How do you follow your heart?

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   Catherine Kaneposted 12 years ago

   How do you follow your heart?
   
   I had a young girl, out of the blue, ask me that the other day through the drive-in window at McDonald's
   I gave her what I've found in life on the matter, but I think it's an interesting question, and I'd like to hear your thoughts on this.
   How do you follow your heart?

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   WD Curry 111posted 12 years ago

   I don't follow my heart. It goes with me.

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   EuroCafeAuLaitposted 12 years ago

   Step one is to turn off the head which is just about as un-helpful as a bitter old prune saying "EH!  That'll never happen!"  So, CLICK. 
   
   Second, be still and listen.  Sometimes it is buried so deep what your heart is craving for that it has to be unlayered.   For example - what you don't want may be more obvious.  OK, Now we're paring things down. And then it gets more refined.  Is this better than that?  What do I really want?  What appeals to me more?
   
   Third - write it down.  A moment of revelation can be lost in a flash with bad news on the TV and reality crashing in to drown out that tiny voice, that subtle little "internal tour guide" that says "I'd like to take a better look at that".  Get in on paper and put it in front of you.  Then and only then can steps be conceptualized toward progress towards that highly unlikely, certainly impossible dream - goal - destination - result that you are pining for. 
   
   GO FOR IT!  Baby step by baby step.

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      KDuBarry03posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Little baby steps do ensure you climb over the bump in the roads ahead!

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   The Stages Of MEposted 12 years ago

   Nice question ~ I follow it one day at a time.  I try to be guided by what is already written on my heart and also be open to new ideas and opinions.  I try not to judge and always look in the mirror and check myself. Some days I need more mirrors than others as life can be a distraction.  But as I say to my kids, " always look up an remember where you want to go."

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   Neil Sperlingposted 12 years ago

   To follow your heart means to do what means most to you to do.
   
   Generally speaking "we get caught up in doing what society thinks we should do... or do what our piers or parents think we should do"  We forget that the only one who lives in our skin is ourselves.  Generally we are too concerned with what others think of us. Remember "it is none of your business what others think of you"
   
   So Follow your heart means do things that matter TO YOU.
   
   Live by making your own choices, thus LIVE YOUR OWN LIFE and not through the choices others make for you. Accept who you are and accept others as who they are. That is the true meaning of "do not cast judgement on others."  BE who you are! Learn to be comfortable in your own skin.
   
   Full Speed Ahead - One Inch At A Time!

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      ThussaysNanaMarieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      What you do affetcs others too. No man is an island. You can live your life but where it concerns others you need to reconsider.

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      Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thus
      It's true that no man is an island, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to ignore your own calling because other people have plans  for you

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      Neil Sperlingposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      ThussaysNanaMarie - Of course no man is an island...  You should still live your own life. Moving ships create waves and may rock boats.... but a captain who knows where they are going will not crash your boat. Tough on you if it rocks yours. Float!

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   BeliDeeposted 12 years ago

   Do what you really want to do. Not what others want you to do. I always follow my heart.

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   Innuentendreposted 12 years ago

   Your heart is a compass that you follow naturally unless you're following something else. I think many people stop listening, or worse listen to a wicked heart. God says to hide his word in my heart and seek him with all of my heart so I know I'm going in the right direction. My heart enjoys free reign within certain paramaters and it feels good to follow it.

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   Peter Leeperposted 12 years ago

   In my opinion, when I follow my "heart" i am usually acting without thinking amd generally wind up making a poor decision....Like thusfar, my purchasing Facebook Stock on Friday was following my heart and is so far a poor decision...the jury is still out on that...
   
   I really beleive that if you make decisions purely on gut feeling or heart you are doing yourself a dis-service and could benefit from looking forward at the possible outcomes of your decisions before jumping into any situation.  There is nothing wrong with using all of our attributes to make decisions as opposed to making rash ones purely b ased on feeling.
   This however my opinion and you know how that phrase goes!  Good question!

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      Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks
      As for the stock, It'd seem a bit early to decide whether its a bad choice or not. From what I understand, buying stock is being in it for the long haul, so wait and see...

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   megniposted 12 years ago

   Follow your conscience is the same thing, almost. You must always seek the truth of any situation and put aside any heart felt sentiments that may not be the best overall step to take. But essentially following your heart is meant to be following your conscience. It means putting aside personal gain to benefit others, giving to others in need even when it hurts, doing the right thing when to do the wrong thing is most convenient.

