UNDERSTANDING THE HEART

Folklore common to several Native American tribes refers to their belief that human purpose must circulate through what is recognised by them as “the four-chambered heart.”

Each of the chambers has a distinct identity.

The first chamber signifies being “wholehearted.” It represents the core purpose created out of attention towards intention; what we focus on in terms of what we want.

The second chamber addresses our need and desire for creation in this world. It represents being “stronghearted” and emphasises this quality rather than being weak hearted. Our urge to create should be pursued with perfect persistence and undefeatable determination.

The third chamber reflects the importance of being “clearhearted.” This means that we must pursue a course of action only when we feel clear-hearted about a situation. Sometimes, we are impelled to act by intuition, and the impulses might seem foggy to the mind, but if the heart is clear, the path is clear.

Finally, the fourth chamber symbolises being “openhearted” in all that you are and in all that you do. The alignment between “being” and “doing” is perfectly balanced. Your attitudes and actions reflect your aspirations and affirmations.

In essence, the merging of characteristics pertaining to the four chambers informs us that the purpose of life is to lead a life of purpose.

We can realise this by blending the attributes of the four chambers in defining our intentions. We need to immerse ourselves in life by feeling strongly about issues. We can’t command our passions; they are self-propelling.

Our passions should then ensure that we are wholehearted in our endeavours. At the same time, we have a clear feeling about what it is we wish to manifest; in truth, manifesting the unmanifested.

And all our actions should be carried out with an openness that welcomes the emergence of our happiest desires. In this manner, we dynamically contribute towards our own aliveness.

“When the power of love overcomes the love of power then there will be true peace.”

~ Sri Chimoy

[To be continued in the Next Post. Excerpted from the 'Lifescaping' seminar participant's manual. The 'Lifescaping' seminar is conducted by Dilip Mukerjea about four times a year under the auspices of the Singapore Institute of Management.]