Heart and mind - Dilemma?

Question

I need general advice, so I'm going to be general about the details.

My heart is begging me to do one thing, but my mind is giving me holy hell with logical thought and various other things.

It seems the stronger I develop a heartfelt passion, the more my mind throws into the equation, balancing the scales and keeping me still.

The problem is, it is depressing me, because I feel as though I am having to deny myself no matter which way I choose.

I have tried throwing away logic and following my heart. So my mind gave me more to think about. I'm tired of thinking. I just want to get on and do.

But what my heart begs involves a huge lifestyle change. Something I can certainly do in time, yet my mind tells me I'm not prepared. I have been prepared for at least 4 years, so why do I suddenly become unprepared when I want to follow my heart?

My mind calls my heart silly and careless. My heart calls my mind dispassionate and overbearing.

Trouble is, which one do I follow?

Kristen I disagree on point 1.

My heart's option requires a total overhaul of every aspect of my life, while my mind tells me it is highly likely to come to nothing, and not to bother.

Answer 1

I say follow the path that resonates throughout your being. Your mind is actually the alchemy of your thoughts and feelings. You must listen to both -- feel, sense the harmony that they are. Find the clarity before you move forward.

I could give you my true opinion, but I think you know it by now. Until you are completely clear, my friend, do not take another step forward. Either direction might be right; either direction might be wrong. But remember this: whichever direction you choose is the right way to go.

Stop thinking consciously about it; stop feeling consciously about it. Tune into your inner sense of guidance. Remove the passion; seek the clarity; truth is what you will find.

(((Retro))). I wish you peace and good guidance.

EDIT: (((Morgana))) . . . Here, I teach breathing as a healing technique, and did I suggest that to him?? No, of course not. Thank you, thank you -- RETRO: Breathe the truth!!! Just focus on your breathing -- clear your mind of everything. Let your breath move your body.

Answer 2

Some time ago I would have told you go with your mind but now I doubt it. You've got quite a situation on your hands boy. This decision you must make on your own. Isn't there any possible way to reconcile both mind and heart? All I can tell you is that I've always ignored my heart and I am as dry as a raisin. If I could do something to prevent you from reaching the state I'm in, then it would be advising you to go with your heart. But the, I may be wrong since no extreme is healthy. Logic's too utilitarian, the heart is blind, which to follow only you'll have to decide.
Good luck my friend

Answer 3

My friend, this is hard bc I don't know what you are struggling with. I think Shihan has some very good advice and I would listen to her. If you don't have to take any action this very minute or in the immediate future, then lay low, don't make any huge changes that you aren't sure about, or reasonably sure.

Granted, at some point you may have to take that leap and go for it, but I get the feeling you aren't ready yet. I could be wrong, but I think that eventually you will follow your inner voice, which I have found for my self is the best source of truth and almost always is from my heart. There is that little voice that talks to you and tells you where to go and what to do and sometimes we listen to it and when we ignore it or disregard it, it usually isn't for the best in the long run.

I don't know if this helps, I hope you can take some time, take a deeeeeeeeeeeep breath, and pause, realizing that for this moment, you don't have to decide.

Blessings,
Lady Morgana )0(

Answer 4

My friend, your indecision is a clear indicator that NOW is NOT the time to make any decision. You need to take more time and Learn a bit more about ALL of your options. Apparently, your subconscious mind KNOWS that there is something missing or not quite all in lace yet. Follow that instinct and wait a while and see what else developes. that will most likely make things come into perspective a lot better and you'll be able to make a better informed decision.

Brightest Blessings,
Raji the Green Witch

Answer 5

Wow, I might need to read this one a few times.

What your experiencing is literally one of the biggest questions of humanity, and it isn't answered easily. I know this much is true:

1. Sometimes what is "easier" can be misunderstood for what the heart wants
2. What's easier isn't always better for you
3. Do something that is going to be a reward for yourself in the future. It may not be the answer that you want to hear from everyone around you, but in the long run, you'll be better off for it.

It's really hard to answer this without knowing the details, but I hope this helps!

Answer 6

Does your gut tell you anything different? I mean those intuitive flashes of insight, that come when the mind is still. Sometimes for me a 'sign' if you will, throws itself in my path, something familiar yet odd, unexplainable, and it would feel something like a 'first impression' of someone. Like a calm pond shines a clear reflection of the moon, so the still mind is able to get a clear reflection of Spirit. Listen to the heart and Strength of Spirit. Silence can be a very good teacher......To balance heart and mind, yes that is sublime..
Peace on your journey

Answer 7

Well bunny, we are in the soup of hearts and minds today.....

Herre is my best 'general' reply.....I have made many huge lifestyle changes, and they NEVER come to nothing. It may not be my intended outcome, by the shift is aways worth the risk.

I totally believe in following my heart, and leap to do it. I trust my heart ~ it is the expectations of the mind that get me into trouble, or anguish, as the case may be....

Following the heart takes the courage of your convictions. Following the mind is the same ol' same ol'. You already know what will happen ~ where is the growth in that?

I strive to respond within my life, I don't want to wake up one day with that feeling of "if I had only..."

peace and clarity to you, oh holy bun

Answer 8

I once knew someone who was asked to take on a great honor and a great responsibility. He didn't think he wanted to. So he sat down and tried to write a letter declining the offer. He found he couldn't write it. So as an exploratory exercise, he wrote another letter accepting the offer ... and he realized that that was in fact what he "was to do."

A lot of deeply perceptive spiritual traditions fairly relish such dilemmas (Zen koans being a quick example). As best as I can make out, the point there isn't so much to pick and choose one option over the other, but to dig ever deeper into our being ... to touch and find a clarity ... not so much about what to do, but HOW to do it ... and that "how" as an expression of what we are ... before names and titles or obligations and expectations.

I think about it like I do relationships: Do I like the person I can be in the context of this interaction?

Who are you?
.

Answer 9

Is it possible to follow your heart, toward your desire, not to "burn bridges" in case whatever it is, doesn't work out?

I have given some things 'a year' to try a new idea/lifestyle, job, etc. It's amazing the lessons that can be learned...it's a real education!

Sometimes, we have to try something out, otherwise the heart will continue nagging us to death!

It's just real important that you leave your present situation with good feelings all around.

Joseph Campbell (the author...Hero's Journey, etc.) always said to "Follow your bliss". There is something to that!

Answer 10

You need to moderate. I know you're trying, but there's not much you can do but set your mind and your heart on a scale and balance them the best you can...because that's all you can do.

Although the general question didn't help very much.