Minding the Gut
There’s a term called “head, heart and hara,” referring to the major energy centers of the body. The first two are pretty self-evident, but hara is a seldom-used word. While it has some difficult definitions, the Japanese translation refers to the belly, particularly the concept of gut instinct, or trusting one’s gut.
While I often comment on the mind’s unique ability to whine and moan about things, our friend the stomach also is known to belly ache, excuse the pun, which is really a very good description of many ongoing conversations with this important part of our body.
For me, this topic emerged when I was perusing a list of yoga videos and found myself intently avoiding one called “belly yoga.” Oh, that would hurt, I thought to myself, citing evidence from the torture of so many yoga moves focused on firming up the stomach. However, I mustered some mental muscle and played the video. Much to my surprise, it focused on “belly breathing,” also called diaphragmatic breathing, a favorite of my amazing yoga teacher. Not only does it gently tone the abdominal muscles, it also reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and helps to ease the mind — all excellent benefits, of course.
So I felt pretty wonderful after this video. But it got me thinking about my dear belly, and all of its gentle and not-so-gentle messaging — much like the mind. I thought it might be interesting to imagine a dialogue between the two of them.
Head: Hello belly. I am sorry I didn’t want to do belly yoga today, but I hope you enjoyed it.
Hara: Hello head. It was a real treat. And thanks for reaching out! I try to contact you often, but you always seem so busy.
Head: Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. It’s just been insane. This human is a hot mess, and I just can’t seem to get her straightened out.
Hara: Tell me about it! I try to send small, delicate messages her way, which she simply seems to ignore. I had to resort to some extreme measures this week; you know things are rough when I repeatedly send her to the bathroom. She sure doesn’t listen to me.
Head: Well she doesn’t listen to me either! I gave her a thorough reflection on the dire potential outcomes of not checking to make sure the back door was locked a couple of nights ago, and she blew me off. And then she had the audacity to write about the power of shutting down the mind. I was truly hurt, really I was.
Hara: That’s an insult for sure. But it’s the same for me. I offered up significant stomach upset after pizza last week, to help her with her diet, and she took a brand new pill called Lactaid, recommended by her doctor of all things, undoing all of my hard work. Talk about not listening to one’s body!
Head: That’s a low blow for sure. Hey! I’ve been thinking…
Hara: Yes, you are really good at that!
Head: I hope you are not being sarcastic. Anyway, what if we partnered to strengthen our messaging to our stubborn human? What if we simultaneously communicate our concerns about major issues? That should get her attention!
Hara: Hmm…. That’s not a bad idea! We will need to make sure we are on the same page, of course, but I can see the power in this approach.
Head: This could be monumental! What is our top priority? Uh oh; we have a visitor…
Heart: Hello dear friends. I could feel your conversation and thought I better weigh in.
Head and Hara: Hello Heart.
Heart: Dear ones, I know your heart is in the right place (oh that was a good one), but your plan sounds a bit mean-spirited to me. You already do such a good job of torturing our human. Why not offer a little love?
Head: Respectfully heart, that’s your area of expertise. It’s not like she pays that much attention to your loving ministrations either.
Heart: Oh, that hurts.
Hara: We don’t want to make you feel bad…
Head: Yes we do!
Hara: …It’s just that you are well aware of our mutual frustrations regarding this human and her inability to take in our valuable counsel. You’ve certainly offered up your own heart aches over the years, not to mention your strategy of increasing her blood pressure.
Heart: Those are fair points and I won’t argue them. I popped into this conversation for two reasons: First, we should all be on the same page and that page is all about helping our human be her best self. Second, perhaps we are all off base on our approach. The old saying about catching more flies with honey comes to mind. What if we eased off on the no pain no gain approach and tried to show her some love?
Head: Oh that is so you, heart! But you make a good point. I know I’ve been a little intense lately.
Hara: Yes, I have to own up to being particularly painful myself. This gut needs to be trusted, and perhaps I’ve let her down.
Heart: So are we agreed? We partner to better this human, and we do it in a positive way. And let’s keep this conversation going! When should we meet next?
Hara: How about next week? I’ll bring the pizza!
