Vulnerability as a core feeling, based on research from Brene Brown

In today’s world, vulnerability often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. People who show their true feelings are sometimes seen as weak. Personally, I’m all about embracing vulnerability in my life, and it’s what makes me unique but at the same time judged by other people. That is why I wanted to learn more about how to fully accept it and express it. This is how I came up to Brene Brown . As a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, she has made vulnerability a central theme in her studies. Through her extensive research and engaging storytelling, she has brought to light the profound significance of vulnerability as a core human emotion. In this article, we will delve into Brene Brown’s perspectives on vulnerability and its pivotal role in our lives.

The Importance of Being Vulnerable
Brene Brown’s exploration of vulnerability started with her research on shame and empathy. As she dug deeper, she found that vulnerability was a common theme. Simply put, vulnerability means having the courage to be yourself, even when you’re afraid of what others might think or how they might react.

One of Brene Brown’s famous TED Talks, “The Power of Vulnerability,” has resonated with millions. She emphasizes that vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s where courage, empathy, and connection begin. It’s the foundation for real relationships and personal growth.

Getting Rid of Our Shields
Understanding vulnerability means recognizing the defenses we use to protect ourselves from it. Brown calls these defenses “armor.” This armor shows up as behaviors like trying to be perfect, always pleasing others, or numbing our emotions with things like overworking or overindulging. While these strategies might provide temporary relief, they ultimately keep us from connecting with others and ourselves.

Brown’s research shows that vulnerability requires shedding this protective armor. It’s about being honest and real in our interactions, embracing our imperfections, and knowing we’re worthy of love and belonging just as we are.

Facing the Fear of Being Vulnerable
Even though vulnerability brings significant benefits, many of us struggle to fully embrace it. Brown says this hesitation comes from our fear of vulnerability, which stems from uncertainty about how others will react when we show our true selves. The fear of potential rejection and judgment can paralyze us and keep us from taking the risks necessary for personal and emotional growth.

Brown’s research acknowledges that vulnerability comes with risks. Opening up to others can lead to hurt and disappointment. But it’s also the only path to genuine connection and belonging. By understanding and acknowledging our fears, we can begin to break down the barriers that hold us back from being vulnerable.

Daring Greatly

“Daring Greatly” by Brene Brown is a transformative book that explores the profound impact of vulnerability and courage on our lives. Some of the takeaways:

• We can’t avoid feeling vulnerable in life; our choice is how we handle it when we face uncertainty, risk, or emotional exposure.
• Being open about our vulnerabilities can help us connect better with others, trust more, and engage deeply
• Shame often keeps us from being open, but we can learn to be resilient against it.
• To live wholeheartedly, we should care less about what others think and more about knowing we’re enough just as we are.
• Women often fear not being loved, while men often fear failure the most.• We use defenses like perfectionism to protect ourselves from vulnerability.
• Gratitude helps us see the good things in our lives, even when we feel like there’s not enough.
• We can’t pick and choose our emotions; if we numb the bad ones, we numb the good ones too.
• Belonging to a community or something bigger than ourselves is a deep human need.
• Who we are matters more than what we know or want to be.

After all that has been said, we can conclude that vulnerability is not merely an emotion to be avoided or a mark of weakness, rather, it is a fundamental aspect of our humanity and I highly recomend you this book. 

Choosing to be present and show up-transforms us. Are you ready to be the best version of yourself? I certainly am!