What does your cracking heart whisper to you?

I have been paying close attention to my heart this week.

Like when the election happened and I felt the positive energy of people putting enormous effort into electing candidates that actually represent their values. My heart cracked with hope - some of the fear leaked out and a warmth replaced it.

No matter where you are stuck or overwhelmed, how does courageously showing up, cracked heart and all, support your optimal health?

And when a visiting six year-old hugged me tight before leaving for his Austrian home and said "I love you, Ricka..." My heart cracked with longing - my annoyance with the world leaked out and a tender connection replaced it.

Or when my friend stepped forward to lead choral communal prayer at my shul and his beautiful, pure voice pushed out the thinking from my busy mind. My heart cracked with awareness - distraction rushed out in one fell swoop and the softness of simply being here, now, pushed its way in.

The permeability of my heart, and all the feelings moving out and in through the cracks, can leave me feeling itchy and vulnerable.

And then I realized this...

Every time my heart cracks, it is a message - a soft, gentle whispering.

"You care deeply about this thing..."

"You are connected deeply to this person..."

"You belong in this place..."

Brené Brown, research professor and author of Rising Strong says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage."

It reminds me that it is healthy to courageously show up regardless of outcomes.

Make showing up, cracked heart and all, a healthy habit.