i have not found the words to describe this inspiring man or his captivating voice (maybe because there are none) but i can’t seem to get enough of him. this video is more of a pouring out of his heart than a performance. 

love creeps up on us, as she proves time and time again, through her careful but unanticipated arrival. she waits until our defenses are down and then quietly tiptoes around a corner, only to catch us completely off guard. without invitation, she proceeds to open a window to our unsuspecting heart while we are still trying to figure out who it is knocking at the door. 

i awaken, not knowing what to expect, as she comes waltzing in with her basket full of surprises and unpredictable plans. she is dressed in her latest disguise, unrecognizable to the eye. but the heart can not be deceived. the heart remembers love. how could she forget the familiar visitor who, with all her disappointments, never fails to bring to my life a token of enormous value? she moves with purpose, here for reasons my analytical mind can not yet comprehend. unconcerned with my ego and its outrageous fears, i welcome love and all the gifts she has come to deliver. her offerings are pure.

before long, my armor slowly disappears and i am dancing in the out-stretched arms of love without a worry in this wondrous world we are bringing into existence. she removes my mask, uncovering parts of myself that previous guests have been unable to reveal, showing me colors i have never seen. i could question her intentions, but that will only spoil the moment, so i bask effortlessly in the beauty of her uncomplicated presence.

love comes when we need her and leaves when it is time for her to go. the length of her stay makes no difference because her departure will be just as precious as her arrival, leaving us with fond memories and invaluable lessons to reflect upon, preparing us for her return. 

We have not come here to take prisoners,
But to surrender ever more deeply
To freedom and joy.

We have not come into this exquisite world
To hold ourselves hostage from love.

Run my dear,
From anything
That may not strengthen
Your precious budding wings.

Run like hell my dear,
From anyone likely
To put a sharp knife
Into the sacred, tender vision
Of your beautiful heart.

We have a duty to befriend
Those aspects of obedience
That stand outside of our house
And shout to our reason
“O please, O please,
Come out and play.”

For we have not come here to take prisoners
Or to confine our wondrous spirits,

But to experience ever and ever more deeply
Our divine courage, freedom and light!

~ Hafiz

i have found human touch to be one of the most healing forms of love available, by nurturing us in ways that solitude can not provide. our worries seem to disappear when we fall into the arms of a loved one, when we open our hearts to receive love, when we allow ourselves to feel the love buried deep within.  

the following video reminds us how difficult it is to let love in. we build walls around our hearts; we shield ourselves with armor assuming it will protect us from harm when in reality we are only depriving ourselves of the powerful force we call love. we push it away because we are afraid of becoming vulnerable, fearing that we will be seen as weak. it is only through vulnerability and openness that we find our true power. loving another takes strength and absolute courage. we forget how beautiful life can be with those who see through us, who take the time to understand us, who offer us a piece of their heart.  

“we think that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. the greatest poverty is being rejected, unwanted, unloved, uncared for, having forgotten what is human love, what is human touch.” ~ mother teresa