Throughout the ages, the heart has been referred to as a source of not only virtue and love, but also of intelligence. One of the most prevalent themes in ancient traditions and inspirational writing is the heart as a flowing spring of intelligence.

Many ancient cultures, including the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Babylonian, and Greek, assert that the heart is the primary organ responsible for influencing and directing our emotions and our decision-making ability. Similar perspectives of the heart as a source of intelligence are found in Hebrew, Christian, Chinese, Hindu, and Islamic traditions. For example, the Old Testament saying in Proverbs 23:7, "For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," is further developed in the New Testament in Luke 5:22, "What reason ye in your hearts?"

The characteristic of balance and the attainment of bodily equilibrium are also recognized as the essence of Yoga traditions, which identifies the heart as the seat of individual consciousness and the center of life. In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is seen as the connection between the mind and the body, forming a bridge between the two.

Even with all these traditions and colorful heart metaphors, most of us have been taught that the heart is just a ten-ounce muscle that pumps blood and maintains circulation until we die. Medical science asserts that the brain rules all of the body's organs, including the heart. However, it is interesting to note that the heart starts beating in the unborn fetus even before the brain has been formed.

Neuroscientists have recently discovered exciting new information about the heart that makes us realize it's far more complex than we'd ever imagined. Instead of simply pumping blood, it may actually direct and align many systems in the body so that they can function in harmony with one another.

These scientists have found that the heart has its own independent nervous system – a complex system referred to as "the brain in the heart." There are at least forty thousand neurons (nerve cells) in the heart – as many as are found in various subcortical centers of the brain.

The heart communicates with the brain and the rest of the body in three ways documented by solid scientific evidence: neurologically (through transmissions of nerve impulses), biochemically (through hormones and neurotransmitters), and biophysically (through pressure waves). In addition, growing scientific evidence suggests that the heart may communicate with the brain and body in a fourth way – energetically (through electromagnetic field interactions). Through these biological communication systems, the heart has a significant influence on the function of our brains and all our Systems.

This new scientific evidence shows that the heart uses these methods to send our brain extensive emotional and intuitive signals. Along with this understanding that the heart is in constant communication with the brain, scientists are discovering that our hearts may actually be the "intelligent force" behind the intuitive thoughts and feelings we all experience.

Thanks to the discovery of heart intelligence, with its premise of the heart as a primary source of emotions, we have a new paradigm for understanding our emotions. With the strong scientific tie established between our wellness factor through emotional management. The more we learn to listen to and follow our heart intelligence, the more educated, balanced, and coherent our emotions become. And it naturally follows that the more balanced and coherent our emotions become, the less likely we will be to experience sickness and disease.

Because of the ever growing scientific research on heart intelligence, it may be time we developed a new personal attitude about following our hearts."

Tips for learning to recognize our heart's intelligence:

Think positive thoughts throughout the day to increase your personal energy. Our internal power, or the amount of physical, mental, and emotional energy we have, is a determining factor in the quality of our lives. Internal power translates into vitality and resiliency. Positive thoughts and feelings add energy to our system. Negative thoughts and feelings deplete our personal energy.

Encourage your deepest heart feelings. There are many positive heart feelings including love, compassion, nonjudgment, courage, patience, sincerity, forgiveness, appreciation, gratitude, and care. Experiencing these feelings increases synchronization and coherence in our heart's rhythmic patterns. Each of these heart feelings has a powerful, beneficial effect on how we relate to life.

Reduce your stress. The less stress we feel, the less internal confusion we will experience, and the easier it will be to hear our heart's intelligence. When we are relaxed, we don't need to strain our body to stay focused and productive.

Focus on recognizing your heart's intelligence and realize the importance of listening to it before making choices. The brain operates in a linear, logical manner that works great for many problems but can limit us in others. Often we need more than logic to solve a problem, especially if it is an emotional one.

Heart intelligence provides us with an intuitive awareness that is expanded beyond linear, logical thinking. As a result, our perspective usually becomes more flexible, creative, and comprehensive.

Use meditation or calm, quiet moments to reflect on your heart's intelligence and listen for intuitive thoughts. Make time each day to sit quietly and focus on your heart. Imagine you are breathing through your heart. Calm your mind. Try to not think of anything but breathing through your heart. When your mind is clear, you will begin to receive impressions and ideas. These are coming from your heart. Pay attention.

Use therapeutic-grade essential oils. Experiment with essential oil blends such as:

• Aroma Life (#3306)
• Awaken (#3312)
• Clarity (#3321)
• Envision (#3337)
• Harmony (#3351)
• Inspiration (#3366)
• Joy (#3372)
• Magnify Your Purpose (#3377)
• Peace and Calming (#3393)
• Present Time (#3396)
• White Angelica (#3432)

Reprinted from Young Living Essential News, February, 2002.

To learn more, read:
About The Cardiovascular System Doing What It Takes For Heart Health