At times, I find myself merely skimming the surface of life, moving from one task to the next without fully immersing in the richness of each moment. And this tendency toward surface dwelling leads to a sense of disconnection, emptiness, stress, and unfulfillment.
Surface dwelling is a term I came up with to describe what I notice in myself and others. It is the act of living outside of self, merely navigating the external world without delving into the depths of our being. In this state, we prioritise efficiency and task completion over the quality of our experiences, multitasking and rushing through life without pause. But in doing so, we miss out on the transformative potential inherent in even the most mundane moments.
When we are surface dwelling, our attention is focused outward, fixated on the physical world around us, and we become disconnected from our hearts, trapped in our heads, and cut off from the wisdom and guidance that resides within us. We may keep ourselves busy to avoid confronting the deeper truths and desires beneath the surface. Still, in doing so, we only perpetuate our sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction.
Yet, beneath the surface of our conscious awareness, a profound conversation is taking place—a dialogue between the heart and the brain. Contrary to popular belief, the heart is doing most of the talking, sending signals to the brain that influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. But too often, we fail to listen, allowing the noise of the external world to drown out the wisdom of our hearts.
So, how do we break free from the cycle of surface-dwelling and return to a harmonious alignment with our mental, emotional, and instinctual intelligence where we can access a deep wellspring of inspiration, fulfilment, and belonging?
Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork and creating space for stillness and reflection allow us to unravel the layers of conditioning and distraction that keep us trapped on the surface.
Heart coherence is not just an individual pursuit but also a collective Endeavor. As we cultivate coherence within ourselves, we contribute to the coherence of the collective consciousness, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond our individual lives. When we come together in authentic connection with one another, guided by the wisdom of our hearts, we can co-create a world that is more compassionate, harmonious, and aligned with the highest good of all.
Surface dwelling may be common in our fast-paced world, but it is not our only option. We can reconnect with our hearts, cultivate coherence between our mind and heart, and discover the boundless potential that lies within.
