A science based way to live from love
Everywhere this Valentine’s week are hearts and images of love.
But what does it actually mean to “live from a place of love” and why should we do it?
While it is used as a trend for the holiday and often talked about as a way to be a better person, there is actual science behind why “living from love” or your heart is beneficial not only for your heart, but for your brain, body, and can even increase your longevity.
What does living from love mean to you? What does that look like in your life?
For me, I see it as being kind to others, being very aware in my interactions, especially if my words and responses are coming from any sort of place of fear, and if so, helping myself reframe, so that I am speaking and communicating from a loving mindset.
Living from love, looks like feeling gratitude, counting blessings, being in a state of abundance versus lack, and remembering that I am connected to all things.
Scientifically, living from a place of love looks like heart coherence.
Heart coherence is something that has been studied by the HeartMath Institute in Boulder, California since the early 90s.
If you’ve ever heard of the trend of heart rate variability (HRV), you’re familiar with the idea of heart coherence.
Heart coherence is the ability our heart has to bring the rhythms of the body (heart rate, respiratory rate, brain waves, etc.) into a harmonious order with one another that creates a high performance physical, emotional, mental and spiritual state and efficient use of energy.
So what does that mean?
When one is in a coherent state, it reflects:
Increased synchronization in higher-level brain systems and capacity to self-regulate behaviors
Increased parasympathetic (vagal) activity
Entrainment between physiological rhythms
Coordinated activity in the two branches of the ANS
Increased heart-brain synchronization
Cardiovascular system resonance
On the most basic level it means your body is functioning more efficiently and there is overall more stability in the mind and emotions. Something that we could all use!
Read below for my Top 4 Favorite Science Based Fun Facts about living from the heart...
My Top 4 Favorite Science Based Fun Facts about living from the heart
1. The heart has its own "brain" that can function without signals from the brain.
2. There are Afferent Nerves that send signals from the heart to the brain
3. The heart’s electromagnetic field is 60 times that of the brain’s electromagnetic field.
4. The heart's electromagnetic field can be felt up to 3 feet away from our body and has the ability to impact our social interactions.
Wishing you a week of love.
