Courage in Vulnerability

 Vulnerability is a driving force in connection. When we think about vulnerability, we think about it from one external place with others. We see it as our connection to others and our willingness and/or ability to be exposed physically and/or emotionally. Although this is true that vulnerability is an external connection with others, being vulnerable is very much an internal connection with ourselves as well.

A.H. Almass once said, “Only when compassion is present will people allow themselves to see the truth”. Compassion is the key to vulnerability. If there is no compassion for ourselves then there is no place for truth with ourselves. When compassion is there then we can see the truth and can view ourselves from a place other than judgments or rejection.   

What does Self Compassion look like?

When you think about compassion for yourself, it is really no different than compassion for others.   

1. Notice one is suffering. (this can be pain, loss, trauma, etc.). Self-Compassion: You can identify you are suffering.

2. Feeling moved by their pain causes a response within you (caring, need to help, warm-feeling) Self-Compassion: You are moved by what you are experiencing.

3. Realize that suffering is a part of us all - it is a shared human experience. It is something we all can relate to on some level. Self-Compassion: You realize that you are not alone.

 Self-compassion is about responding the same way to yourself as you would to others. You stop ignoring how you feel and begin navigating.

1. Identify the reality - what is going on and what are you feeling.

2. Identify the meaning - what does it mean to you? What is the internal message it is sending to you?

3. Identify the action - what do I need to do with it? (do I need to talk to someone, etc.) Remember, doing nothing is an action as well.

 Vulnerability with ourselves is courageous. It is a window to authenticity and healing. Trauma is not the experience that occurred to us, but trauma is the wound that was left in us.  

How can I have Courage in Vulnerability?

1. Respond to yourself from a place of kindness rather than judgment.

2. Recognizing community over isolation - you are not alone in how you feel. Others may feel this way or have felt this way before.

3. Learning to be mindful of what we are feeling rather than over-identifying. Be willing to be vulnerable with what you know about yourself so that you may better know of yourself.

Courage in vulnerability allows for recovery.

“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” - Brene Brown