Well, to answer your first question I would say a person has to make the choice to open up. I know it sounds simple, but completely opening yourself is one of the hardest things any can do.

...as one who has to walk in both directions... this one, I know.

'n my choice of subject line even fits.

We only open up when we acknowledge that we are invincible; we only make ourselves vulnerable when we know we are invulnerable.

What has been given to us in this world is not money, nor property, nor the people around us, but only ourselves; our own minds, our own hearts, and our own will.

Our power over these is absolute and immutable, for they are ours by right. Our dreams of having anything else are merely fleeting illusion, and poisoned illusion at that.

...when we let go of that which is not ours to hold; the weather, fate, or the actions of others, and focus on that which is ours by right, we become invincible. Invulnerable, we are free, and when no one can take from us, we are free to give without limit... and who is it, holding compassion, who would not wish for another the very same limitless freedoms of thought, of word, of action which they hold so high for themselves?

If they choose to apply it in - what, ridicule? - I would find it a waste of time for myself, but bless them for their happiness... and if they cling to my reaction, compassion would hold for them nothing but loving, respectful pity - perhaps tempered with a dose of patience and understanding, as these beautiful, falliable human beings stumble along the path of growth and learning in their life.

:) To be invulnerable, and to be vulnerable, are one in the same. This much, I know... and in letting go of actions which are not mine, and loving them for their freedom, I am free to follow nothing but my own heart.

...

And finally there would have to be a way the person could hold onto that energy and believe that it is neverending. I wouldn't even know where to start with that.

:) Love and hate are the two things humans are quickest to forget, sadly. The choice, however, is always there, in each and every person, in each and every present moment.

The rest of your message, I see only the beginnings of, and not enough to speak even as one humble human on this earth... but I thank you for giving me much to think of in the task to build a better world to hold up to the light of day.