I use this quote because it goes to the heart of a fundamental truth: suffering and pain, which are part of the human condition, lead to freedom.  But only if we choose to learn and grow through the hardships and difficult experiences we undergo.  To quote another great poet, Kahlil Gibran: “Pain is the touchstone of our spiritual growth”.  Through my own experiences, I have been given a new lease of life, each time I was willing to walk through the fire.

As Kabir states, love is not a subtle argument, a gentle walk in the park.  True love is forged within us through great pain, sacrifice and the kind of suffering that has you fall to your knees, and then with bloodied knees, rise to your feet once more and say:

“Yes, I will live this life, I will keep my heart open, I will be willing, again and again, and yet again.”

About a month after my husband committed suicide, I screamed the words, “I will not close my heart“, banging my fists against a wall, which I now see was a metaphor – I refused to build a wall around myself because of that horrendous experience.  Instead I decided in that moment that I would live and love through this pain.  I knew deep inside that decision was to save my life.  

And it has become my modus operandi – to live a life of love, not fear.  In all areas of my life, bar none.