Many studies on heart disease (by which we mean coronary artery disease) show two nonphysical risk factors are as detrimental as smoking, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol: Job dissatisfaction and hostility. Research reveals that more heart attacks occur at 9 o’clock on Monday morning than other time of the week. Additionally, people who report the greatest level of job dissatisfaction are the most likely to suffer a fatal heart attack.

Although heart attacks seemingly strike at random, we may gain some perspective about this phenomenon from the Ayurvedic teachings that the body and mind are united. With that in mind, it is not surprising that deeply felt stress and dissatisfaction with work can manifest as illness or a heart attack. The concept of “giving oneself a heart attack” may be alarming at first, but it is empowering to know that we do have control over our health: Instead of unconsciously creating disease, we could be consciously creating health.

The concept of dharma
A heart-healthy job should do three things: nurture your unique talents, provide you the opportunity to express your feelings, and serve the needs of society. If you have these three components in your work, then you are in dharma—the state of being in which one’s purpose in life is fully expressed.

From the Sanskrit word meaning to support, sustain, or uphold, dharma is the essential character or nature of all that exists—of the universe and of each of us. When you are truly in dharma, you are in tune with your higher self, your work becomes a way of making a real contribution to the world, and your heart is nurtured.

Secondly, anyone who harbors hostility is also at higher risk for heart disease. Hostility is different than anger. Anger is generally a more fleeting emotion. However, with hostility, you hold onto grievances and resentment with the desire to get even.

Releasing hostility
If you find yourself feeling hostility, try this simple process to release that emotion: Think of anyone against whom you may be holding grievances. Bring him or her into your awareness and then practice forgiveness by letting go. The thought to use is: “Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle. By letting go of grievances, I choose a miracle.”

Meditate for heart health
Another positive step to take in terms of heart health is regular meditation. Meditation helps open the heart and provides a release for heart-damaging emotions such as hostility. Additionally, studies have proven that a regular meditation practice has powerful health benefits and can actually lower high cholesterol levels and normalize blood pressure. For example, a study conducted by David Orme-Johnson, PhD, examined the health of 2,000 meditators and found that meditators had 87.3 percent fewer hospital admissions for heart disease than people who do not meditate.

Ayurveda states that your mind gives you the ability to have any reaction you desire. This mind-body connection can be effortless, with infinite possible reactions. If you practice these three things—letting go of grievances and resentments, being in dharma with your life occupation, and regular
meditation—you are nurturing your heart and are on your way to creating perfect health.