The House of Talents was set up during the pandemic because like so many people, we all wanted to help in whatever way we could. It’s a heart-led project which continues to grow.
As its founder, I am particularly interested in the power of the human heart. Having spent four years researching the subject for a book, I learnt that a close relationship to our heart is essential to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. While exercise and nutrition are clearly extremely important, cultivating a closer connection to our heart helps to reduce stress and anxiety, boost our happiness levels and heighten our creativity and intuition. Below is a simple 1 minute practice from the HeartMath Institute showing how we can start the process.
The heart is the most forceful, impactful element of our lives Maya Angelou
Based on cutting-edge research and interviews with cardiologists, neuroscientists, the HeartMath Institute and mindfulness practitioners, I have developed a simple programme to help people of all ages to connect with their hearts. To date, I have shared these techniques with GP’s patients, meditation groups, artists and wellness practitioners.
The Science
Modern lifestyles can often disconnect us from our bodies and from how we truly feel, which can lead to high levels of stress and anxiety, making it harder to concentrate, relax or feel good in ourselves. Scientists and neurocardiologists have now proven how closely our heart health is connected to our mental health and wellbeing, and how we have more influence over this than we might realise.
The heart has its own network of around 40,000 neurons, similar to those found in the brain. This means the heart can sense, process and send information independently, not just respond to the brain. In fact, it sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends back to the heart.
Research shows that when we are in a state of heart coherence — where our heart rhythms, breathing, brain and nervous system are working together in harmony (like an orchestra playing in sync) — we can think more clearly, make better decisions and perform better. Heart coherence also helps us regulate our emotions, making us more resilient and giving us a more positive outlook. In this state, we can access greater empathy, creativity and intuition, which can improve our relationships with ourselves and others.
The Process
Using creative writing together with breathing and relaxation techniques, we will learn how to regulate our emotions; practice heart-based behaviour towards ourselves and others; befriend our inner critic; and discover alternative solutions to on-going challenges. The programme is suitable for all ages, including children and teenagers. For the school Heart Works sessions, I will be joined by Mary Louise Morris, a mentor and mindfulness teacher working in schools for the past fifteen years. Together, we have run creative workshops in schools and colleges since 2018.
More details and testimonials for our work can be seen here.
Email: hattie.edmonds@gmail.com
Website: www.hattieholdenedmonds.com