Am I alive???

Living in my shell
Caring for me and myself
How limited it was
My universe so small
My sky so low
My thoughts restrained
Bound In shackles…..
No windows to let in fresh air
As if living in a grave
Then hardships pecked on the shell
Broke it….
My pain made me realize pain of other’s
Magic unfolded
New windows appeared
to let in the enlightening light
Giving wings to my thoughts
Making me aware of the vast universe
And the Supreme presence
Breathing this air now I can feel life in me…..
Hearing the rhythmic beats of my heart….
I believe I  am alive now,
Or is it just another illusion again???