We are all familiar with the mind as the part of us that thinks! Most of us, if asked where the mind is, would point to our heads. Where else would it be? Believe it or not, the natural resting place of the mind is in the heart. Surprised or not convinced?

The heart is free, and through our heart, feelings arise freely, spontaneously. That spontaneity can extend to our mind, our thoughts and intentions. When the mind is centered, unperturbed and relaxed, it naturally settles here. In the heart, the mind can be open to the moment, to the experience of joy, to a sense of fullness and delight. These are actually the experiences we crave, and we often spend large amounts of money on vacations and entertainment to achieve even a glimpse of them.

Many of the practices in the great spiritual traditions prepare the mind to settle in the heart. Practices, such as prayer, meditation, and contemplation, chanting and even selfless or voluntary service tend to clear the mind of the negative impressions and experiences we tend to hold on to, and free it to re-enter the present moment of the heart.

People who act from their heart, and with their minds centered there, often have a power of presence . . .