I’ve been helping several clients recently make the transition from a strong head-based/intellectual approach to business, into trusting their heart and their guidance in decision-making and strategy.
It can seem like a bumpy transition, and so I wanted to make clear for you the role of the mind and the role of the heart in this (business and otherwise) world of ours.
The first thing that I want to say is about this whole idea of “negative” thoughts. There are no such thing as “negative” thoughts.
Even thoughts like, “It will never work, and I’ll end up starving and homeless.” Those aren’t negative. Those are simply the mind trying to care for you, to protect you. I wrote an article about listening to this aspect of the mind. How to get fear off your business’ back.
Which brings me to the proper role of the mind and the heart.
Here’s what the mind does really well: It understands and categorizes things. It weighs options. It presents facts and figures.
It’s *really* good at that. You should treasure and honor your mind.
Here’s what it doesn’t do so well: confront the unknown. Leave space for mystery. Take in something that’s never been seen before.
Whenever the mind sees something that is unknown, it tries to understand it in comparison to what is already known, meaning it’s not seeing what the new thing really is, but merely seeing it as similar to something that’s been seen before.
The heart, however, is fantastic at the Mystery. At taking on the unknown. At knowing truth and sensing into which way is most nourishing.
If you’re prone to set the mind and heart at odds with each other, please stop. We human beings are really amazing, and it’s because of all that we are. It’s not your lungs versus your stomach, and it’s not your mind versus your heart.
You just don’t want to breathe with your stomach, and you don’t want to face the unknown with your mind.
Here’s some examples:
Example: You have several different options of payment processing platform to use. Your mind will research and compare the options, showing you which is most expensive, versus which is easiest to use. Your mind can call this mostly on its own.
Your heart will want to weigh in on which feels better, but don’t strictly use intuition. Let your mind do its thing.
Example: You want to increase your prices, and are struggling with what to set. Your mind is telling you what other people charge, and is also screaming out to you about the people who can’t afford it. You ping-pong back and forth between higher and lower.
This is a heart-choice. What resonates with your heart? Time and again we’ve noticed that clients who use their heart to set their pricing are happier, more successful and more at ease.
Just remember the simple guidelines: the mind understands, compares and categorizes what is known or quantifiable. The heart senses into the unknown, makes space for mystery, and has a comfort with what’s new.
Obviously, this is a bit oversimplified. What nuance, perspective, or other examples can you add to this?
With love,
Mark Silver, M.Div.
Heart of Business, Inc.
Every act of business can be an act of love.
P.S. Nothing for sale.
Just a blessing. This is from the Remembrance Library in our Learning Community.
As we enter into a warmer season, may your business be abundantly blessed and supported and lifted up by the Oneness, the Source of Love, from which we are not separate.
It’s about 15 minutes, and it is a guided meditation/Remembrance, entitled:
“A blessing upon new ventures.”
Let me know if this blessing is helpful for you.
9 Responses
Hi Mark,
Brilliant as always. Nothing to add, save that it is always helpful for me to be reminded about the heart and the unknown. Oh how my poor head tries to figure it out…
Thank you.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for this beautiful reminder!
You’re so welcome, Karly!
Well done karly
Hello Mark,
I’m so glad that I saw this blog post. I have never thought of the concept of ‘negative thoughts’ in the way you described it, and it really sits well with both my heart AND mind.
I’ve had a lot of anxiety for many years, and as I’ve been seeking support and looking at ways to restore my nervous system and a sense of calm, I have often pinned my heart against my mind, or at the very least focused more on intuition and my heart because my mind seemed to create so much anxiety and it’s sometimes unbearable.
I rarely take the time to honor and treasure my mind, but this is helping me to see that another way of honoring both my heart and mind is possible and that they both serve an important and beautiful purpose. Thank you!
Ryan- so grateful this was helpful for you!
Hello Mark, no words beautiful post, thanks for sharing
Hello Mark,
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Thanks alot for this Article.
Great post. I probably tend to use my mind too much when it comes down to money. My heart can be a bit too soft, and I wear it on my sleeve. Maybe I need to do a better mixture.