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Most people are familiar with brain waves, but not as many people are familiar with heart waves. Researchers have found that our heart emits waves much as our brain does. When we are in a state of stress, anxiety, worry, or depletion, these waves form a jagged and rough pattern. When we are a state of gratitude, these waves form a coherent pattern.

Why does this matter? When our heart waves are in a state of coherence, we experience less stress, are better able to deal with life’s challenges, and more likely to get what we want in life. Normally people think that when they get what they want, then they will be grateful. Unfortunately, this is often not the case. Many times people get what they have been striving for, only to find that new desires have come into their awareness. The success might bring momentary satisfaction, but it is quickly eclipsed by a new litany of desires.

The fact is when we experience gratitude first, we are more likely to get what we want, AND more likely to enjoy it once we get it. By being in a state of gratitude, happiness, appreciation, and well-being, we can actually create circumstances in our lives to reinforce this feeling of well-being. By being in a state of heart-wave coherence, we can improve our health, our relationships, and our finances.

Try this simple heart-based meditation

This meditation can help you lower your stress levels and increase your sense of well-being.

1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
2. Think of a person, place, or thing that gives you a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Who in your life has had a tremendous impact on you who evokes appreciation? Is there a place that you love to go to recharge? Do you have a pet that you love? Bring your attention to this person, place, or thing.
3. Take your attention and place it in your heart chakra. See if you can sense a feeling of gratitude and appreciation. If so, focus on this sensation within your heart. Gently feel it radiating outward. If you are unable to feel appreciation or gratitude, that is okay; simply continue to think of the person, place, or thing that you appreciate.

You can do this simple meditation ^[2] anytime you feel stressed, angry, or frustrated, and it doesn’t require any meditation supplies ^[3] at all. It will transform your heart waves from being agitated to a state of coherence. As you stay in this state of gratitude, you will notice that there is more and more in your life to appreciate. As you focus on appreciation, you will begin to live from a place of greater abundance, creating more of what you want in life. Give it a try and let me know what happens!

^[4]Read more of Sarah Maria ^[5]’s posts on Intent.com ^[4] — content and community for who you aspire to be — personally, socially and globally.

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