Drop the Amor…and open to all the good things in life.

We all contain a multitude of parts: the hardened, guarded self, the soft, receptive self, and a million shades of grey in between.

Most of us wish we could spend more time feeling soft, relaxed, open, and receptive, yet life delivers everyone moments or chapters of challenge. From carpools & deadlines to loss, big transitions, and difficult conversations, each of us navigates tricky terrain every single day.

When the going gets tough, we’re wired to respond defensively. Our breath becomes shallow and rapid. We clench our jaw, fists, or glutes…as if hardening, closing off, or armoring up will protect us.

But guarding ourselves against life only inhibits us from experiencing it fully. More importantly, wearing armor keeps us from authentically connecting with others.

So, how do we remove the heavy armor and start softening and opening?

Well, let me offer wisdom and guidance first with a quote from Roshi Joan Halifax and then a fabulous guided meditation by Sarah Blondin. Both are worthy of your precious time. I promise.

“All too often, our so-called strength comes from fear, not love. Instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front, shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open. How can we give and accept care with strong-back, soft-front compassion, moving past fear to a place of genuine tenderness? I believe it comes when we can be truly transparent, seeing the world clearly and letting the world see into us.” -Joan Halifax