My badger carving has an arrow pointing from its heart to its mouth. Zuni artisans, make these animal figures. They say this symbolizes the flow of life force energy. What stirs in the heart needs an outward expression. This arrow forms a “heartline” and is more than a decorative flourish. It reminds us to live and speak from the deepest part of ourselves. The message is “Let your inner truth become visible and heard.”
My inner truth is painful. I see that familiar patterns and dependable beliefs are falling away. Speaking from my core during these changes is a profound challenge. One that I find quite difficult. Partly, because my world view is at odds with others, even with people I love.
What do we do when we are at odds with others? Well, I strive to maintain a connection with them. I work to see their point of view. But sometimes I want to be right. At those times, my instinct is to defend my beliefs and judge others.
My desire to be right is not helpful.
But some of the time that is my truth.
At other times, I stand firm when we clash over things that matter to me. I need to maintain my values without attacking or belittling them. I work to set boundaries without losing my care for them.
It is a delicate balance.
We are all now asked to tap into the deepest resources of our soul.
Yes, the world can break our heart. But can broken places become channels for empathy, creativity, and new understandings? When the world breaks us open through loss, injustice, or fear, can we discover our values? Can we choose to stay open, even when we are hurt?
That is a big ask.
My carving reminds me to speak my truth, and to listen to the truth of others. Maintaining connections to others in a loud and divided world is an act of resistance. This is how we help meaning and hope survive.
Chaos is a curse and an opportunity. Chaos has a curse of uncertainty that leaves us unsettled and disturbed. Chaos also holds an opportunity to determine what we value. In these times of unrest, our heart’s wisdom is ever more important. I will ask my heart for guidance on, which actions I take, what stands I make, and which beliefs I will fight to defend.
Turbulent times can lead to hiding or hardening our heart. Heartlines guidance is to stay open and move with clarity. Now we must let the spirit of the heart shape the way we speak and the actions we take.
It is not easy.
It is so worth it!