Awaken Your Heart
This post was inspired by the work of Jonathan Fisher, MD, FACC, a cardiologist, my friend, and the author of Just One Heart. Thank you, Jonathan, for writing a book full of so much wisdom.
February is Heart Month making it the perfect time to raise awareness about heart health and all its dimensions: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Your heart is more than just an organ that keeps you alive; it is the powerhouse of your body, the emotional center of your being, the bridge to your relationships, and the core of your inner wisdom. By awakening your heart, you can live with greater vitality, resilience, and purpose.
The Heart: A Muscle, an Emotional Center, and More
Physically, the heart is the engine of your body, beating approximately 100,000 times a day and pumping nearly 2,000 gallons of blood to nourish your organs. It keeps you moving, thinking, feeling, and connecting. But your heart is not just a mechanical pump—it is deeply intertwined with your emotions, relationships, and sense of purpose.
When you experience emotional distress, your heart responds. Studies show that severe emotional pain, such as the loss of a loved one, can lead to a condition called broken heart syndrome (stress cardiomyopathy), where the heart temporarily weakens under stress. Even losing a pet or a job can trigger increased heart rate, blood pressure spikes, and inflammation, all of which can strain the cardiovascular system. Research indicates that major life disruptions can increase the risk of heart disease by 20-30% due to prolonged stress and emotional toll.
With so much at stake, it’s crucial to nurture your heart—not just with exercise and a healthy diet but by cultivating positive emotions, meaningful connections, and a sense of purpose.
So, what can you do to nurture your heart at a deeper level? Let’s look at 8 Heart Wakers*
*A term coined by Dr. Fisher in his book, Just One Heart
Heart Wakers: Eight Ways to Nurture Your Heart
To awaken your heart, consider these eight Heart Wakers. They are simple, powerful ways to strengthen the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of your heart:
1. Gratitude – A daily gratitude practice can lower stress and reduce inflammation. Try starting or ending your day by listing three things you’re grateful for.
2. Optimism – A hopeful mindset has been linked to lower risks of heart disease. Shift your focus to solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
3. Kindness – Acts of kindness release oxytocin, which helps regulate blood pressure. Hold the door for someone, send an encouraging message, or give a compliment.
4. Generosity – Giving, whether time or resources, boosts mood and reduces stress. Volunteer, donate, or simply offer support to a friend in need.
5. Joy – Engaging in activities that bring joy enhances overall well-being. Whether it’s dancing, painting, or being in nature, make time for what lights you up.
6. Laughter – Laughter increases blood flow and improves vascular function. Watch a funny movie, share jokes, or spend time with people who make you laugh.
7. Purpose – A strong sense of purpose is associated with a longer, healthier life. Set meaningful goals and align your actions with what truly matters to you.
8. Compassion & Love – Strong relationships and emotional connections protect heart health. Make time for loved ones, express appreciation, and show compassion to yourself and others.
A Call to Awaken Your Heart
The more we intentionally nurture our hearts, the more we cultivate resilience, emotional balance, deep connections, and spiritual fulfillment. Studies show that people with strong emotional and social support systems are up to 50% less likely to develop heart disease. By awakening your hearts, you will protect your physical health, and create a life rich in meaning, love, and joy.
If you’re ready to awaken your heart, consider joining us for the “Awaken Your Heart” mini-retreat on Saturday, October 8, at Trinity Presbyterian Church.
This transformative experience will be facilitated by Dr. Jonathan Fisher, Scott Greenapple, Kate Sullivan Siano, and me—The Awaken Your Heart Team. Together, we will guide you through practices to strengthen and awaken your heart in every dimension—physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.
Your heart is more than a muscle, it is the core of who you are. Take the time to nurture it, awaken it, and live with greater intention.
If you are ready to awaken your heart, click the learn more button below.
Awaken Your Heart Mini Retreat February 8, 2025
A Charlotte Heart-Centered Wellbeing Experience.
Learn how EHA empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to THRIVE.
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