What a beautiful piece, Paulette! I just started reading The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder. It’s based on the five hearts concept developed by Sri Yukteswar, guru to Paramahansa Yogananda (who brought yoga to the western world). It seems to be a very practical book providing a roadmap to cultivating heart coherence. (Kimberly collaborated with the HeartMath team on studies of heart coherence.)
Thank you, Wendy. And thanks for the book recommendation. It sounds fascinating. Years ago, I taught the Traditions of Yoga at a local community college, and Paramahansa Yogananda's seminal autobiography, Autobiography of a Yogi, was on the recommended reading list. I'll look forward to exploring The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts.
I figured you knew his work. I read his book during my yoga teacher training years ago. I’ll look forward to connecting on 5 Hearts once we’ve both read it.
Paulette, Thank you for this reminder to pay more attention to our heart. I've always loved the teachings of HeartMath and their emphasis on heart/brain coherence. The yogic perspective on the heart is equally intriguing. I will remember to drop into my heart today.
In my last yoga class, the focus was on breathing. With each inhale, bring prana down into the heart center. With each exhale, bring prana up the central channel into the heart center. Allow the heart center to expand 360 degrees, even moving beyond the physical body.
I would (of course) sometimes lose focus, but it was a great intention to hold while practicing.
Thanks for this post—it reminds me to keep practicing nurturing the heart center with prana.
Thank you for reading and stopping by, Dan. That's a beautiful practice of breath and heart intention. Collectively, our hearts are hurting, and we need these reminders of care and focus.
It is so nice to see this post in December, Paulette. So many heart-inspired communication appear around Valentine's Day, and it really is a message for all days, isn't it?! Thank you for this!
I didn't make that connection to Valentine's Day, Cathy. Thanks for reminding me of that. I think my focus on the heart has resulted from my loved one's heart health concerns. In this current climate, it feels more essential for us to tend to the needs of our hearts. Thank you for reading and commenting.
LOL! My list of favorite poets is long—likely yours too so I totally get the point about the fairness of the question. Right now I’ll share David Whyte who is local to me and whom I’ve seen read his poetry in-person a few times now—he has an interesting and mesmerizing way of reading his work aloud that is much different then just the words on the page. I’ve also been into Joy Harjo and Ross Gay lately. Recently discovered, if you can believe it, Charles Bukowski so I’m working through one of his collections. And then always, always, always Mary Oliver. The prose poet who is always near the top for me is John O’Donohue. And joy of joys, I get to go see Robin Kimmerer in person this evening—thinking you might be familiar with her yourself. She wrote the transcendent “Braiding Sweetgrass.” Those a nonfiction work of prose and indigenous wisdom, it reads as poetry. Okay, your turn to share—fair or not.
Post lecture update: she did not disappoint! As part of the lecture package, we had the option of upgrading our tickets so that we got a free copy of her latest book: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World.” I’m saving it under our Christmas tree to open Dec. 25–a true gift.
I am glad the lecture did not disappoint Kert, I am sure Robin was superb. I have listed to some of her talks and they are always good. Her book is a wonderful gift to give yourself. I am sure the book will give you much pleasure, it’s now on my list for 2025.
Right! I wasn't introduced to poetry until later in life, so I have a lot of catching up to do! Oh, that would be so cool to listen to David Whyte live. I've attended a few of his three Sundays. I'm a huge Joy Harjo fan and am reading Ross Gay's Book of Delights again! I imagine how fabulous it would have been to have him as a professor. John O'Donohue is my go-to, as is Mary Oliver. Our own Substacker, Andrea Gibson! Antonio Machado, Mary Karr, and then, of course, Rumi and Hafiz. I have not heard of Charles Bukowski, and Braiding Sweetgrass is waiting to be read! Enjoy your evening, and you'll have to share about it.
What a beautiful piece, Paulette! I just started reading The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts by Kimberly Snyder. It’s based on the five hearts concept developed by Sri Yukteswar, guru to Paramahansa Yogananda (who brought yoga to the western world). It seems to be a very practical book providing a roadmap to cultivating heart coherence. (Kimberly collaborated with the HeartMath team on studies of heart coherence.)
Thank you, Wendy. And thanks for the book recommendation. It sounds fascinating. Years ago, I taught the Traditions of Yoga at a local community college, and Paramahansa Yogananda's seminal autobiography, Autobiography of a Yogi, was on the recommended reading list. I'll look forward to exploring The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts.
I figured you knew his work. I read his book during my yoga teacher training years ago. I’ll look forward to connecting on 5 Hearts once we’ve both read it.
Me as well, Wendy.
And, happy birthday!
Thank you.
