Often we get so busy doing life that we don’t realize we’ve left our hearts behind. And many times we also confuse our heads with our hearts – diligently trying to figure life out, but still disconnected from our inner world. Much of the angst and frustration we experience can be traced back to this loss of heart.
Children seem naturally full of heart, wonder, and curiosity as they engage the mysteries of life. And while they might not have a deep understanding or the right words to express themselves, it seems clear they live with their hearts fully alive.
But this tends to be lost somewhere along the way. And perhaps in large part because we realize the world is no longer safe. After suffering many hurts and disappointments, deep wounds and grief, we understandably put a wall around our heart to protect it from so much pain.
And while effective in many respects, this also comes with a high cost, namely losing touch with our very selves.
We might be successful in getting things done. And on the outside, it might not seem like we would have a lot to complain about. But without heart we begin to die inside.
We may wonder why we feel so angry all the time. Or why we’re always so exhausted or not really motivated to do anything. And while we might indulge in a few guilty pleasures from time to time, mostly this is just to distract ourselves and to numb our inner ache. Most days we just feel the burdens of life and nothing that truly brings us joy.
And in response we often just focus on managing our symptoms as we resign ourselves to this being as good as it gets for our life.
But the answer here is a recovery of heart – rediscovering our inner world and those things that make us come alive.
This is not to neglect our responsibilities, but a reminder that we need our whole hearts to truly live well.
Work hard. And take the time to get reacquainted with your heart as well. This is your wellspring of life.
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
