Tanya class 21 - When we feel dead inside, opening our heart is the first stage in building our relationship with G-d

A true relationship involves feeling the other, love and respect of an active kind. If we feel indifferent towards G-d we must know that connection is not possible when the heart is closed and defended. If we feel closed and defended the first place to begin in our divine service is facing our grief, opening our hearts and returning to the expanded light that we always were.