When the heart was open and free, life was lit.

Everything was exciting and colourful. Everything called out to you. Engaged you. There was so much beauty around, it took your breath away.

Every day, someone stole your heart. The only way to love was to do it fully. You held nothing back. When it was time to hug, the arms opened so wide, that they could pull in anyone and hold them in forever.

You cared and not just for some people. Anyone’s suffering seemed yours. Anything that was sad moved you to tears. But just for now.

When the heart was open, anyone could reach out and touch it. Anything could move you. Make you laugh and cry so hard.

You were free to dream. When you had no goals, anything was possible. Such was life. Shimmering with possibilities, and vibrant with colours and emotions. You gave all of yourself to it. And it gave all of itself to you. You were alive. Lit up. You were still young. Not yet smart.

Then, they got you

‘You laugh so loud.’

‘Wipe those tears.’

‘Love is rare. It must be veiled, selective and reciprocal.’

Here, they said, meet this new feeling- fear.

‘Don’t do that. There are consequences.’
‘Have new concerns’ -they said. ‘How does it look? Is this appropriate? What will they say?’

‘Doubt everyone.’

You learned to hold yourself back. Watch your every move. Till nothing flowed free. Neither the laughter nor tears. Heart no longer felt free to love completely. Even the breath is heavy. It doesn’t feel as easeful as it once did.

‘Toil. This is life’ they said. ‘Try harder.’

But it doesn’t ring true to your heart. It has known freedom. What’s natural and spontaneous is calling. Life should be easeful. It senses the calling of freedom to love, feel, care and express fully yet again. Freedom to give itself away.

It will not let you rest till you set it free. Might as well let your heart open.