STEVE SISGOLD: I was sitting in a mountainside hot spring in Japan and an elderly man entered the pool. We smiled and quickly identified that he knew no English and I had learned about seven Japanese words on the plane ride so conversation was not an option.

We sat in stillness and enjoyed the birds, trees and the warm soak when all of a sudden our eyes met and we both simultaneously touched our hearts. What a great communication that was. Tapping our hearts spoke appreciation for the moment we were having together and formed an instant bond between us.

It's amazing how in stillness one can feel that one organ, the heart, the most powerful interface for our body, mind, and spirit and symbol of such a potent quality of who we are.

Leading scientists suggest that the heart has a unique intelligence unto itself. Research even shows that heart transplant recipients take on characteristics of their donors. The heart dictates so much of who we are in the world.

And the heart also influences how we make decisions in our daily lives. Suggestions of 'Follow your heart' or 'Lead with your heart' advise us is to make choices from a place of love and compassion consulting our heart not just what our brain thinks. When I drop into my heart consciousness, I find I am in the rhythm of true stillness.

Following the heart asks that we accept nothing less than we and others deserve and that we hold the intention of love and caring in making decisions that affect us, and all around us.

Lead with and follow your heart ~ in pure stillness.