Integrating Your Heart and Your Head

We often absorb a lot through reading, conversations and internet surfing but it can stay in our minds without a transformative effect in our lives. Why is that? Sometimes it’s because we are in a gathering mode of taking in information. At othe times, it can be the emotional difficulties of taking what we have a rational understanding about and living it . It’s easier to have an intellectual understanding that doesn’t become a lived experience. This is one reason why people like movies and music: It’s hard to stay distant when you are watching a movie. We experience more and our walls get broken down a bit. People cry in movies, who may have difficulty tearing up in life.

Applying what’s in your head into your life is important. For instance, if your spouse and family members have told you that you spend too much time working and not enough with the family, this may be something you agree with upon reflection. You can recognize this, but moving into an interactive mode with the family may be difficult when you were used to being in the “workaholic ” mode. This is a new skill to learn so give yourself some time and don’t be too hard on yourself as you work on this aspect of your personality.

It may be awkward at first and you may not be sure what to do sitting in the family with your own kids after dinner if this is something you’ve ignored. Take it as a learning process and know you’ll be going through some growth pains. It also will be different for the kids to have you around more and a routine change that is new for them. 

The willingness to change an old habit and to create a new one seals in your intent and when you close the door to an old pattern you are making tremendous strides. Your intent is what will carry you along and once that decision is there in your heart you have already started to move in this new direction. Expect there to be some uncomfortableness in moving from the old to the new and be proud of your inner decision to change. Practice is what is key for carrying something from the head into the heart.