becoming vulnerable

This essay is an excerpt from my book The Detachment Manifesto.

Vulnerability is a tough choice to make, but it comes with the maximum benefits. Brené Brown explains, “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. 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.” 

Vulnerability is opening up ourselves and our scars and wounds to others. It may come with pain and resistance but if we look at the overall picture, it is beneficial and has a long term positive impact on us.

We are letting down the walls around us and we are exposing our true nature. When we let go of fear of judgment and shame, we not only allow others to help us, but most importantly we allow us to help ourselves. Our irrational and baseless fears can stop us from living our life fully. The dual lives that we have been living are costing us our health, our well-being and our relationships. We need to open ourselves. As much as we hate and feel scared, this needs to be done.

Choosing vulnerability may seem like wearing a cloak of weakness, but it is in fact a cape of courage. To make deeper connections and relationships in our lives, we need to become vulnerable. We need to stop the pretence and gimmickry that we have been showing to the world. We need to detach from the various masks that we have been wearing. We always pay heavy prices when we compromise our authenticity for ephemeral validation and rewards. Embrace yourself and know that becoming vulnerable is your best step towards a shift, in yourself and your life.

The most important thing to realize is that you’re not alone! There are countless people all around the world who are experiencing the same pain, suffering and stirred emotions, just like you. Vulnerability is a prerequisite to be able to reach others and let others reach you, so that everyone can get together, share their experiences and uplift each other.