GREGG BRADEN GREGG BRADEN - Earthstar

HEART CENTERThe Heart is located in the middle left side of the chest,and for the purposes of this practice, this is the Heart’senergy center. (In other practices, you may be asked tofocus on the Heart Center by bringing your attention tothe area between the breasts.) This center encompassesthe physical Heart and controls the circulation of bloodthrough the veins and arteries. It is also the emotionalcenter of love, joy, and self acceptance. Connectingmindfully with our Heart Center can increase our passionand our loving feelings.prostate gland.Choose the emotional center that is most appropriatefor you to reflect on at this time. Focus on the Heart orthe Sexual Palace to resolve the emotions that are blockingthe flow of intimacy in your life. Later, when youhave deepened your ability to sink into the method, youcan add both the Heart and Sexual Palace into one alchemypractice.This exercise will enhance your positive emotionstoward intimacy that will in turn support a healthy, sexyand loving relationship. By taking your time to reflectand transform the emotions in each emotional center youwill build confidence in your ability to move throughyour emotional intimacy thresholds to experience theintimacy that you desire. The same preparation is utilizedfor both practices. Each practice begins with an emotionalpurpose. Instructions follow afterward. I will startby guiding you through the alchemy to Open Your Heart.Emotional AlchemyDeep Emotional Practices That Transform NegativeEmotions That Block IntimacyPreparation:• Find a quiet place to meditate.• Sit with a straight back either on the edge of a chair orcross-legged on the ground.• Touch the upper palate of your mouth with yourtongue.• Rest your hands palm-side down on your knees.• Smile inwardly.• Feel your mind and body relaxing.Open Your HeartSEXUAL PALACETaoists refer to our sexual region as the Sexual Palace. Apalace is a place of beauty, lavish splendor, and sensuouspleasure. Our sexual center is the sacred home of pleasureand joyous experiences within our bodies.Acknowledging our sexuality as a sacred palace can helpus regain a healthy sexual connection and enhance sensualfeelings of pleasure.For women, the Sexual Palace area begins at themidpoint between the ovaries and includes the internalsexual organs, such as the ovaries and the uterus, as wellas the external female genitalia. For men, this area beginsat the pubic bone and contains both the external malegenitalia, such as the penis and scrotum, and the internalPurpose:Open your Heart to intimacy. Clear away insecurities andheartache. Access greater passion and love.Awareness Instruction:• Close your eyes.• Feel your smile flowing to your Heart. (Location: inthe middle left side of your chest.)• Observe the Heart.• Be aware of how your Heart feels.• Notice if you have feelings of impatience, insecurity,inadequacy, hurt, or heartache.You may feel impatient about finding the right partner,insecure about being lovable, or inadequate aboutyour skill as a lover. You may feel emotionally hurt orhave an old heartache that hasn’t gone away. Take amoment to be present with your emotions. As you bringyour awareness to them, feel the emotions begin to dis-32 EARTH STAR FEBRUARY / MARCH 2008 www.earthstarmag.com