Following your own heart is not easy, especially in a busy and demanding culture. However, despite all the demands of your life, there are many ways to reach a sacred space for yourself. You can try your best to live according to your heart, so you can enjoy life more and be more open to the people around you.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Identifying Your Own Conscience
Step 1. Make a list of things you want to achieve
A bucket list (a list of things you want to do before you die) can help you find your heart's direction. Try to set some possible achievable goals (don't set unrealistic goals). This list will be a great source of inspiration when looking for meaningful things to achieve in life. If it really comes from the heart, this list will reflect some of your deepest interests and aspirations.
Step 2. Create an open space
The first step to getting in touch with your heart more deeply is to take the space and time to talk. You must sit still without any distractions so that your heart can reveal its contents. You can create a sitting room especially for you. You can also light a candle and create a comfortable environment for the session.
Step 3. Listen to your heart
When all the conditions are favorable, you can start a business to open up with your heart. You can ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” Wait a few moments after the question is asked for a response that comes from your heart. This will train your heart and deepest desires to reveal themselves.
- You can also use a technique called Focusing, which is very useful for getting in touch with your body. Here's how:
- Once you've organized the space and asked what's going on inside of you, pay attention to your body's response. Do not search for the answer, just watch from a distance. For example, your body's response may be a feeling of tightness in your chest. Just watch this answer from a distance.
- Try to interpret the sensation. Usually this is done by saying a short word or phrase. For example, try saying "tightness" or "chest pressure" or "tension." Keep repeating the words until they match the sensation you are feeling.
- Repeat between the sensation and the word that describes it. Check and see how the two interact. See if bodily sensations change when you pronounce the correct name.
- Ask yourself what causes this sensation. What is going on in your life right now that is causing the tightness in your chest? Don't look for the answer, just let the response show itself. This may take several tries. Focusing takes practice, but it can help you be more open to your heart and to what's going on inside you.
Step 4. Take time each day
A chaotic life can reduce your ability to follow your heart. Set aside time each day for yourself. Don't let other things bother you. Here are some suggestions of things to do during this time.
- Meditation. Meditation has both mental and physical benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. Try sitting straight for 10 minutes in a quiet place. Focus your mind on one thing, such as the sensation of air passing through your nose, or an object like a pencil. When your mind is distracted from the object, gently remind yourself to refocus.
- Shower comfortably. Relaxation in the water has properties like any other relaxation technique. This is a very good way to rest. You can use this time to reflect on your life, or simply to enjoy the silence and the warm sensation of a bath.
- Get together with friends. You probably don't spend much time with friends, so “your time” might be perfect for taking a friend out for coffee and a chat.
Step 5. Find an activity that interests you
Society has a huge influence on your brain. Generally, one is advised to think before acting to make rational decisions. However, this results in your intuition or heart rarely speaking. Both of these can make life more enjoyable than your normal routine and efficiency. Look for activities that touch your heart instead of just using your brain.
- For example, if you enjoy reading, incorporate reading time into your schedule. Ask for interesting book recommendations from friends or relatives. Maybe a poetry book can touch your heart.
- If you are a movie buff, watch a good movie that touches your heart.
- Spend time with nature. If you want to feel more alive and close to yourself, try this option.
Part 2 of 3: Organizing Your Life
Step 1. Ask a therapist for help if it helps
If the problems that are preventing you from following your heart are difficult to deal with alone or with the help of a friend, consider getting the services of a professional. Many therapists who handle this case in their daily life. If your childhood was troubled, your marriage was ruined, or you were under too much stress, a therapist can help you rediscover your heart and feel more alive.
- Somatic experience therapy is similar to Focusing, in that you focus on bodily sensations instead of thoughts and memories.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you check the thoughts and beliefs that are stuck in your head and prevent you from following your heart.
- You can find a therapist in your city via the internet.
