Open your Heart to the World

One of the most powerful and impactful art pieces I saw at Burning Man last year [2018] was this driftwood robot with an open heart. [“BARE HEART” is its name and it was created by Trevor Twist of Oakland, CA.] Of course the theme last year was “I,Robot”, so there were literally thousands of creative versions of the Robot, many with a heart. However, this one caught my eye and my camera’s eye, perched high upon the modern platform of the Man, bearing his heart to the ones who passed by, or perhaps stopped to look deeper.

There he stood, overlooking the desert, full of life and art and activity; with people, like tiny ants scurrying along as if on some magical mission. He stands; open, waiting. Will someone notice or take the time?

This regal robot silently reminds me to Be Patient and Be Open.

Even the roughest characters, (perhaps scowling or even faceless), when they open their hearts and become vulnerable, reveal a softer side and an invitation to let down the guards.

It is like an invitation to “look in here, its cool”. This gesture doesn’t say “Im scary, ugly or dangerous.”

I find in life that most people wear some sort of shell, mask, armor or guard, purely for protection, survival; perhaps even for hiding. But when WE make the first move to open our hearts and become vulnerable and share who we are (or true concern), others tend to trust us and will open up to us. The more you openly love others, the more the world will open up its heart to you.

I encourage you today to speak out and say how you feel, show a genuine concern, or voice the good you seen in someone today. Show them your real heart first and see how they respond. If it’s not your usual natural self, give others a chance to adjust to the new side of you before they trust and open up in return. Being vulnerable is a volley between people and sometimes we have to serve a lot of balls before someone hits it back. Be patient; it’s worth the work and the risk. Open hearts invite others to open their hearts and create a connection that can make all the difference.

If you want others to connect, let down your guards and open your heart first. <3

#SEEinspired #mobileartlife