In the series of books by Carlos Castaneda, the Yaqui Indian shaman, Don Juan, would hit Castaneda sharply on his back between the shoulder blades in order to send his student into the "Second Attention." While in this Second Attention, Castaneda was able to experience a much richer, deeper world, where shamans could do amazing things, and what seemed impossible happened right before his eyes.
I was fascinated by the idea of the Second Attention, but wondered why Don Juan would slap poor Carlos between the shoulder blades to get him there. As I continued in my shamanic studies, I found out that the Second Attention resides in the Heart. When observing and sensing the world through the heart, it allows those to see "who have eyes to see." It references the world away from the intellect. Using your head to see the world only allows you to see through the filter of social programming and personal judgment.
The heartspace in the body is a completely unique electromagnetic system, creating a magnetic field hundreds of times stronger than the brain's. Additionally, some bio-magnetic research has concluded that the heart is a torsion field, capable of accessing alternate realities, different dimensions and creating a bridge to all universal information.
In modern applications of the heartspace effect, the HeartMath Institute promotes its "Quick Coherence" technique:
- Focus attention on the area around your heart.
- Breathe deeply and notice your breath as coming out of the heart area.
- As you maintain your heart focus and heart breathing, activate a positive feeling. Recall a time when you felt good inside, and try to re-experience the feeling.
Consulting our heart intelligence gains us access to a much fuller and vibrant life. Try it!
Vibrant Living Tip: Use the Rose Quartz gem elixir to help open the heart and increase sensitivity to the heart's innate intelligence.
