Being Vulnerable Opens Us to Authenticity

Embracing our vulnerabilities allows us to know the essence of ourselves-love. It is the catalyst for releasing who we think we should be in order to become who we really are. Delving deep within and connecting with our inner selves exposes the egocentric patterns that inhibit us from experiencing authentic, joyful, and balanced lives. At the same time, it infuses our lives with spiritual depth.

 

In effect, embracing our vulnerabilities brings us closer to the light at our core, thereby enlightening us. Unfortunately, our culture teaches us that vulnerabilities are signs of weakness. We are programmed to take a pill at the first symptom of pain; numb ourselves with alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, or sex when we feel uncomfortable; or escape through a myriad of distractions to avoid fear and shame. Rarely are we encouraged to embrace our vulnerabilities to reveal truths about ourselves. For instance, seldom are we told that despite the emotional pain evoked by letting our guard down and exposing ourselves, doing so can show us how strong and powerful we actually are. The more we embrace our vulnerabilities, the more we experience self-love and connect empathetically with others.

     An example of being vulnerable was when I took my first NIA class. NIA is a sensory-based movement practice that incorporates dance, and the martial and healing arts. It empowers by connecting the body, mind, and spirit and teaches how to get into their body. If I really wanted to jumpstart being vulnerable, taking this class was just the motivator. And to think, I was originally going to stay in my comfort zone and go to yoga.

    As we began to move, my first thought was “Am I doing this right?” I looked around the room comparing myself to everyone else and immediately felt “shrink-wrapped.” I felt like I stood out like a sore thumb. So, I moved to the back of the room where I thought no one could see me. Yikes, to my chagrin, there were floor to ceiling mirrors in the back. So much for not wanting to be seen. NIA was kicking my vulnerable butt.

     At this point, the teacher asked us to break out and dance free style. She called out, ” Are you doing anything new?” Or “Are you doing the same hippie arms?” “Are you staying the same space?” Of course, I was doing the hippie arms in the same space. Here, I noticed how much I was stuck in my automatic habits and afraid to break out of my comfort zone of control. Taking a courageous step, I closed my eyes and said to myself, “Trust Yourself.” I felt myself let go and did the Snoopy dance as if I was in Charlie Brown’s Christmas Special. For the first time during this class, I let myself be seen. Feeling like I was five years old, I surrendered to my inner dancer and experienced a freedom I had never felt on the dance floor.

     Trusting our inner strength, we can acknowledge our fears, hurts and vulnerabilities and boldly act in the face of them. We can’t think our way into being vulnerable-we must take action. Being vulnerable is being authentic-to love ourselves even when we feel unlovable, to make loving choices for ourselves even when we feel unworthy and to dance even when we are afraid of being seen.