Why vulnerability is a good thing

Embracing vulnerability

Most people numb their feelings of vulnerability.  As Brown points out in her video, we are the most obese, medicated, addicted and in-debt cohort of adults in human history.  We numb all those negative emotions – grief, shame and fear – by grabbing a stack of donuts and devouring them in front of the television until we feel better, but we can’t numb those negative feelings without numbing the other emotions.  We numb joy, happiness and then we struggle to find purpose and meaning in our lives.  Miserable, again, you hit the stack of donuts for comfort – it’s a vicious cycle.

We all know that many people struggle with being vulnerable, probably including you.  It’s important to understand and remember that vulnerability is not weakness, it takes courage to be vulnerable in all aspects of your life. Through my friend’s example, I realized that vulnerability is the core of fear, worthiness and shame.  But more importantly, is also the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging, compassion, love and living life fully. 

Being able to embrace vulnerability allows you to be able to connect with people.  Feeling vulnerable means feeling alive.  It is terrifying and at the same time beautiful.

 

Source: http://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_on_vulnerability.html

 

Sponsored