The Journey from Head to Heart: Reconnecting with What Truly Matters
- Francia Groman
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
In today’s fast-paced world, we’re taught from an early age to value productivity, logic, and long-term planning above all else. We’re encouraged to think ahead, stay busy, and strive for success as if our worth depends on it. By the time we reach our senior year of high school, we’re expected to have it all figured out—what we want to study, what career we’ll pursue, and how we’ll contribute to this world. But what happens when the heart calls us in a different direction? or we simply don't have all the answers? In this constant pursuit of achievement, it's easy to lose touch with something much more profound: the wisdom of our hearts.
As a yoga student and teacher, but more importantly a mother, I’ve seen this tension between the head and the heart play out in so many different ways. Recently, my youngest son Xavier, who has been a dedicated and focused soccer player for years, made the brave and unexpected decision to quit soccer before his senior year of high school.
Soccer has been a huge part of his life and by extension a big part of our family! It has been a source of discipline, community, and joy.
But as he approached this pivotal moment in his life, he realized that his heart was pulling him toward other passions and better yet other possibilities.
Watching him make this decision was both inspiring and humbling. But if I’m being honest, it also came with a sense of loss for me. For years, his soccer 'career' wasn’t just a part of his life—it was a part of mine, too. The countless hours spent driving to practices, cheering loudly on the sidelines and investing time and money into his growth as a player weren’t just about supporting him; it became woven into the fabric of our family’s identity. Soccer brought us together in so many ways, and letting go of that chapter felt like saying goodbye to a piece of our shared journey.
At the same time, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Through my own journey of learning to listen to my heart, I was able to somehow pass this knowledge on to him. Seeing him honor his inner calling, even when it meant stepping away from something so familiar and important, reminded me that the lessons we live are often the most powerful ones we teach.
In that moment, I realized that this wasn’t just an ending—it was a beautiful new beginning, both for him and for our family.
It’s not easy to release something that has been such a big part of your life, especially when it’s tied to cherished memories and a sense of purpose. But as I watch my little Xavilicious navigate this transition with courage and clarity, it reminds me that life is full of seasons. Just as soccer shaped him into the person he is today, this new unknown path will allow him to grow in ways we can’t even yet imagine.
Why We Get Stuck in Our Heads
From the moment we enter school, we’re conditioned to prioritize logic, analysis, and productivity. We’re graded on our ability to memorize facts, solve problems, and meet deadlines. While these skills are valuable, they often come at the expense of creativity, intuition, and emotional well-being. By the time we’re adults, many of us have lost touch with our inner compass—the heart that knows what truly matters.
This disconnect can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense of emptiness, even when we’re “successful” by society’s standards. We become so focused on doing, that we forget how to simply be.
The Path Back to the Heart
Yoga offers a powerful antidote to this imbalance. It teaches us to move from the head to the heart by linking breath with movement, quieting the mind, and cultivating a sense of presence. The heart is not just a physical organ; it’s a spiritual center, a source of compassion, intuition, and connection.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from yoga is that the answers we seek are often already within us. When we create space to listen—whether through meditation, asana, or simply sitting in stillness—we can hear the whispers of the heart guiding us toward our true path.
A Lesson from Xavier's Journey
Xavier's decision to follow his heart has been a beautiful reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself. It’s not always easy to let go of what’s familiar, especially when others have certain expectations of us. But the courage to honor what feels right in your soul is a gift that can lead to greater fulfillment and joy.
As parents, teachers, and mentors, we have a responsibility to nurture this courage in the next generation. Instead of asking kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” we can ask, “What lights you up? What makes your heart sing?” These questions encourage kids to explore, dream, and connect with their authentic selves. And while we're at it, we should ask ourselves the same questions!
Through his years as a soccer player, Xavier learned invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the field—lessons about discipline, resilience, teamwork, confidence, health and the courage to pursue something greater than himself. These principles shaped his character and gave him the foundation to follow his heart with confidence. Soccer may have been his passion for a time, and maybe he'll come back to it in some capacity again in the future. Regardless, the values it instilled will guide him for a lifetime. These same lessons remind us that every chapter, no matter how it ends, prepares us for the next step in our journey.
An Invitation to Your Heart
If you’ve been feeling stuck in your head—overthinking, over-planning, or simply overwhelmed—I invite you to join me on a journey back to the heart. My upcoming Tibetan Heart Yoga workshop is designed to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom, release mental clutter, and cultivate a deeper sense of compassion and connection.
This 2-day journey will include guided meditations and visualizations, heart-opening asanas, and ancient teachings to help you align with your true self. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this workshop offers a safe and supportive space to explore the profound wisdom of the heart.
Remember, the heart always knows the way—it’s just waiting for us to listen.
Date: Saturday 4/26 and Sunday 4/27 @1pm
Where: Online & In Person
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