A few years back, I was going through a challenging time. I asked for some advice from a mentor. He told me to quite the mind and meditate, and you will get some guidance.
I took on board the advice and practised meditation and prayer in the mornings. At first nothing, much happened. Then one day, as I was sitting down after a meditative state. Looking ahead with eyes closed and I saw a silhouette of a figure come towards me. I was unable to make out who or what it was. It had long shoulder-length hair, and everything else was dark, it approached me. It reached towards me with and outstretched arm, touched my chest and turned a dial in my chest. Then turned and walked away just as it had arrived.
I began to research a lot more into the significance of the heart; here are my thoughts and findings.
My interpretation of what I saw – I feel this is about love and opening your heart. The dial represents opening or turning on. There are many theories about the two sides of human nature. Sigmund Freud talks about the ego the superego and the ID how we have three different personalities, each with its characteristics. Each then manifests in our actions and thus has an impact on who we become and.
The native Americans have the belief that there are two wolves inside us: a black one and a white one. Whichever one we feed (by our thoughts and what we take in through our senses) wins and determines who we become. I believe that there is the ego and the soul within each of us.
There is some research now to suggest that the heart has neurons (cells that are found in the brain). The organ sends signals to the brain, and this results in what we do. There was a time when the heart was thought of just being a mechanical pump. Now it is considered to be much much more than this.
I believe that the soul resides in the heart and the ego in the brain. What we do how we think and what we take in feeds the ego or the soul.
There is much evidence in the language to suggest the importance of the heart sayings like “listen to your heart…” or “he wears his heart on his sleeve..” when describing someone who is passionate about something.
The ego is a more immature version of ourselves and wanting instant gratification. Where as the soul in is line with our real purpose and wants to serve and be of service.
To sum this up in one line.
The ego resides in mind and the soul with in the heart. So endeavour to quiet the mind and listen to your heart
Nicely summarised Nadim!