Listen from the Heart

Another way of peacefully abiding in the present moment is to go to the heart and listen from there.

So often our focus is on trying to analyze life’s complexities or resolve various issues using the brain.

As an alternative to this rather stressful way of living, one can instead bring attention directly to the center of the chest—or what is sometimes known as the “heart chakra”—and allow the sensations there to become conscious. This takes training and patience, but it gives very good results.

So the next time you’re in a meeting and you start to feel agitated, see if you can bring your attention to the physical sensations at the center of the chest. Rest your attention there and see what happens.

This reflection by Ajahn Viradhammo is from the book, The Contemplative’s Craft, (pdf) p. 148.