Vulnerability
Having the Courage
We see others as a reflection of our better selves. It easier to commend others on being vulnerable rather than have the courage to overcome our own weaknesses.
When distancing ourselves from an awkward situation, we can analyze it in an abstract form. There is a more positive outlook and less worry of risk when we distance ourselves in those vulnerable moments.
High risk brings high rewards.
“You never lost a dream, it just incubates as a hobby. -Larry Page”
The fear of the risks becoming personal, weighs down the possible failures we feel and others witness. The heaviness of that fear is paralyzing, forcing inaction. Settling for the status quo, or merely existing rob us the adventure of hope and change in life. The ones who surpass the anxiety of the high-risk bear fruit of the higher results.
Acceptance
“Why does the mind habitually deny or resist the Now? Because it cannot function and remain in control without time, which is past and future… — Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now”
Accepting and being vulnerable is not a win/lose game. There is no control of a determined outcome, rather a time to have the courage to take your fragile state regardless of the unforeseen outcome. An example of a game we try to win at is the race against time. Fighting to grasp the ever-flowing concept of time, we are resistant to accepting being in the moment. There is always a concern of the past or a fear of the future. Preoccupied with those thoughts, we deny a moment of reflection to be vulnerable to accepting what cannot be changed, and fear the unknown.
Perception
“Force him to reveal himself, so as to find out his vulnerable spots. -Sun Tzu”
In today’s perfect online world, everything is filtered. We battle the notion of what is displayed on social media and online. The calculated algorithms define who we are. There is sensitivity in allowing the world to know your weaknesses during this technological progression. Because we are so sensitive, we hide our flaws, even more, to lie about being so perfect.
Authenticity
“One mark of a great soldier is that he fight on his own terms or fights not at all. -Sun Tzu”
Honesty of ourselves is the vulnerability of being perfectly fine with our strengths and flaws. There is no imitation or fraud on what we present, and we fight the modified lens of our world. The truth combats the inaccurate perception of who we with the revelation of who we actually have become.
Why is vulnerability so critical?
Exposing naked truths of our inner self and desires liberates us from judgment. The risk of being attacked is no longer a worry. Since
judging yourself more harshly than others is a common practice, we become available to self-improvement.
“Shame is really easily understood as the fear of disconnection: Is there something about me that I won’t be worthy of connection? — Brene Brown on the Power of Vulnerability.”
To be ashamed is a painful exposure that damages our self-image. It is so powerful we disconnect from the concept of improving and progressing. Being able to stand next to yourself, to be vulnerable reopens the possibility of change.
Seeing rawness of truth and openness in others is simple, because you are not viewing your own inadequacies. To give advice is an easier task than receiving help. Stand next to your own shortcomings creates the space to have conversations and hope to improve.
How to be vulnerable?
Courage — Even in pain be strong to expose yourself
Pause — Be present and live in the moment to experience your emotions.
Compassion — Love yourself and accept yourself
Genuine — Expose your feelings honestly.
Hope — Believe without predictions.
Viewing, advising, and encouraging others to be vulnerable will always be an easier task. They become the symbolic thoughts of our own exposures. It is a form to be apathetic or indifferent to our insecurities and failures. We are not guaranteed anything. However, with the deepest falls, are the greatest joys.
