From what I understand, the heart brain sends messages to the head brain with regards to what hormones to release. So if you feel guilt, shame, fear or anger in your heart, it will direct your brain to release chemicals that are not good for your body over long periods. If you feel peace, love, joy, hope and happiness, it will direct your brain to release chemicals that are good for your body, especially when it comes to healing.

We can be more than our habits, says professor Michael Puett.

I wonder if I am more Asian, specifically Chinese, than I realize. I was reading the new book about applying Chinese philosophy to your own life, and it was more touching than I had expected. As a Chinese American whose parents emigrated from Taiwan more than fifty years ago, I grew up in Detroit.