Heart Reading … Day 38

Reading from the heart — a reflection on conscious competence

Goodness… The world is in so much turmoil that to read the news from one’s heart could have significant health consequences. But this is the only way I know how to properly consume media and I consume with care and caution from outlets I’ve come to trust to be similarly heart-centered.

My partner and I have started reading an in-depth article every day or two about systemic change that is going to support our desire to take more direct action and do more intentional work together. We’ve sketched out a draft plan and these articles are filling in the color. Today we read a few articles and after reading An Anti-Imperial Perspective from a Veteran of the US Occupation (of Afghanistan), this one (also by CrimeThinc) explains that to change everything we must start everywhere. It’s gorgeously motivating. Most of the articles I read from my heart compel me to reach out to either share with others or connect with the author. I am looking forward to the day when we waste so little energy on basic life stressors that we all have an abundance of energy to invest in each other.

I was inspired to wield my power to initiate reconciliation with someone after reading this; I sincerely failed and likely made things between us more tenuous— but I also made it absolutely clear that I am not giving up on this particular relationship. Sometimes the heart has no words…

I have to admit that typing the above subtitle, “reading from the heart” surprised me more than it should have given what an obvious extension of this daily Heart Reading practice it is. I am consciously competent of how my heart engages with what I read, who I think about, and how I speak, but I have a lot of work still to do in order to have impact in a way that is as heart-centered and multifaceted as my desire and vision.