Creating Heart-to-Heart Coherence and Living a Heart-Centered Life

(SHIFT>) There is an incredible amount of knowledge that we as humans can gather up from the plant kingdom with a heart-centered approach. By gathering information directly from the “heart of nature," we are able to realize the interconnectedness between humanity and the planet in a way that may conjure up themes from films such as Avatar. As more scientific research comes forward concerning the abilities and properties of plants, the more we learn that there are so many things that the plant kingdom is able to teach us, especially concerning harmony and balance.

A book that came our a few years ago entitled "The Secret Teachings of Plants: The Intelligence of the Heart in the Direct Perception of Nature," details these things in a very elegant way and shows us that the ancient shamanistic tales of oneness, interconnectedness, harmony, and balance with respect to humanity and nature’s relationship are indeed true. The human heart is significantly more important than most people realize, and in order to spread awareness of this reality, secret excerpts from the book will be provided to show just how important and sophisticated the heart truly is.

Maqui - A rebellious little berry that tames inflammation, prevents cancer and supports a healthy heart

Could a small purple berry fuel unlimited stamina, heal innumerable health complaints and turn back the hands of time? Maqui berry can do all of this and more. The fierce Mapuche warriors indigenous to Chile attribute their strength, vigor and unconquerable spirit to this little known South American berry. As one of the most extraordinary fruits, maqui boasts an impressive list of healthful benefit including cancer prevention, taming inflammation, managing blood sugar levels and supporting a healthy heart. Grown in an ecological manner with time-honored harvesting methods, maqui is a shining star among environmentally friendly superfoods.

A heroic fruit

Maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) is a vibrant purple fruit that grows abundantly across fields and hillsides in southern Chile. As a plentiful berry bush that grows wild, cultivation has proven to be unnecessary. Maqui contains 300 percent more anthocyanins and 150 percent more polyphenols than any known food or drink, including wine. For generations, the Mapuche Indians have consumed maqui as a fermented beverage. As legend has it, the Mapuche Indians are the only unconquered people of South America. Nourished by maqui, they fought the Spaniards for over 300 years. And won. Today, Mapuche families come together to hand pick the berries in a traditional fashion. The plants are naturally organic as long as their growing habitats are protected from industrial pollutants and encroachment.

Change Your Life With These Top Superfoods

Let's face it. When we are feeling run down, muddled, overweight or unwell, it's difficult to achieve our goals or live life to the fullest. Traditionally, Asian cultures believe nutrient dense food is one of the most powerful allies for attracting positive experiences into our lives. Whether concerning prosperity or solid relationships, joy or success - a healthy body and mind are key. Below are eight edibles that can help transform your life for the better.

Stunning superfoods

Camu camu

The best source of vitamin C on the planet, camu camu is a spectacular, health promoting superfood. Daily use of the berry will keep the immune system strong, improve eyesight, maintain ligaments, tendons and collagen while reducing inflammation. It also protects the skin from aging and supports brain as well as liver function.

Positive mental states encourage health and longevity - Research

According to current research, gratitude and appreciation aren't just pleasant emotions, both offer tangible health benefits as well. The HeartMath Institute in California has taken these findings a step further, providing a systematic approach for cultivating true appreciation - which ultimately reduces stress, chronic disease and nervous system disorders. In our fast-paced and intense modern world, orienting oneself toward positive mental states can vastly improve the quality of life and promote longevity.

The dance between appreciation and science

A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that gratitude supports cardiovascular and immune system health. Participants were monitored while asked to recall for five minutes an incident that triggered anger. Next, the individuals were told instead to focus on a memory that inspired gratitude. Heart, pulse and respiration rates dramatically improved. The researchers believe that by cultivating gratefulness, stress is  significantly reduced - thereby boosting immune function and strengthening overall health.