More than any other heart painting in the Metamorphosis series, this one captures the complex transformative emotional state, blending organic and soft with hard and inanimate shapes in an almost disturbing manner.  
Is there a hope for a tormented or broken heart once it shuts down, hardens, and becomes numb after a traumatic period or emotional turmoil?  A tender, cocoon-like part of the heart, and the ghostly eye are hints of hope that this is just a phase of silent transformation.
The process of making 'Non est mortua, sed dormit' was a deep introspective and healing experience, including covering the background with a self-written poem in Latin, blending visual and literary expression.