Paulette, Thank you for this reminder to pay more attention to our heart. I've always loved the teachings of HeartMath and their emphasis on heart/brain coherence. The yogic perspective on the heart is equally intriguing. I will remember to drop into my heart today.
You're such a beautiful demonstration of that practice, Susan.
Thank you, Paulette!
In my last yoga class, the focus was on breathing. With each inhale, bring prana down into the heart center. With each exhale, bring prana up the central channel into the heart center. Allow the heart center to expand 360 degrees, even moving beyond the physical body.
I would (of course) sometimes lose focus, but it was a great intention to hold while practicing.
Thanks for this post—it reminds me to keep practicing nurturing the heart center with prana.
Thank you for reading and stopping by, Dan. That's a beautiful practice of breath and heart intention. Collectively, our hearts are hurting, and we need these reminders of care and focus.
discovered you from the Mindful Writer. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Hello Elizabeth, and welcome! Thanks for being here, and I look forward to reading your work.
I love learning all about the chakras, Paulette. Though I'd read about them years ago, there is so much I've forgotten. Thank you.
You’re welcome, Jeanine. It’s such a rich topic and so nuanced. You may have inspired another post.
"The color of my heart is a prism." SO beautiful, Paulette.Thanks for recording what you learned in listening.
Thank you for listening!
I love those answers from the heart in your poem. ❤️ Happy birthday month.
Thank you, Tara! Your post is in my queue to read; I'm looking forward to it.
Gorgeous post Paulette, your words and those of Mark Nepo are a balm for the soul. Here is another quote for you ..💗
Your heart is the size of an ocean. Go find yourself in its hidden depths.
— Rumi
It is so nice to see this post in December, Paulette. So many heart-inspired communication appear around Valentine's Day, and it really is a message for all days, isn't it?! Thank you for this!
I didn't make that connection to Valentine's Day, Cathy. Thanks for reminding me of that. I think my focus on the heart has resulted from my loved one's heart health concerns. In this current climate, it feels more essential for us to tend to the needs of our hearts. Thank you for reading and commenting.
So beautiful! Thank you Paulette! I love Mark Nepo’s work.
Thank you, Kert. I'm not surprised that we share the love of his work. What other poet is at the top of your list? Is that even a fair question??
LOL! My list of favorite poets is long—likely yours too so I totally get the point about the fairness of the question. Right now I’ll share David Whyte who is local to me and whom I’ve seen read his poetry in-person a few times now—he has an interesting and mesmerizing way of reading his work aloud that is much different then just the words on the page. I’ve also been into Joy Harjo and Ross Gay lately. Recently discovered, if you can believe it, Charles Bukowski so I’m working through one of his collections. And then always, always, always Mary Oliver. The prose poet who is always near the top for me is John O’Donohue. And joy of joys, I get to go see Robin Kimmerer in person this evening—thinking you might be familiar with her yourself. She wrote the transcendent “Braiding Sweetgrass.” Those a nonfiction work of prose and indigenous wisdom, it reads as poetry. Okay, your turn to share—fair or not.
All the greats!! What a gift to see Robin Kimmerer. I, too, have seen David Whyte read in person. Also a treat!
Yes! And the list is growing
Wonderful suggestions Kert, how fabulous to have an evening with Robin Kimmerer. Braiding Sweet Grass is one of my favourite books.
Post lecture update: she did not disappoint! As part of the lecture package, we had the option of upgrading our tickets so that we got a free copy of her latest book: “The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World.” I’m saving it under our Christmas tree to open Dec. 25–a true gift.
I am glad the lecture did not disappoint Kert, I am sure Robin was superb. I have listed to some of her talks and they are always good. Her book is a wonderful gift to give yourself. I am sure the book will give you much pleasure, it’s now on my list for 2025.
Thanks for the update! I’m thrilled it was a great event. And how fun to gift yourself and enjoy on Christmas Day.
Right! I wasn't introduced to poetry until later in life, so I have a lot of catching up to do! Oh, that would be so cool to listen to David Whyte live. I've attended a few of his three Sundays. I'm a huge Joy Harjo fan and am reading Ross Gay's Book of Delights again! I imagine how fabulous it would have been to have him as a professor. John O'Donohue is my go-to, as is Mary Oliver. Our own Substacker, Andrea Gibson! Antonio Machado, Mary Karr, and then, of course, Rumi and Hafiz. I have not heard of Charles Bukowski, and Braiding Sweetgrass is waiting to be read! Enjoy your evening, and you'll have to share about it.
Lovely!!! ♥️♥️♥️
Thanks, Sue.
Beautiful ♥️ happy birthday month !!
Thank you, dear Dunia.
Happy Birthday! Beautiful post 🫶🏻