Moving about this world with a gentle heart is being caught in a constant tornado of emotion. Feeling everything and everyone and unsure of what to do with this energy can leave one unsettled and anxious. It is a disequilibrium of the emotional sort, a momentary jolt of imbalance and unease. Many who experience this feeling chose to hide this part of themselves. While it surely feels safer to move about in a protective shell that repels unsolicited energy, this only lessens the rawness of living by dulling the senses and avoiding the collision of souls necessary for growth.

 

Being gentle by its very nature requires a softening in life, a loving and gentle approach to all situations no matter how difficult.  It is a state of feeling separate or apart but at the same time completely one with all else. It is in the seeing and feeling of others that we are able to use this softness by listening, loving and being with those that are in need. It is also in the seeing of the hardness of the world, that we may find our calling and passion.

 

“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place”

Iain Thomas

 

As one who has lived this way for some time, I humbly offer this insight in the hopes that it will be of some comfort for others who may be struggling with finding their voice.

 

You will be called sensitive, weak and quiet a million times over all the while knowing that you are none of these things. You are in fact strong, smart and capable.  It is in your manner that others feel compelled to place false labels. They are labels that represent the others feelings of inadequacy, do not claim them. Do not take what is not yours, it never was.

 

Never mind what others are telling you and disregard the static, it is only noise. The world is in desperate need of more gentle hearted people. Whether it is at work, home or in a social circle, those that move softly even when challenged are needed more than ever. Do not let others tell you that in order to be heard you must be loud or assertive. This is an untruth and cruelty to your nature. Do not let this world make you hard and callous. Others will try, ignore them. They may be wounded, hurting and are deserving of love. Love them, even if they do not love themselves.

 

When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time.

Saint Francis de Sales

 

Let people in. Do not be afraid to love and share your heart with another. Allow the beloved to protect you, to embrace you and to “see” you. Yes, you are strong and will be fine on your own, but you can also grow tenfold when loving deeply. Expand your energy, let it live. No one can extinguish your flame without permission, do not give it.

 

Finally, accept what has been given to you without condition. You may not understand it now, but your gentle heart will uplift and heal many. Let it breathe, openly without judgement. Feel and be seen. At times it will hurt, be painful and heavy, but it will most often be joyous, beautiful and expansive. Live for those moments and let your heart lead in all matters. It is your guide, your true north. Trust that all will be well.