This meditation uses techniques established by the HeartMath Institute to increase heart coherence through the re-direction of focus and the conscious generation of genuine appreciation and gratitude. ⁣
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Mood: Cozy, Accepting, Loving ⁣
Feels Like: A really, really good hug

**with live cello music by Daniel Zamzow

There are more nerve connections between the heart and the brain than any other system in the body – in fact, 90% of these connecting fibers ascend from the heart up to the brain. These neural pathways are constantly sending signals that interact with the brain's higher cognitive and emotional centers, which influence our thought patterns, our mood, and our resilience to stress. Studies show that we can create coherence in our heart rhythm through the conscious generation of positive emotions, which will in turn increase the overall balance within the nervous system. ⁣
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Post-Meditation ⁣Reflection: ⁣

1) How is my heart now? Write down descriptive words (emotions, adjectives, physiological sensations, etc) that arose during your meditation. ⁣
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2) What would I like to invite into my heart moving forward? This is open ended - it could be a specific life condition, a way general way of being, an emotional shift, etc.