Guardians of the Heart: How to Transform Defenses to Love

A Tribe of One Love Gathering
Part Two — and Stand-Alone Event — of the Heart-Opening Series

When we begin to open our hearts, we soon meet their guardians—those instinctive protections that rise to keep us safe from pain.

• Fear says, “You might get hurt.”
• Anger insists, “I’ve been crossed.”
• Grief whispers, “I’ve been unseen.”
• And shame murmurs, “I’m not enough.”

These emotions are not enemies of love—they are its protectors. Each one formed to keep us safe when safety was uncertain. But when they remain in charge, they build walls around the very love we long to give and receive.

In this two-hour experiential session, we’ll explore the four Common Guardians of the Heart and learn how to recognize, honor, and transform their protective energy into clarity, strength, and compassion. Through teaching, reflection, and guided practice, you’ll discover how to listen to what your defenses are really asking for—and how love can safely take their place.

Location
Basement - Upon entering the library, walk down the stairway to the basement meeting room.

Reference
Tribe of One Love resource coming soon! Check back before the event.

Shared Intention
To compassionately meet the guardians of our hearts, understand the love and pain that shaped them, and transform their protection into pathways of truth, love, and connection.

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ABOUT TRIBE OF ONE LOVE

Mission of Tribe of One Love
We are a community devoted to expanding our capacity to practice love for all—cherishing the sacredness of every human, nurturing meaningful connection, and living the wisdom of love in action. In doing so, we cultivate joy and awaken a higher consciousness that inspires more connected lives for ourselves, our families, and the world around us.

Purpose of Weekly Discussions
Transformation. Our weekly gatherings are spaces for authentic connection and shared growth, with transformation at the heart of why we come together. Every voice is valued, every story honored, and our diversity embraced. We come together not to debate or persuade, but to listen, reflect, and expand in love and curiosity. At the end of each discussion, we invite each participant to share a takeaway—what they’ve learned, how their views have shifted, or what they might do differently because of the conversation.

Tribe of One Love Invitation & Community Guidelines

• We are rooted in love, curiosity, and growth.
  We’re here to reflect, share, and expand our awareness together—not to debate, persuade, or convert.
• We are a nonpartisan, non-denominational space.
  People from all walks of life are welcome. Personal experiences may include politics or religion, but no ideology—political, religious, or otherwise—should be promoted or belittled.
• We show up as both teachers and students.
  Please review any shared resources before the session. We look forward to hearing your reflections, reactions, and perspectives. While we explore different perspectives, you are encouraged to take in what speaks to you and release what doesn’t.
• Speak from personal experience.
  Use “I” language. Share what’s true for you without trying to fix, assume, advise, or preach—unless invited. Avoid stating opinions as facts. When you frame your truth as your experience, it leaves room for others to share theirs.
• Avoid assumptions.
  Don’t assume others share your background, values, or beliefs. Our diversity is a strength. Speaking as if we all think alike can make others feel excluded or unsafe.
• You are welcome to bring your real experiences—with purpose.
  If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or worn down by life and the state of the world, you are not alone. Bring what’s real in the spirit of healing and learning. We name pain, not to vent or complain without direction, but to seek clarity, understanding, and transformation.
• Practice equity of voice.
  Be mindful of how much space you’re holding. If you speak often, consider stepping back. If you’re usually quiet, know your voice matters—we’d love to hear from you.
• Welcome disagreements as part of growth.
  When conflict arises, pause. Acknowledge what others are sharing, and respond with curiosity, not certainty. Aim for connection, not correction.
• Let this space ripple outward.
  What’s learned here, we hope transforms not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and beyond. This space is sacred—not because it is perfect, but because we hold it together.

Thank you for visiting!

To learn more, visit www.tribeofonelove.com.
To support our mission, visit https://tribeofonelove.com/donate.