A key aspect of being open to what we want is lowering our defenses to allow new possibilities to enter our lives. To achieve what we desire, we must be ready to receive it when it comes, which requires us to be open. Many of us navigate life with protective defenses we developed in the past. These defenses, once essential for our emotional safety, now act as barriers that keep out things we deeply desire, such as love or connection. Part of becoming receptive to what we want involves easing these barriers enough to welcome those opportunities when they arise. For instance, spending a lot of time in isolation may shield us from emotional pain, but it also stops us from forming new friendships.
Another hurdle to being receptive can be the belief that we need to push aggressively toward our goals. This mindset can narrow our focus and make us blind to other opportunities that may arise. Opening ourselves up often requires softening our defenses and being willing to see beyond the narrow scope of what we expect.
If we’re seeking love or friendship, we need to first look inward and identify where we’ve closed ourselves off. Then, rather than fixating on specific ways or places where love might appear, we remain open to the broader possibilities. By doing this, we expand our personal openness and increase our awareness of all the potential outcomes around us.
