The bravest work we can do is to allow ourselves to be known and seen, unfiltered and authentic. This requires us to shed our defenses and take off our armor. Although that can feel liberating, it also can feel incredibly uncomfortable and risky, because we can’t practice vulnerability AND control others’ response to us. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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In order to ensure our emotional safety, it is important that we practice vulnerability in the context of a secure, trusting relationship. We need others who are non-judgmental, compassionate and open. You may have friends or family members who can do this, or many of us choose to start this work with a therapist, as well. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The risk of not doing this work is so much greater, in my experience, than the risk of doing it (in a safe relationship.) Keeping our guard up requires us to be a half-hearted, counterfeit version of ourselves. When we let ourselves be seen, our capacity for deep, real connections grows exponentially. And that, to me, is what brings meaning and richness to life. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Stayed tuned for something courageous coming from me to you soon! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