Dear friend,
These are tough times for many of us.
And yet, there is still a way home—perhaps shorter than you think.
It goes through your heart.
Today I’m sending you some gentle support to help regulate your emotions, release stress, and come softly and kindly back to yourself. This practice is inspired by HeartMath and, of course, expressive arts therapy.
About the heart
The French word for heart is cœur. It is closely related to the word for courage, courage.
In poetry, novels, films, and music, the heart—as we all know—is also the home of love.
Love—if it is to be more than a fleeting feeling that disappears the moment the one we direct it toward no longer pleases us or feels attractive—requires courage. It must be chosen again and again, even when fear or anger pulls us in the opposite direction. This is especially true when we are under pressure.
A short, gentle practice: returning to the heart
Sit with both feet on the floor.
Place one hand lightly over your heart.
Breathe in through your nose—slightly slower and a little deeper—as if the breath were moving in and out through your heart.
Enjoy it, and say yes to whatever you are experiencing.
Recall or imagine a moment in your life when you felt genuine care, gratitude, or love.
Fully immerse yourself in it with all your senses, and stay here for 30–60 seconds.
Allow your body to settle, letting calm, warmth, or peace spread with each breath.
A creative invitation to your heart
Now paint or draw a simple image of your heart’s garden.
Begin by sensing your entire heart area, allowing whatever feelings are present to be there.
Place your hand on your heart for a moment and continue breathing there as you create the image.
Let what is true for you emerge courageously through your hand and onto the paper.
Include whatever shows up:
the soil, the weeds, the compost, the roses, the thicket, the lilies—or whatever appears to you.
It doesn’t have to look like anything, and it doesn’t have to be pretty.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.”
— Anaïs Nin
How is your heart now?
With love and creativity,
Karin
PS. Would you like more practices and inspiration like this?
Let me send you The Art of Self-Healing cards.
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