Oh, To Be Openhearted

It transforms more than a moment

Nov 12, 2024

The night after the US election I attended “She Thrives: The Art of Aging,” a culminating event in Austin, to honor and raise funds for the caregivers who care for their aging and ailing family members.

Going there, I was numb, sad, and probably still in shock from the last 24 hours, and I vowed to be present for the evening as I was a guest of my lovely friend who chaired the event. I figured that was all I’d be able to muster.

And, an amazing thing happened. Being in a room of powerful and generous women who are creating change and making a difference in people’s lives, my heart cracked open. Hearing the guests of honors’ stories and celebrating their journeys made possible by this organization, reminded me of the power of doing good and the strength of bringing people together for a positive, common cause.

This week's word: Openhearted

It also got me thinking about the power, strength and comfort of being in an open heart.

Openhearted. What a centered word.

It's an adjective meaning "showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity.” Or, “Responsive to emotional appeal.” Or, “freely communicative; candidly straightforward.”

Kindly. Benevolent. Generous. Honest. Unguarded. Undefended. Open. Free-flowing. Forthright. Charitable.

Whether this past week brought you jubilation, heartache, anger, or somewhere in the middle, this is an invitation to stand and move forward in an open heart.

I hadn’t realized until that moment that my heart wasn’t open. Because that’s what can happen when in despair or blame or anger or while gloating or judging. Your heart closes.

This open-heart invitation is to greet community, neighbors and friends—including those you disagree with or that you might consider the other—with an an open heart.

It’s the only way to move forward in a healthy and empowered way.

In an open heart, there is no “other.”

In an open heart, there is no judgment.

An open heart doesn’t gloat.

There can be a collective we in an open heart.

An open heart releases the shackles of a controlled and closed mind.

“An open heart is an open mind."— Dalai Lama

In an open heart, there is learning and being open to ideas outside your own, often that strengthen your own.

In an open heart, there is a calling, a force that raises the vibration to one of inclusiveness, tolerance, understanding, listening. To a vibration that overpowers the negative and low vibration.

“The moment you let someone else’s fearful actions is the moment you give them your power.”— Anna Grace Taylor

And openheartedness is the only way toward major transformation. On a family level, on a neighborhood level, a community level, state level, country level, global level.

It happens when we powerfully open our hearts. It’s the first and last step.

An open heart brings light to the darkness.

An open heart changes judgment into curiosity. There is no judgment in an open heart.

An open heart transforms anger into activism.

Mourning into mission.

Messy into meaning.

Self-loathing into self-trust.

And, here’s the thing. Openheartedness doesn’t diminish a fiery passion, position or point of view. On the contrary, it gives it space to launch from the right place, the most powerful place. It’s a groundswell with rocket fuel.

When you feel any of those low-vibration emotions coming on, in the moment, stop and ask, “Is my heart open right now?”

If not, then ask, “How will things feel and be different if I open my heart?”

Ask questions openly and curiously. Acknowledge someone else’s passion or position just because you know it’s important to them.

Speak from a deep, divine conviction, from your heart, when communicating your position, cause, or revolution. From an open heart, people will join you.

“The minute a person whose word means a great deal dares to take the open-hearted and courageous way, many others will follow."— Marian Anderson

So I wish you and invite you to move forward in an open heart.

Take a few moments this week to notice and open your heart.

Journal Prompt

Prompt: Where is your heart closed? How can you open it?

Coming soon: Journaling tips, prompts, and monthly In a Word Write-ins for paid subscribers. Stay tuned!

A Quick Share

Here are a few more things worth sharing this week:

A quote I’m pondering: From Toni Morrison: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal." There’s a lot to work with in this powerful punch of truth.
My favorite Note:

A creative journey starts with one step.

What do you want to create?

Perhaps a Creative Jam Session is the key to opening the portal to your highest imagination.

Now's the time for your Projects, Passion, and Purpose™! Book a year of creativity with me and you'll be amazed at what you accomplish.

2025 can be the year you create your biggest passions. I can help and I have a package with will work for you.

You can also bring me on as a writer. Need help with a story, treatment, screenplay, bio, website, outline, newsletter, or profile? I’m your ghost. :)

Repond or Email me to chat about it. cindy@cindyyantis.com.

I hope you have a great week filled with open-heartedness. And, kindness.

Keep creating, abundantly,