Hand on Heart

I’m starting a series inspired by the warmth I feel when I place my hands over my heart, when I guide students in classes to do the same, the flicker of warmth across their face and body language with this simple act of stacking hands over the heart space.

First, it’s the signal of coming home to yourself. A literal check-in, an intentional stop or pause in activity, class, conversation or task. Its power goes beyond the physical touch that is both soothing and calming. Goes beyond the performative display of being connected to what’s going on inside.

Second, we say ‘hand on heart’ when we are being sincere, honest and vulnerable. This proclamation demonstrates empathy, it connects us to ourselves and to the people around us. It encourages others into a safe space to be themselves, to speak authentically and with hand on heart, also from the heart.

Thirdly (not finally), to rest hands on the heart and then add in conscious breath, swallowing a sip of coffee or your favourite tea, feeling how it feels to be connected whilst experiencing these delights makes the rest of the world fall to the edge of the mind even for that moment. You and your heart, you and the rhythm of its beat, you and your breath.

We think about ourselves an awful lot, how often are we curious about what we need, or how we might be able to shift to a more compassionate place?

Follow me on Substack for the full series when it lands