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    Mr Niceposted 12 years ago

    
    
    ~ Three Rules of Life...
    1: Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.
    
    2: Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.
    
    3: Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition - they somehow already know what you truly want to become. ~ Steve Jobs
    
    ~ Listen to all who speak from their heart but do not obey their sayings blindly because the truth the actual truth is within you. ~
    
    Conclusion
    ~ Follow your heart, but do not forget to take your brain with you. ~

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    endless seaposted 12 years ago

    I don't know how I follow my heart, I never remember doing things any other way than doing it what I feel in my heart. People and studies say central nervous system includes brain,spinal cord and nerves which have reflexes and take actions on order of barn, but in my case my CNS seem to in heart even before my mind could make decisions my heart takes it first and I go along with it. Mind is full of both aspects the good and bad, healthy and unhealthy, profitable and non-profitable, whereas heart don't go so deep into any matter it just say's "Do IT" or "Don't Do IT". Some time the decisions are right and you are happy.. some times when decisions turn out to be wrong at least you don't regret it.. well I don't regret following my heart...so answer to question will be, " Talk to your heart close your eyes and remove thoughts from brain tell your heart to guide you and it will."

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    RustyWposted 12 years ago

    Following one's heart involves trust and passion. Every time someone does something that they are unsure about with passion and zeal, essentially that is "following one's heart". It is following someone or something without knowing will you will end-up...

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       KDuBarry03posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       It is also vital for one to trust someone wholeheartedly. Sometimes, if you don't fully trust someone, horrid events may occur.

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    gabgirl12posted 12 years ago

    Know what makes you happy.
    
    When you have a firm conviction of this and know how to do it, you know you are following your heart. Remember its not about being emotional, but being satisfied.

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    padmendraposted 12 years ago

    Heart is controlled by emotions. While dealing with emotion, love and anger, you don't need to apply your mind.. The feelings of this kind which you are talking about is a thought process  which is directly connected to your  heart and the emotions emerged out of it  will  obviously follow  your  heart.. Therefore,
    everyone of us  would love to  go by our heart in this situation.

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    sunkentreasureposted 12 years ago

    FOLLOW HAPPINESS By BERNARD LEVINE
    
    Listen to the voice inside you and be at peace in your mind.
    
    It’s amazing that you can talk to the Creator of this vast universe
    
    in a soft whisper
    
    one-to-one
    
    and He listens to you.
    
    Only through prayer will you find
    
    your true inner self and liberty.
    
    Prayer is the key that opens the door to the awesome power of God.
    
    True happiness comes in abundance when you pray to God with all your heart.
    
    In this world, it doesn’t matter what people think of you…
    
    the only thing that matters is what God thinks of you.
    
    Follow what makes you happy and fills you with passion.
    
    The key to inner wealth is to make melody your friend.
    
    Treasure this day that God has given you
    
    to be more open and to love more fully.
    
    Call out the seeds of greatness
    
    and encourage someone.
    
    When you deposit your love into the hearts of strangers
    
    That’s when miracles begin.
    
    Enrich your soul soaking in the beauty of nature.
    
    Take time to tell someone about Jesus.
    
    Walk through the world with eyes of love.
    
    When you reach out to bless the poor
    
    You’ll change your life forever.
    
    It’s your daily prayer that refreshes you
    
    from the clutter and noise of the world.
    
    Take responsibility for your life and future.
    
    Thank God for His goodness and all the blessings He gives you.
    
    God’s genius is everywhere.
    
    Live your best life.
    
    ©Bernard Levine

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       ThussaysNanaMarieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That is such a beautiful poem, You can feel the passion in it.

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    neeta chauhanposted 12 years ago

    Hi everyone ,
    
    its a very complicated question i must say but never the less i
    will try my best to do justice to your question . ...
    
    I follow my heart by doing which is useful , harmless to others , innocent
    but beautiful acts like doing good deeds , being honest to oneself and others
    no matter what happens and yes ! , try my best to refrain from indulging in
    bad deeds ......
    
    In short i do not follow my heart but i make my heart follow me.......  its a known
    fact that hearts are created blind, that is why its advisable to make it follow you
    rather then you follow a blind organs of yours ....
    
