Vulnerability
I have recently started my journey to mindfulness and meditation. I use an application called, Calm, which has daily guided meditations led by a woman named, Tamara Levitt. Today's lesson was on vulnerability and I'd like to share what I've learned.
Most people avoid vulnerability at all costs. It's not an emotion we particularly like feeling because we belive it puts us in a situation to be laughed at or to get hurt. We build walls around our hearts to create the illusion of emotional securtiy. However, the benefits of letting your gaurd down far outway the risks.
Vulnerability demonstrates courageness. It is the boldest act of a true leader to be publicly vulnerable. Vulnerability is the foundation for open and non-judgemental communication. It allows us to be honest with ourselves and our relationships deepen because of it. It teaches us compassion towards ourselves and others. I am going to leave you with a quote from Brene Brown:
"What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful."
@intelligentstar688
Thank you so much for sharing this!!! I wish I could repost it!!! I'm still working on the strength to be vulnerable (without running away immediately) but I do think it's so important. I remember reading about this concept for the first time, and how it changed me. I had always had a tendency to feel things too deeply, and so in a sense, I'd always felt too vulnerable to pain. I had heard so often that it was a weakness to overcome. I tried, but ended up in an even worse place psychologically. I couldn't stop feeling too deeply, but I stopped letting myself be emotionally vulnerable on purpose. I put up walls that didn't keep out the pain, but that did become a personal prison. I'm trying to find my way back, and it's sooo hard. But courage is doing the difficult and scary thing anyway, right?! It was nice to read this reminder of why it's worth it. Thank you!
@DeterminedDandelion Beautiful response to what I posted! It really is. You just showed your vulnerability right now by what you told me. You should be so proud of yourself! I am bi polar so I know what you mean when you say you feel things too deeply... that is my issue as well. We can never run from our pain or past. We must face it and live with it peacefully. You are doing a wonderful job by having such a beautiful heart!
@intelligentstar688
I cannot agree with you more...
I was never ashamed of my vulnerability...
Vulnerability is not weakness, it is power in opening up...
You people have such ways of touching relevant subjects.
Yes, I am and always were vulnerable...
No wound will turn to concrete on our scars...we are no super heroes, none of us, so each one of us is vulnerable...while we live...
@feelitinyourbones Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post. It means very much to me! That is so wonderful that you have always looked at your vulnerability as a strength and you should because you are right... there is nothing to be ashamed of! You're outlook on it makes me smile! I hope you are having a beautiful day.
@intelligentstar688
Thank you for your thread on vulnerability...
My hands are always open...
@intelligentstar688 Thank you for posting this! All of it rings true to me. Especially since becoming mentally ill years ago, I've realized that there is strength in being vulnerable. There are some amazing mental health advocates who have publically told their stories, and it only helps others feel less alone and helps destigmative the mentally ill. It was only until I became vulnerable enough to admit I needed help and sought treatment, that I really was able to feel the feelings and analyze myself, leading to some great discoveries. Much love and huggles 
@fearlessWriter78 I became truly vulnerable when I sought help as well! It's a beautiful thing isn't it?! People tend to think it's a bad thing.. I used to! But it really is a gift!
"When we have the courage to let the walls down--to know and embrace ourselves, despite our failings, we also open the door to connecting in a more caring, empathetic, intimate way with the ones we love and with all living beings. Our brains are wired for survival, but they are also wired for empathy. We have have mirror neurons that fire when we see other people's pain. Let us learn to love ourselves, so that we can be more compassionate to others, and so that we can take down the walls that limit who we can be and what we can contribute."
-Melanie Greenberg, PhD
@DeterminedDandelion Absolutely beautiful! May we all let down our walls!