Step 2. Ask a friend for help
Sometimes, it's really hard to try to follow your heart alone. Therefore, ask a good friend to help you. Focusing can be done with friends: you both do this process together and report to each other what they have felt. You can also talk about each other's lives and express a desire to get closer to each other's hearts. Maybe your friend has some good suggestions. In addition, friends can also be a place to express a good heart and the impact of expressing emotions through words is very strong.
For example, you could say, “Hey, I'm really following my heart and need someone to talk to. Would you like to spare a moment?”
Step 3. Live your life
A person is easily trapped and lives due to the pressure of others, such as friends, family, spouse or even children. If you want to follow your heart, make sure you live according to your wishes and not from those around you. This is one of the most common regrets people say before his death.
- Ask yourself, “Is this what I want, or is it what the people around me want?”
- There is nothing wrong with being generous and doing things for others. However, you must find a balance between being honest with yourself and being kind and helping others. That way, you won't feel too tired and lose touch with your heart.
Step 4. Commit to a path
Changing your mind can be an easy way out of a difficult situation. If you always back away from problems, you will never learn from failure and make progress. You must commit to the path you choose. Commitment will give you the strength to overcome adversity. Nobody said that following your heart was easy. < If you feel that there are many obstacles to this commitment, whether related to education or career, you should rethink whether you are really following your heart.
Avoid mistaking natural obstacles and difficulties as big obstacles. Sometimes it's normal to feel disappointed, even if the path you're taking is right for you. If you're not sure you're doing the right thing, try asking someone you trust, such as a good friend or relative
Step 5. Clean and organize your personal space
Your environment has a huge influence on your mood. For example, color has a huge effect on how a person feels. Make sure your home is clean and tidy. Change the wall paint color if you don't like the previous color. Decorate with artwork that evokes your “beauty response.” Post pictures of your loved ones. These activities will change how you feel and make it easier to follow your heart.
Part 3 of 3: Doing What You Want
Step 1. Do expressive activities
There are several activities that can help touch your heart. The purpose of these activities is to open yourself up to your innermost heart or desire. A style of self-expression like in the fine arts can help you be more open with your heart. Here are some suggestions:
- Music. Try joining a choir or learning to play the guitar
- Art. Take a painting or sculpting class
- Dance. Join a Salsa dance class or dance workout at the gym
- Drama. See if the theater in your city is accepting new members. Acting is a great way to express your creativity
Step 2. Do freewriting
Your life often has your deepest desires and daily routines constrained by expectations and obligations. Free writing exercises can help you access your heart and develop a closer relationship with an important part of yourself.
Choose a topic and write it down on a piece of paper. Your topic can be just one word, such as “traveling,” or a short statement, such as “My thoughts on traveling.” Set a time limit of 5-10 minutes and try to write down everything related to the chosen topic without thinking too much about the content. Don't plan the content of your writing. This activity aims to let the mind take over you unconsciously and not the other way around
Step 3. Practice mindfulness meditation
There are two ways to live life: to be something and to do something. Many people are stuck in the "doing something" mode in running their lives. This mode is necessary to live the fast-paced and high-pressure culture we have today. However, the “doing something” mode can make it harder for you to hear your body's needs and stop enjoying life. Mindfulness meditation can strengthen the “become something” mode that will begin to help you follow your heart.
Sit in an upright and comfortable position. Get used to this position for a few minutes. Start paying attention to what's going on in your experience. Your mind will often wander, various sensations will be felt in your body, and various random feelings will arise in your mind. Watch everything that happens while keeping your distance without reacting. Imagine that you are a scientist and are observing this experience without being disturbed at all. If you are used to doing this activity in a quiet and safe environment, try doing it in your daily life while doing other things
Step 4. Take big steps
Determine your big strides based on your wish list and overall life goals. This could be going back to school to get an education, moving to another city with greater opportunities, or quitting your job to do something more in your heart. We recommend discussing your decision with friends and family before it is fully implemented to see their response and support.
Step 5. Make small changes
You don't have to make big changes in your life to start following your heart. See if there is a daily routine that you can change to suit your heart. For example, maybe you want to spend more time with friends, or watch television less. Go over your wish list for small changes you can make to achieve what you want.
