dekhomai:

As mentioned previously, today is our day on the book blog tour for Gail Harris’s “Your Heart Knows the Answer”. Nice to be invited (any more offers accepted!), thanks. Having read the book, I was able to ask Gail three questions…

LHD - Each chapter of the book starts with a heart quote. One of my own favourites is from Alice's conversation with the Queen of Hearts:

"There is no use trying," said Alice; "one can't believe impossible things." "I dare say you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was your age, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

Which is your own personal favourite or the one that resonates with you the most?

GH - There are so many wonderfully moving heart quotes. (I have a section on my website dedicated to them!) One of my favorites is by Thomas Moore: “The heart has its reasons.” This quote resonates with me, especially lately, because I have found myself wondering why my heart is leading me down a path that my head doesn’t agree with. The quote speaks to me about life’s mystery—that life is not a problem to be solved but, rather, a mystery to be lived. I take comfort in this awareness, because my mind is always trying to figure everything out, so it can control things. How freeing to trust ones inner awareness and not have to have it “all figured out” Sometimes it just can’t be figured out!

LHD - In the book, you make a lot of our spiritual relationships with a 'higher power', the Universe, that still small voice - can you say a little about your own spiritual journey and where you are now?

GH - More than ever, I am aware that when I trust myself (or my heart’s wisdom) I am trusting God, the Cosmos, or a higher power. In other words, I am being guided from within by this power. It has sometimes been difficult for me to remember this truth recently, with regard to some career and health issues—even though from past experiences I know that it is true. This is because my fear gets hold of me and blinds me. But I realize that when I can remember this simple but profound truth, it makes it easier for me to trust myself.

LHD - I'm part of a faith community which is committed to a holistic spirituality of the heart, soul, mind and strength. What's your take on how the other three of these relate to the heart?

GH - Like you, I would use the term “holistic” to describe the relationship between these facets of ourselves. To me, “spirituality” means “oneness.” I believe that through the heart we receive messages and are guided by a higher power. It is also how we experience love and our “oneness” with all things. Our soul, the nonphysical part of us, evolves as it is guided by this power. Our mind, the place where our thoughts reside, helps us to live and communicate as physical beings on earth. Strength is defined as the power we attain by having all these aspect of ourselves in sync, and in sync with God’s flow.