In my pursuit to SEEK 2022, I recently listened to an insightful Centering Prayer Summit (Christian contemplation/meditation event) sponsored by Closer Than Breath. One of the presenters, Dr. Jana Rentzel, lectured on the embodied practice of Guard of the Heart. I loved it so much, and since it’s all things HEART this month, I’ll share this powerful, yet simple practice with you. 

Our spiritual heart is our inner room, our innermost core and being, where we commune with God, experience our true self, and abide in perfect peace. “Guard your heart above all else, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) Our heart’s desire is to be light, open and free — yet through life’s circumstances and our thoughts and emotions about them — we can feel a sense of tightening or uneasiness in our heart space. The spiritual heart is a valve, just like the physical heart. When our heart closes off and we lose our peace, it signals we may be off course. This is when it’s helpful to practice Guard of the Heart (also referred to as Watchfulness or Presence Practice).

Guard of the Heart Practice

1. Right when you notice a tightening or uneasiness in the heart area, witness the disturbing emotion or troubling situation, and let it move through you. Take some deep breaths as you feel the sensations in and through the body. Staying present, before thoughts entertain or attach to the situation, return your heart to rest with God. 

2. Let go and give everything to the Lord as a gift. Visualize releasing the tightness and uneasiness to God. The Lord knows what to do in every circumstance. Let go of the need for control or approval. Open your heart to God’s loving and wise presence within. Release negativity and return to peace with God. When we anchor into Divine love, we reunite our human will with Divine will, and move beyond our desires and reactive tendencies. “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

This practice can be used anywhere, at anytime, throughout our daily lives.

“When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place. As you gaze at Me through the eyes of your heart, you can see the world around you from My perspective. The fact that I am with you makes every moment of your life meaningful.” (from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young)

Try Guard of the Heart practice this week, and let me know how it works for you. ❤️