Getting to the Heart of the Matter: An Embodied Anatomy Class for the Heart
The human heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood. It carries oxygen and nutrients to the body, and transports metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide to the lungs. It is the size of a closed fist and sits between the lungs. And. It is a symbol of love and strength and passion. A person can be described as kind, cold, or hard hearted. We wear our hearts on our sleeves, have a change of heart or a heavy heart. Why has our blood pump been given such metaphorical power?
According to this article by Marilyn Yalom the origins lie in the beliefs of the Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle who taught that the heart was linked to our strongest emotions, including love. As well as this the ancient Romans believed that there was a vein extending from the fourth finger of the left hand directly to the heart. They called it the vena amoris. This is why we wear a wedding ring on that finger today.
Love in its many forms is hard to define. When words fail us, we have a symbol. We can sign off messages, send cards, decorate biscuits, sing beautiful lyrics and know that we love and are loved with one little icon.
So, as an act of love for you today here is a class on the heart ❤️