14 August 2015

Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”  ~ Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s sensitive, heartfelt exploration of shame and fear is inspiring and supportive to me.  She makes it clear how reaching for new territory in ourselves and making honest connections with others involves vulnerability, fear, uncertainty.

We are courageous when we comeback to try again after failure.  We appreciate love understanding what it is to lose it.

What tender or irritable place is chafing for attention in you?  Can you listen to it?  Feel it?  Give it a voice?  Can you offer solace?

Facing the ‘darker’ emotions, does not give them power over us.  Just the opposite.  Sitting with them gives us an opportunity to understand them, to tend what needs tending and let them help us move, with care, into who we want to be.  When we acknowledge and accept them in ourselves, we have compassion and empathy to offer the people we care for when they are struggling with their fears.

Give the dark its place.  Honor it.  The stars shine there.  The dawn proceeds.  A new and rich day comes.

(You can look at Brené’s books here.  I have especially loved ‘The Gifts of Imperfection’.)