Vulnerability as a Pillar of Courage
"There are three things that make vulnerability possible: shame, fear, and unworthiness."
Dr. Brené Brown has dedicated her life's work to understanding vulnerability, knowing that it is essential to living a courageous life.
In this blog post, we'll explore what vulnerability means in the context of courage and how you can start using it as a tool in your own life.
Why We Fear Vulnerability
One of the biggest reasons we shy away from vulnerability is our fear of being hurt. If we open ourselves up to others, we're opening ourselves up to the possibility of pain. But pain is a natural part of life. It's an unavoidable part of the human experience. And it's through pain that we often find our greatest growth and transformation.
So rather than fearing vulnerability, what if we embrace it? What if we view it not as a weakness but as a strength? A strength that allows us to build deeper relationships, have more authentic conversations and live with greater courage.
How We Can Use Vulnerability to Our Advantage
One of the best ways to become more comfortable with vulnerability is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of present-moment awareness. It's about letting go of judgment and embracing each moment—good or bad—precisely as it is.
When we're mindful, we're better able to handle difficult emotions without getting lost. We're better able to be with ourselves—and others—non-judgmentally. And when we can do that, we open ourselves up to greater connection, understanding, and compassion. All of which are key ingredients for courageous living.
Vulnerability might seem scary, but it doesn't have to be. When we embrace vulnerability and see it not as a weakness but as a strength, we open ourselves up to greater courage and connection in our lives. So next time you feel vulnerable, remember that it's an essential part of being human—and that it just might be the key to living a more courageous life.
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