The splitting of the atom and the opening of the heart: Reflections on Caroline Myss’ work

For the past 15 years, I have been deeply inspired by the teachings and insights of Caroline Myss, a mystic whose work has profoundly shaped how I see the world, my work, and the delicate threads that weave us all together. Her unique ability to bridge spirituality, psychology, and history has given me a lens to understand not only the external world but also the deep, often hidden forces shaping our emotional and spiritual lives.

One of the ideas from Caroline’s work that resonates deeply with me is her reflection on the atomic era and its transformative impact on humanity. She views the splitting of the atom as not just a scientific milestone but as a profound metaphor for a shift in consciousness—a tearing open of the unseen, a moment when humanity was collectively invited to explore what lies beneath the surface. This marked, as she puts it, the beginning of an era where emotions could finally take their rightful place in human interaction.

For much of human history, emotions were not given much room in relationships or family dynamics. Our ancestors lived in a world where survival and structure took precedence. Feelings were often suppressed, dismissed, or ignored, seen as a luxury or a distraction. But as the atomic age unfolded, it seemed to unlock not just the secrets of physical matter but the internal matter of the human heart. This era allowed us to see emotions as essential elements of connection and healing—an evolution that has had profound implications for how we relate to our families, our work, and ourselves.

Credit to myss.com

However, as I reflect on Caroline’s teachings and my own observations, I see a paradox in this shift. While we’ve gained so much in terms of emotional expression, self-awareness, and connection, we seem to have lost some of the grounding values that kept us steady. Loyalty, integrity, and commitment to one another—qualities that once formed the backbone of relationships—have often been replaced by a more fluid, individualistic approach to life. This shift isn’t inherently bad, but it comes with challenges.

Caroline often speaks about the power of sacred contracts, the idea that our lives and relationships are guided by agreements we make at a soul level. This concept has been pivotal in my personal journey. Through the lens of sacred contracts, I’ve come to understand my work not just as a job but as a calling—a way to bring healing, connection, and purpose into the world. Her teachings helped me realize that the relationships we form, whether personal or professional, are opportunities to grow and honor these contracts, even when they are difficult.

In my work at Slow, I strive to create spaces where people can reconnect—not just with others, but with themselves. Whether it’s through retreats, or the simple act of sharing a story over a glass of wine, I believe that cultivating emotional depth and presence is essential to living fully. But I also encourage grounding this openness in values: honesty, respect, and loyalty—not as rigid rules but as guiding principles that give us structure amidst the fluidity of modern life.

Credit to myss.com

Caroline’s insights have also shaped how I view the challenges of this era. In a world filled with distractions and a constant pull toward novelty, it’s easy to lose our center. We are bombarded by endless options, opinions, and possibilities, which can make it difficult to stay true to ourselves or to others. But this is where her work inspires me most: she reminds us that the key to navigating this complexity is staying connected to our inner truth and the sacred agreements we’ve made with life.

Over the years, as I’ve explored her teachings, I’ve found that balance is the most vital lesson of all. Emotional openness is a gift, but without grounding values, it can lead to chaos and confusion. Similarly, loyalty and structure without room for vulnerability can become stifling. The task of our time, as I see it, is to hold space for both—to be open-hearted and rooted at the same time.

This world may feel fragmented at times, but as Caroline teaches, there is always a thread of the sacred running through it. It’s up to us to find it, to nurture it, and to let it guide us toward a life that is both meaningful and whole.

If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with the paradoxes of modern life—yearning for connection but yet struggling with inner beliefs, seeking freedom but needing grounding—I encourage you to explore Caroline Myss’ work. Her wisdom has been a compass for me, and I hope it might serve you as well.

Xoxo,

Leonor