    "Before the throne of the Almighty, man will be judged not by his acts but by his intentions. For God alone reads our hearts."  ( Mahatama Gandhi)

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    sriparnaposted 12 years ago

    It's extremely important for all of us to follow our heart..... but at the same time other commitments, circumstances and interests of our dear ones often come in the way. But one can still make some effort to steal some moments of the day and do something they really want to do. For example, I have spent some time in Japan, when I was really into learning Japanese language, but was not getting time out of my busy schedule. So when I used to cook dinner or lunch, my Japanese learning CD was kept on and while chopping vegetables or frying, I used to listen and learn and enjoy Japanese.
    
    Easier said than done, for long-term aspirations, you must really plan and be ready to make compromises in order to follow your heart.

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    msorenssonposted 12 years ago

    Following your heart means when logic and evidence do not support what your inner voice tells you, you follow your inner voice any way.
    It is very difficult to do unless you trust yourself completely....

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       Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       It is hard, isn't it?...

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    Perspycaciousposted 12 years ago

    There is only one way a person can "follow their heart" and it goes like this:  "put your heart out front."  That will allow people to know you are an open and loving person, happy to be taken at face value, and not ashamed to be who you really are;  not a phoney.
    So many people keep their heart hidden, as if it would be unacceptable and something to even be ashamed of.
    Being open and honest has the risk of rejection, but at least you know they are rejecting the real you and not the phoney you.  An honest rejection is easier to deal with in the long run, than having to wonder "What will they think of me when they get to know the real me?"

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    KDuBarry03posted 12 years ago

    I believe one must follow their heart with an open mind. I cannot make decisions solely from my thoughts, solely from my emotions, or solely from my heart. For me, there must be a balance between what I think, feel, and know for me to follow through a decision. Great Question!

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    Marseiposted 12 years ago

    By spending  as much time outdoors with nature as possible.

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    Gwen Cuizonposted 12 years ago

    I always associate the heart with my dreams in life. So if you want to follow your heart then you have to follow your dreams.  Let life take you to where they lead.

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    brightforyouposted 12 years ago

    Its not always wise to follow your heart... especially when most of us go through stages of believing our heart is our hormones!  However, your true heart quest will bring peace.. it will feel 'right,' it won't bring you stress, discourse, self-doubt or misery.  So, to answer your question, I think perhaps following our heart means to follow that which is right for us; that which wants to expand us, that which brings us peace of mind and the ability to love fully... how do you follow your heart... by listening to it, discerning what is 'need' or addictive or urge.. from what is good, wholesome and expanding.  We are all struggling to follow our hearts.. what a great question!

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    Amethystravenposted 12 years ago

    I follow my heart, or I like to call it my intuition by listening to it. My intuition has never steered me wrong. As far as people go, my heart has told me, "This person is going to hurt you." My eyes and ears told me, " No they're not." Twice my heart has told me that about people and my heart was right while my eyes and ears were fooled. Being fooled only lasted for so long. I have learned not to ignore my intuition. It has never been wrong. Difficulties cam from challenging it to see if it was right. Those difficulties only made me who I am today, which is stronger and more aware of my intuition or heart. I have a path and my intuition is my guide. When I do follow my heart, the outcomes are very positive. Through experience, I learned that although another person hurt me, I take some of the blame because I already saw it coming and chose not to listen to my heart. Mahatma Gandhi says " No one can hurt you without your permission." For me this rings true :-) This is a great question Catherine, thank you for asking.

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       Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       You're welcome. I'm loving the answers here

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    alahiker28posted 12 years ago

    Step 1:  Believe in yourself.
    Step 2:  Listen to yourself.
    Step 3:  Apply reason and remember, everything important is relative to something else.
    Step 4:  Find the courage & strength to move forward with your dreams.

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       KDuBarry03posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       agreed!

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    Jeramiposted 12 years ago

    Following our hearts is always a good thing.  But ...  never leave our common sense behind. 
      My heart wants a lot of things that my mind knows that I can't afford

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       gabgirl12posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I hear that. But I always understood that 'my heart' was in relation to things that I have a purpose for and people I love. Following your heart...and your dreams.

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    ThussaysNanaMarieposted 12 years ago

    With my head right behind. We never always think things through with the heart but it is supposed to be the most in touch with our spiritual self. I think the heart does not see the whole picture sometimes so the head should not be far behind.

