When is an “Open Heart” is a liability?

Guru Sri Chinmoy said that there were two different ways to “Awaken” in life: from the heart out, and from the survival drive (Belly Brain) “up.” When people say that an open heart makes them vulnerable, they are correct, so the SAFEST way to Awaken is connecting to the survival drive first. Some evidence you need to do this:

1. You allow others to drain your energy and time.
2. You place others above your own needs, especially if they do not reciprocate, or this happens in a way to reduce your joy in life.
3. You cannot earn the money you need to secure your food and shelter. (This is an indication of a disruption between belly and head. The inability to make a living with joy would be a disruption between belly, head and heart)
4. You damage your body to stuff your emotions (cutting, obesity, excessive drugs or alcohol)

In short, anything that stops you from creating a safe home fit to raise a child, or a healthy body fit to work hard all week and party on the weekend.

What causes this? Milton Erickson, Abraham Maslow and the ancient Chakras all suggest the same basic progression of human beings, from physical mastery to occupational competence, to emotional bonding and sexuality, to creation of a stable home, to creating a view/philosophy of life and sharing it with others, contributing to your community, and finally facing aging and death with dignity.