A Calm Heart

Walking your hollow way

We have all heard of multi-tasking. 

By now you have also heard that multi-tasking is an illusion. A trick we play on ourselves to make us believe that we can do more than one thing at the same time. In actuality, multi-tasking is distracting, impairs executive functioning, and when we multi-task, we are prone to make mistakes. So, let’s not do that! To learn more about this illusion, please read my recent blog which cites important brain research and the science behind the multi-tasking fallacy. 

We live in a complex world. To navigate this complexity, we need tools that can help us better understand how to take our next steps. Tools to help those around us see their path more clearly and to take to heart the lessons we have learned along the way. This journey starts with preparing ourselves. Getting ourselves ready so that we can show up fully for others (and ourselves) and be present in the present moment.

To help us be the best version of ourselves, let’s flip the concept of multi-tasking on its head by looking at how to develop a quiet mind, nurture a calm heart, and have still hands…what I’ve coined multi-resting. Last month we learned what can help develop a quiet mind. Today, we are looking at how to nurture a calm heart. To help us get started, I’d like to tell a short story…

… a few weeks ago, my wife and I were hiking at one of our favorite places, Aman Park. Donated to the City of Grand Rapids about 100 years ago by Jacob Aman, the park is one of a handful in our state that is known for its old-growth forest. There is a section on the outer rim of the park where you hike through a hollow way. It is one of our favorite places in the entire 300 acres. Pictured below, a hollow way is a passageway where over time the earth you are walking on has become lower than its surrounding surface. This well-worn path is a space that is sheltered from the elements, a place that is a little quieter than the surrounding forest, and a great spot to take a breather.

Nurturing a calm heart requires places like a hollow way in our lives. Spaces where are hearts can be calmed and prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Places where we are able to tend and care for ourselves. Spaces where we can take the time we need to remember what is truly important in our lives. When you walk and experience your hollow way, there are three truly helpful concepts that come to your aid as you calm your heart. The concepts of faith, hope, and love.

Faithful hearts to believe in the unseen

Hopeful hearts in a vibrant future that has yet to unfold

Loving hearts that hold the best of those around you in front of them

No matter your spiritual journey, these three concepts have the unending ability to nurture and calm your heart. In the context of your hollow way, think of these three words as the three sides of your path. To your left faith, to your right hope, and under your feet love.

Above and in front of you is the unfolding journey that awaits a multi-rested person. 

One last thought for us to consider. A hollow way is also known as a sunken path. It is sunken because it has been well-worn by those travelers who have walked it. The more times you journey on your hollow way and carry faith, hope, and love with you, the more opportunities your heart will have to learn how to be calm…no matter the storm ahead. It is the journey that matters most.

Mind how you go,

Lon

Lon L. Swartzentruber

Design Group International
CEO & Managing Partner

PS: If you would like to talk with me about how multi-resting can help in your leadership, please give me a call me at 616.516.9870, or schedule a 30-minute discovery call , or simply email me at lons@designgroupintl.com.