Yesterday, I was deeply moved.
One of my longtime clients, a woman I have known for over 50 years, read the first page of One Love and began to cry. When I asked her why, she told me it was because I had mentioned my stroke from last year. She said she had been afraid I might not still be here. She shared how much she valued our visits, and that the thought of losing that connection was very emotional for her.
I also knew her husband, a guitar player, and we had shared meals together at sushi restaurants in the past. There was a long history between us.
I gently helped her wipe the tears from her face. She was wearing a beautiful pink sweater and looked much younger than her age. I was struck by the depth of her emotion. It is not something you see every day, someone expressing such genuine care. She was clearly very sensitive, deeply spiritual, and someone who had lived a full life. While her life may have been measured outwardly by success, location, and finances, there was something much more meaningful beneath the surface. That depth, I believe, contributed to her success.
She had recently retired and moved from Idaho to Palm Springs. As I sat with her, I felt my heart open. I found myself wondering how to respond to such openness and sincerity. She carried a quiet beauty, not just physically, but emotionally. This piece is written in honor of her willingness to be so open and expressive.
The Subtle Energy Beneath the Surface
Many people don’t realize that our physical energy is influenced by something more subtle. This subtle energy, often described as our aura, extends beyond our bodies and holds impressions of our experiences. When we are attuned, we can sense things without consciously understanding why. As I reflected on our interaction, I wondered if perhaps we had shared a connection in another time. What I felt was unusual for a client, there was a deep sense of love and appreciation.
Sensitivity as a Sign of Depth
Sensitivity is often a sign of a highly developed person in many ways. Sensitive individuals tend to have strong empathy and experience the world on a deeper level. They may not always express things in obvious ways, but they are very connected to their emotions. For example, she noticed small scrapes on my hand and immediately asked what had happened. I told her I had been digging a trench in my backyard and got a few bruises. It was a simple moment, but it reflected her awareness and attentiveness—it revealed who I am beyond my professional role.
What Changes When You Face Mortality
Since my stroke, I’ve noticed that I cry more easily than I used to. I think about the people and moments I love, and sometimes feel a sense that life is becoming more finite. I feel emotional when I think about my grandchildren, the joy they bring, and my wife, who has been by my side for over 35 wonderful years. Perhaps I have become softer with time.
Facing mortality changes you. It certainly changed me. You begin to appreciate life more deeply and value what truly matters. While there are days when the body aches or energy is low, that is part of being human.
The Power of Living with an Open Heart
What stands out to me is how rarely people allow themselves to be real. Many live through their ego, projecting an image rather than expressing their truth. But ultimately, that is an illusion. At the core, there is only love, and the opportunity to be your true self: kind, present, and compassionate.
When you express yourself honestly and from a place of love, people often respond in ways that may surprise you. There is a quiet power in vulnerability, and in choosing to live with an open heart.
