The heart is the territory of our being where things are made personal. It is also the place were our most difficult personal issues are located. The awakened heart is a natural expression real openess, warm acceptance and the joy of being. A fierce, beating heart is needed in order to skillfully meet and transform shame and self-judgement. The fierce heart puts gentle pressure on all our defenses and structures, and when we melt a little, into the the authenticity of our heart, we become nourished but less demanding of life. The natural curiosity and peaceful simplicity of the heart emerges.