THE heart is made up of four chambers. The upper two chambers are called atria and the lower two are known as ventricles.
On the right side of the heart, the atrium and ventricle work to pump oxygen-poor blood to the lungs. On the left side, the atrium and ventricle combine to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body.
When they combine in perfect harmony, a transaction takes place. That which is lacking - oxygen-poor blood - arrives in the heart, is taken to the lungs and refreshed, and then it is sent back out enriched. How complex, efficient and amazing is this muscle that lies within each of us.
Take a moment and consider this notion of a transaction taking place.
What occurs in the blood within the heart is so similar to what occurs in our lives. Just like blood, we can become in need of being enriched.
We can - and do - lose our way in life, become unconnected to healthy ways of living and being with ourselves and others. We can also find ourselves feeling lacklustre or even burnt out.
At these times, we need somewhere we can be enriched and renewed. We, just like the blood within us, need to go to the source, be filled again and then to re-enter everyday life.
The good news is, of course, that we don't need to go through the incredibly complex and sophisticated processes that our blood does. We don't even have to go very far from where we are.
The key to becoming enriched and refreshed is to connect to the source of all life; the meaning of our existence. We call that God or the loving heart of Jesus, always available to us.
Taking some time in prayer, meditation, reflection, reading or discussion can lead us to the transaction where the tired or lost, the sad or lonely, can become hope-filled once more and ready for the next step in the adventure of life.
Why not take a few minutes right now to relax. Sit quietly, pause and think about what areas of your life could do with being enriched.
Enter into a conversation with God, right now. Let the transaction begin. You could see it as a kind of 'life-blood transfusion'. Be open and curious to what insights might come from this quiet time with God.
The heart holds a wonderful blueprint for the transaction of life itself. Perhaps that is why, in our tradition, we refer to the 'Sacred Heart' of Jesus; the heart burning with love for all; and it is beating this very minute with love for you.
Reflection questions
1. What is it that drains me of life?
2. How can I make time for this daily 'transfusion' of life?
3. How can I remain connected to the source of life?
- Finding God in the Mess - Meditations for Mindful Living by Jim Deeds and Brendan McManus SJ is published by Messenger Publications. For more information, or to order a copy, visit here.
- Next week: Finding refreshment in a lakeshore meditation
