Vulnerability Really Is Your Greatest Strength

The paradox of vulnerability

Photo by Ricardas Brogys on Unsplash

Vulnerability is a double-edged sword. It is our nature to want to protect ourselves. We build barriers to prevent emotional harm. This armour, unfortunately also keeps out the good stuff. Important things like love and intimacy.

Brene Brown says:

What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful.

Crissi Jami says:

To share your weakness is to make yourself vulnerable. To make yourself vulnerable is to show your strength.

Vulnerability is our ego desperately trying to protect itself from perceived weakness and pain. But, in reality there is nothing to protect or defend.

We are all perfectly imperfect.

We have to learn to embrace our vulnerability; to lean into the discomfort and get comfortable with this raw feeling we know all to well. Becoming aware of our emotional triggers is a great starting point.

This can be accomplished by engaging in small vulnerability risks to permit the light of compassion and self-love to shine. These uncomfortable feelings will unfold and eventually dissipate. Your protective ego will dissolve into a shimmering sea of self-acceptance and self-love.

Stephen Russell says:

Vulnerability is the only authentic state. Being vulnerable means being open, for wounding, but also for pleasure.

Alaric Hutchinson says:

Vulnerability really means to be strong and secure enough within yourself that you are able to walk outside without your armour on.

Brene Brown says:

Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.

I feel a little vulnerable every time I hit the publish button. What about you?