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    juneaukidposted 12 years ago

    There's a beautiful folksong of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia that suggests a way to follow your heart. "My heart is in the Highlands where it follows the deer through the forest."

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    kate12402posted 12 years ago

    So odd that you ask this because it's something I've been asking myself with terrifying frequency over the last year.  I think that as children all we do is follow our hearts.  And then we are, by necessity, acculturated into society and taught to restrain ourselves, and that certain things our heart tells us to do aren't good, and so we stop listening.  I think it's a lot harder for adults to re-learn how to listen to their hearts. 
    
    For myself, I find that talking, writing, and meditating help me listen.  When I talk things through (often with myself haha), I ask myself questions, and and seriously question my motives and thoughts.  Same goes for when I write out my thoughts.  When you are physically looking at your thoughts it's a lot harder to delude yourself or convince yourself one way or another because everything you think is written out, naked, for you to see.
    
    Meditation helps me clear my mind of all the outside influences and stresses.  Makes it easier to hear with a clear mind.

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    Lady Wordsmithposted 12 years ago

    Simple.  I never do.  My heart, to me, is a pump that pushes my blood around my body.  My brain does the thinking, and sometimes it's a little sentimental so I ask it to behave and tell it that I will ignore it until it comes up with a sensible suggestion.  When my brain has come to its senses, then I allow it to present me with the facts, and together, my brain and I decide what to do.  I almost never act on impulse (I've learned from terrible experience!), except when in book shops.
    
    I am probably, what one might term, analytical.  The 'heart' can say whatever it likes, but it never gets to be in charge in this ole house.
    
    (Actually, sometimes I wonder whether my heart is actually made of ice?)

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       Catherine Kaneposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I used to be seriously analytical, but with the years, I've learned to follow my heart, and let my head sign in on things. This seems to work pretty well for me

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    AlexK2009posted 12 years ago

    If you have multiple paths to take then in a relaxed state take three steps on each one, physically or in your mind and discard the ones where your steps get slower and slower. Pick the one  where your feet go fastest.
    
    In the real world I have  known myself turn right out my door take ten steps then turn round and go the other way.  Sometimes I found my feet taking me unexpectedly pleasant places. Sometimes I find I am reacting with dread to something I had been anticipating with  pleasure.  Sometimes something just feels wrong.
    
    And just occasionally I find I yell   NO!    when waking up

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    CBartelmeyposted 12 years ago

    I have had instances in my life where my 'heart' told me to do one thing, and my 'head' or reasoning told me to do another.  When I was led by my reasoning I found that my heart perhaps had the better answer.  For my reasoning has seemed to more take into consideration the me, myself and I, whereas my heart somehow knows the you and us that encompasses that picture as well. 
    
    Following that is not always the easiest thing to do, but from my experience, there is a marked difference in the outcome when I have followed one over the other.  When following your heart I think you just have to trust.  Maybe the road will ebb and flow and the path will not be as direct, but the outcome from an avenue etched with heart I think will always yield far greater returns.

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       Alexander Markposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       "but the outcome from an avenue etched with heart I think will always yield far greater returns."
       
       Yes!

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    Alexander Markposted 12 years ago

    I haven't figured it out quite yet, so this is a great question and there are a lot of great answers. I am struggling with this very thing right now and I want to say thank you to everyone that contributed!
    
    I know for me, I can remember specific instances when I didn't follow my heart, that still small voice, and regretted it. I remember better times when I did and I am glad I did it even though there was some sacrifice involved - it was completely, 100% worth it.

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    alifeofdesignposted 12 years ago

    ....by limiting how often my inner intellect can convince me to do something or act on something because of out-side influences.

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    Mr. Happyposted 12 years ago

    When in doubt regarding my actions/thoughts, I ask myself: "Does my path have heart?" And it has to in order for me to keep going.
    
    It is a simple question but it has certainly made my going easier. I do what I feel is right. I listen to my inner will and not so much the ego. Cheers!

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    CynthiAnnposted 12 years ago

    God will give you your heart's true desire. When I refer to "following my heart", it is for something that goes much deeper than just thinking and pondering over.  It is for something that I don't even need to think about to know that it is the right choice or the right way to feel.  It's more than just a "feeling".  It's a "knowing" of a truth.

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