Bringing All of Our Humanity to Moments that Matter

This Japanese ideogram — Ima Kokoro — roughly translates as current heart/mind and captures the secret of successful connection, communication and collaboration with others. The upper character, Ima, is the roof-like peak, which signifies this present moment, the Now. Ironically, that’s the foundation of a trusting and effective relationship with others. There are many different practices that can help us become fully present, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, just to name a few.

Research has indicated that our attention spans have declined by more than a quarter over the last generation. This means that the average gold fish will tend to pay attention longer than the average human. Not good! But, given that, it you take the time to practice being fully present, you will stand out! And, if you’re fully present, people will know it on a subtle level. Finally, you’ll also have more insight into how they’re responding to your message. Make it clear that you hear them on a nonverbal level and the sense of connection between you soar! But wait, there’s more!

The symbol beneath it is Kokoro, translated as Mind and/or Heart. As such, this ideogram symbolizes the unification of mind and heart in this present moment. To be clear: it’s not enough to just be present in your thoughts. You need to bring all your humanity to moments that matter. Not only does this make a deeper connection with the other possible, but it can reveal how our thoughts and feelings are in a constant feedback loop. We all have associations between what we perceive through our whole range of our senses. Some such connections can be universal; we all jump back when we didn’t see the car coming. But, many can be particular to your experience. And, not all of those associations will reside in our conscious memory. So settle in, open up and pay attention!

This wisdom from the East has only recently been confirmed by science in the West. Neuroscientists have noted that the emotional centers of our brain are always engaged when we think! Counterintuitive, no?! Don’t trust me. Pay attention to your experience. The next time a lot of information is flowing around you, notice how you feel what of those data points are important. Is it really a purely intellectual process? If the scientist are right, the answer is no!

Given all of this, it’s important to focus on what our heighten presence can tell us about ourselves and others. And, there’s no time like the present to start!