by Veritas Merit

Created on: January 14, 2009

The Intelligent Heart

The Mind/Body connection is apparent to us personally. At least it is when we listen to our mental and physical selves. Often we don't listen. Often we ignore the messages. Often we live the consequence that not listening or listening to the wrong things or even misinterpreting the messages brings to us. Sometimes we hurt ourselves by not hearing clearly the message of the Mind/Body connection.

It works the same way with those around us. There is a Mind/Body connection between us and our friends, colleagues, loved-ones and students. It is apparent everywhere and it drives interpersonal communications. Sometimes misunderstanding the interpersonal Mind/Body connection results in breakdowns in communication.

These breakdowns can manifest themselves in several ways: anger, frustration, disappointment, failure, pain, troubling thoughts about ourselves or others, and more. The result is that communication is lost, and in many cases enough damage is done that bringing the relationship back is extremely difficult..

The key is to avoid the breakdown altogether by taking steps to maintain this Mind/Body connection between all the parties in a relationship. We define this connection as the Intelligent Heart.

You see, knowing how to listen to others begins by listening to ourselves. If we are negative, we will find negative things oin the actions of others. If we are controlling, we will try to control others. If we are defensivewell you get the point.

An Intelligent Heart, then, means knowing how we are so we know how we behave towards other people; how we see them and how they see us. The Intelligent Heart is a Mind/Body connection of with insight, vision, and instinct. These 3 filters drive it. It allows us to understand others without being judgmental. It allows us to see clearly. It allows us to communicate more effectively by reducing the prejudices that come from interpreting others behaviors without walking in their shoes.

We find our way through understanding the ways of others. By honestly accepting the manner of the other person, who may not be as connected tothe mind/body paradigm, we render ourselves available to the needs of others without juding them. We also give ourselves an adaptability that few can understand, but most can recognize. This leads to better communication between ourselves and those with whom we interact.

As a person, the intelligent heart is the key to good communication. It results in decision-making based on a more accurate reading of events and actions. It takes away the guesswork of decision-making.

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