Strength in Vulnerability

by Samantha De Bono

Unfortunately, all too often, vulnerability is mistaken for weakness, when in truth it is an amazing strength – a strength that allows access to love and understanding in relationships.

Often, when faced with a situation that may be challenging or that feels threatening, we shut down all roads of communication and understanding by putting up our guard for protection, too afraid to let others see what is really going on for us. More often than not, it is this misplaced self-protection that creates more suffering than the situation we think we are afraid of.

How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness? How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognise that we are enough – that we are worthy of love, belonging, and joy?

Brene Brown; a research professor at the University of Houston has spent the past ten years studying vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame. Watch the video of her speech by clicking the link below, but above all, LISTEN, really listen to what she is saying and ask yourself how you can learn to embrace vulnerability and let go of who you think you 'should' be, to embrace being who you truly are?

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