“Living within ones heart” is a term that is used to describe a person who’s life is flowing in cooperation and connection with all of the moving parts of themselves. This term was often used in the tribes of the Americas to describe a person who is tuned in with their true instinctual nature. In other words, a person who always seems to do all the right things at all the times.

For each and every one of us, happiness is the ultimate goal, and the phrase living within your heart is personifying just that. Naturally this is easier said than done, and to tell if you’re “there yet” does not come with an instructional guide. Still, there is one easy way to tell if you’re flowing at the hearts pace or not.

I am sure you have noticed that time goes by super fast when you are on vacation and the contrary happens while doing something mundane. Obviously, time did not speed up or slow down. The rotation of earth governs the rhythms of time and this planet is not capable of speeding up or slowing down in such a manor. Time makes all these changes within the power of your mind’s focus. This is because time is subjective to your mood and mindset.

If we wish to use this information to help us master how to live within our heart, we can use time as a very simple compass to our inner most thoughts. If time feels effortless then you’re flowing within the beauty of the heart’s splendor. On the contrary, if you are anxious, nervous or time is dragging out, then surely your approach to that moment is a bit off base.

It is scientifically proven that the human body goes through physical symptoms during stressful times and that even what we consider everyday stress can release an abundance of the less than helpful hormone cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone released by your adrenal gland, which is caused by the bodies fight or flight response to stress. This hormone causes the body to gain weight, raises your blood pressure, and increases your chances of developing disease. Given these facts, this is a very real and physical issue that can not be shrugged off as purely philosophical.

We all know that time flies by while you’re having fun. Making the ultimate question, how can we have fun no matter what we are doing? Again, the answer is in the way you look at things. If you can see every day as an opportunity to find joy, then you will surely find it. When we can hold on to the many positive aspects inside of any given moment, then we can clearly see the wondrous and magical nature of the gift we call life.

Changing the way you look at things will change the entire landscape of your day. If you wish to practice this, I suggest starting small, for example I would try savoring your favorite meal, truly engulfing yourself in a moment with a loved one or simply meditating, before attempting to appreciate a job you have disliked for years.

Once mastered, this addictive attitude can help you hold grace in the spot light, and it can hold your head up high on your worst day. The only thing we can control is how we look at things, and we need to take this into the highest regard.

Joseph Anthony (Trainer Joe) Amoroso is a holistic master trainer, self-help author and expert on the human body’s reaction to exercise. Trainer Joe’s is located 101 Mount Bethel Road in Warren. 908-339-7466. TrainAtJoes.com. See ad on page 25.