When I first encountered the term “cracked open,” I was intrigued yet perplexed. Having immersed myself in the spiritual and coaching realms for many years, I had never come across this expression. Over time, I discovered that for many, it signifies a profound transformation—be it a deep revelation, intense pain, or an overwhelming experience of love. For a year, I felt compelled to explore this concept from the perspective of love, and now, I want to share my reflections on being “cracked open.”

The Essence of Being “Cracked Open” in Love

Being “cracked open in love” refers to the profound transformation that occurs when we allow ourselves to experience love fully. Did you catch that key word? ALLOW! Embracing both its joys and its challenges. This process often involves vulnerability, as we expose our innermost selves to another, which can lead to personal growth and deeper connections. As Jeff Foster notes, love is “pure potential and pure presence,” welcoming every feeling and impulse, whether gentle or painful. (absentofi.org)

Embracing this openness can be daunting, scary, and unpredictable, as it requires confronting our fears and uncertainties. However, by surrendering to the experience, we allow ourselves to be transformed. Rebecca Campbell suggests that through life’s trials, we can “let our wounds be alchemized,” turning pain into growth and resilience. (rebeccacampbell.me) Can you imagine, for a moment, what that would mean in your life? Allowing your wounds to be alchemized.

Ultimately, being cracked open in love leads to a more authentic and connected existence. It teaches us to embrace our imperfections and to see the beauty in our shared humanity. As we open our hearts, we not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the healing of others, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world.

A Personal Journey: The Birth of My Daughter

I recall a pivotal moment when my youngest child was born. As an Enneagram Type 8, I was determined to be actively involved in the delivery process. Over 40 years ago, this was unconventional, but I was resolute. I underwent a crash course with the doctor, learning about childbirth procedures. Confident and prepared, I was ready to assist in bringing my daughter into the world.

However, the reality of the experience was beyond anything I had anticipated. My daughter, Juls, emerged all purple, having inhaled amniotic fluid, and was struggling to breathe. In that moment, I was overwhelmed and “cracked open.” I fell to my knees in the delivery room and whispered to a God I hadn’t spoken to often, “Please.”

I was cracked open in love in a way I had never known before.

Although I did not know it then, the question became: How do I embrace this miracle?

Embracing the Miracle

Embracing the miracle of Juls’ birth required me to confront my vulnerabilities and fears that I did not know were there. It meant surrendering to the unknown and trusting in the process of life. This experience taught me that love is not just a feeling but a transformative force that can reshape our very being.

As I held Juls for the first time, I felt a surge of love that was both exhilarating and humbling. It was a love that demanded my presence, my attention, and my openness. It was a love that cracked me open, allowing me to experience life in its fullest expression.

The Alchemy of Love

Rebecca Campbell speaks of the alchemy of life’s trials, suggesting that we can “let our wounds be alchemized,” turning pain into growth and resilience. (rebeccacampbell.me) This concept resonated deeply with me. The challenges and uncertainties I faced during Juls’ birth were not just obstacles but opportunities for transformation. Can you see times and places in your life that are opportunities for transformation now?

By embracing the pain and fear, I allowed myself to be transformed. I learned to trust in the process of life and to surrender to the unknown. This experience taught me that love is not just about joy and happiness but also about embracing the full spectrum of human emotions.

The Role of Vulnerability

Vulnerability played a crucial role in this transformation. And that is something that “8’s” do not do, ever. By exposing my innermost fears and uncertainties, I created space for love to enter. As Jeff Foster notes, love is “pure potential and pure presence,” welcoming every feeling and impulse, whether gentle or painful. (absentofi.org)

Allowing myself to be vulnerable opened me up to a deeper connection with Juls and with myself. It taught me that true love requires us to be open, to be present, and to embrace the unknown.

The Beauty of Imperfections

Through this experience of Jul’s birth, I learned to embrace my imperfections. Yes, I have them, smile. I realized that it is our flaws and vulnerabilities that make us human and connect us to others. As we open our hearts, we not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the healing of others, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world.

Embracing our imperfections allows us to see the beauty in our shared humanity. It teaches us that we are all connected and that our experiences, both joyful and painful, are part of the tapestry of life.

A Call to Embrace Love Fully

Being cracked open in love is not just about personal transformation but also about contributing to the collective healing of humanity. It is about embracing the full spectrum of human emotions and experiences and allowing them to shape us into more compassionate and connected individuals.

As we open our hearts and allow ourselves to be cracked open, we create space for love to enter and transform us. We learn to trust in the process of life and to surrender to the unknown. We embrace our imperfections and see the beauty in our shared humanity.

In embracing love fully, we not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the healing of others, fostering a more compassionate and interconnected world. So, I invite you to reflect on your own experiences of being cracked open in love. How have these moments transformed you? How can you embrace love more fully in your life?

Remember, love is not just a feeling but a transformative force that can reshape our very being. By allowing ourselves to be “cracked open,” we open ourselves to the miracles of life and the profound connections that await us.