Who wants to be vulnerable? No one – right?

But… I was told once by a psychotherapist that he viewed the ego as a set of defense mechanisms – and that, in order to express our real selves, we needed to dismantle them… and live life vulnerably. Openly.

Just as a meditation teacher of mine, the wonderful Barbara Dilley, talked about how being a true warrior in the world, who lives life fully and faces it bravely, means living with a tender and broken heart.

Maybe they’re on to something.

Yes, this could lead to being hurt. But it also opens the door to honest communication, and feeling the richness of every moment. Taking risks, and trusting in our own ability to return to center, is vulnerable – but living without it means deadening ourselves to love.

Today, consider opening a little more than you’re used to. Take care of yourself, too – but give it a try. See what happens.