A contemplative practice of honest self-inquiry into emotional motivations before choosing or committing to romantic partners.
Mirabai's life demonstrates relentless self-examination, constantly questioning her own heart's desires and whether her choices served her spiritual growth or ego. The examined heart practice translates this into romantic contexts through structured reflection: What am I really seeking in this person? Am I attracted to their authentic self or to what I imagine them to be? Does this relationship expand my freedom or constrain it? Mirabai's defiance of conventional marriage (her rejection of her earthly husband to pursue Krishna) modeled choosing truth over social expectation. This practice involves journaling, meditation, and honest conversation about your attachment patterns before entering partnerships. The bhakti tradition emphasizes that love without self-knowledge becomes possession and suffering. By regularly examining our hearts—our fears, our wounds, our projections—we make conscious partner choices rather than reactive ones driven by unexamined needs.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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