Wounds of the Heart

To paraphrase a section of the book "Into the Magic Shop", wounds of the hearts, like all wounds, present an opportunity for growth. Anybody that lifts weights will have an easy understanding of this process on muscle fibers - you lift the weights to break down the muscle fibers. The lifting does not make them stronger, it literally breaks them down. Through proper rest and nutrition, the muscles repair themselves to be stronger. It was the opening of the pathway of pain that allowed for the growth.

When hearts are wounded, they too open. When we feel that pain, or sadness, or shame, or whatever it is - our hearts open. Because they open, it is very important that we acknowledge them and tend to that openness with care in order to foster the growth that leads to a better self, and a stronger heart. If we hide from that pain, the wounds remain and we push the pain down and we don't listen to what it has to teach us or how to grow from it.

I know this isn't anything new, but it's such a great reminder that I wanted to just write this so that I remember to treat difficult situations with the mindset of how to grow because of it. To be grateful for the hardships I have had and those that will come. To remember that I can't control the event, but I can control my response. And to choose a response of growth gives the best chance to fully appreciate what life has to offer.

I'll be the first to admit, this is much easier said than done!