We All Face Challenges in Life.

Whether they are small day-to-day annoyances or larger issues, they can really affect us. Have you ever taken the time to notice what is actually happening inside your body in the heat of the moment?

Some people feel physical pain, some put up a wall to protect themselves, some get extremely tense, some get hot and flushed, some feel intense emotions, and the list goes on. Everyone has a different way of reacting when things go “wrong” in their world.

As humans, our instinct is to protect ourselves in any way we know how, whether it is conscious or subconscious. But what if we do the opposite? What if we focus on keeping our hearts open all the time?

The only thing we have control over in life is how we respond to what happens around us.

Try this experiment: Next time you get upset or something seems to go “wrong” in your life, see what your first reaction is. Then, focus on your heart being open-feel your chest open instead of close. See your heart shining through and ask yourself if you are coming from an open heart and a place of love, how would you respond to this situation? Can you find a better response this way?

Of course, this can be easier said than done, and it takes practice before it becomes second nature. I know I have been consciously practicing this more and more through the last few years. It makes a big difference in my quality of life.

I first heard of this approach in Michael Singer’s book, “The Untethered Soul,” and it really stuck with me.

I encourage you to try it out and see what happens.

Nichole Bontrager

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