Meditation to Heal a Broken Heart

March 26, 1975

Retraining the nervous system is required to heal wounds of the heart. A break in relationship—with others or the Self—creates nearly identical consequences in the nervous system and brain as a physical injury. This meditation soothes the autonomic nervous system, bringing the breath to a slow, meditative rhythm, to relax and renew both heart and mind.

The arm and hand position balances the heart meridian, by putting pressure on the outside of the little finger and forearm. This activates the nerve junction of the autonomic system, resetting it. Keeping your forearms parallel to the ground engages the armpit muscles, further supporting heart healing. The middle fingers in the mudra, associated with Saturn and the air element, help calm residual emotional distress.

Illustration of Elaine sitting in easy doing prayer pose at 3rd eye level

Posture & Mudra:

Sit in Easy Pose (Sukhasana) with a straight spine, applying a light Neck Lock (Jalandhara Bandha). Bring your palms together in Prayer Pose (Pranam Mudra). Hold the mudra in front of the Third Eye Point (Ajna Chakra), so the tips of the middle fingers are in line with your Third Eye. Keep the forearms parallel to the ground, elbows lifted.

Mindful Attention:

Focus your awareness inward.

Duration:

Continue for 11, 31, or 62 minutes.

Ending:

  1. Inhale deeply.
  2. Exhale, and relax the breath.
  3. Interlace the hands and stretch the arms up for 2 minutes.
  4. Release and relax.