Puran Khan Bair

E_X_P_A_N_D_I_N_G your heart and its qualities.

Yes, yes, the title is "Energize Your Heart" but this is just a side-effect, so to speak, of expanding the dimensions of your heart.

This is the second title using the methodology of Heart Rhythm Meditation---the first being, Living from the Heart: Heart Rhythm Meditation for Energy, Clarity, Peace, Joy, and Inner Power. Although this is the second book, it might actually be the best place to start for a beginner as it gives most practical exercises to diagnose one's heart's dimensions and then expand them.

In considering different levels of our hearts---physical, emotional and deep inner spirit level---most adults have a sense of how it feels to have restrictions or wounds or compromises with or within their hearts. Expanding at any of these levels brings ease and openings that might translate into health, well-being and a more radiant influence on the world around us, however we might express these.

What is expanded and expressed are the dimensions of the heart or the qualities of our being that comprise aspects of the heart and emanate from it. For example, (-height-) idealism and optimism; (-depth-) empathy and sincerity; (-width-) receptivity and influence; (-forward-) generosity and creativity; (-inner-) capacity for growth and love.

If you are one that would like to dive right in, jump to Chapter 4, Stretching the Heart, and do as many of the easy steps as you can. Feel your way into how broad your heart actually is ........ and most importantly, read and reflect on the "Exercises for Life" related to these steps. These brief statements of principles are, by themselves, well worth the price of this book---there are 8 for each dimension. They are summarized according to correlated dimensions, in Appendix 1. For example: Depth of the Heart, "Reveal your innermost being with dignity; by so doing, you teach others how the heart operates."

This is "applied" meditation so always be alert for some simple change in any of these qualities in yourself and in those around you, as they reflect back what you create and express towards them and the world. Day by day as you practice in this way, the small steps will bring about expansion and ease in all areas of your life. You might just experience, "Aha......this is why people meditate!" Then you will know consciously how you can expand yourself and in the process discover so much more energy in your life and your activities.… (más)

I have read many many "heart" entitled books over the years and it is surprising to me that so few people are aware of this book and the method of meditation that it introduces, especially given its ease and effectiveness. Before I discovered this work, my own heart had attained various states----from serious questioning with Ramana Maharshi and other spiritual quests, to the ecstatic verse of Rumi and Hafiz----from sharing with patients, life's trauma and joys through years as a health care provider, to the wrenching-heart-breaking-openings of ended relationships.

When I began Heart Rhythm Meditation, sensations and awareness felt great right away which aroused my curiosity and encouraged me to keep practicing. But it took me six more months of various methods of this meditation before realizing I was experiencing much more than just a temporary high or an insightful understanding. Some essential aspect of my being was gradually changing by such a simple practice of attending to my breathing and my heart-beat.

(For the quickest experiential entry, go immediately to "The First Intervention" practice on page 144 for a limited number of breaths. Then go right on to page 155 "The Second Intervention" also for a limited number of breaths. Gently. Simply. Easily. Entering into a "conversation" with your lungs and then opening to the possibility of a "conversation" with your heart. If any anxiety or concerns arise in this new relationship with your heart, move right on to page 166.)

I have read this book every year for the last nine years and shared it with patients and students. With even a little patience, I know you will discover or uncover within, exactly what the book's subtitle suggests: energy, clarity, peace, joy and inner power. Moving into your heart, layer after layer after layer. Holding a feeling state longer and longer. Living less through your mind, and living more from your heart. You will not lose any mental abilities but calm and enhance them as you gain your full heart function. As Puran Bair speaks so succinctly, you may now live with your mind in service to your heart.

(This book provides practical emotional experience of the Elements and insights on pranayama for those interested in either of these arenas.)

Puran and Susanna Bair have also published another title: Energize Your Heart… (más)