming together was to support their dad through some medical challenges.

I learned how balancing life's up and downs is so much easier when done in a circle of love and caring. I also learned how easy it is to change my plans when my heart makes the decision. During this time, I have kept up with my work commitments, but instead of being in charge of my life, I inserted these commitments with ease into what really matters most in my life right now. This is incredibly freeing and I invite you to try it.

Next week, I will be heading for Philadelphia which sort of came out of nowhere ... I look forward to the adventure! 

With Gratitude,

Elaine