Understanding Vulnerability: Confinement to Liberation

Vulnerability, a word that can feel like a tongue twister to many. However, vulnerability’s true essence can be equally difficult to understand. In action, this word holds the power to transform our lives.

The definition of vulnerability, as given in the dictionary: being exposed to the possibility of emotional or physical harm. Naturally, the human mind tries to understand: why would anyone choose to be vulnerable?

As human beings, we are all wired for self-preservation and this instinct becomes particularly strong when it comes to protecting our wounded selves. Since ages, we have been building walls around our wounded selves, convinced that this emotional barricade will keep us safe.

So why would someone want to be vulnerable when we all want to protect ourselves, especially our wounded selfs.

And why do we want to protect it ?

Because it keeps us safe.

Have you seen a kid, who gets hurt and immediately cries not caring where s/he is. But overtime we learn to quiet ourselves and as we grow we keep our cries with ourselves. Then it is always there limiting us to live our lives to fullest.

The Power of Vulnerability

For years we have been believing that vulnerability is a weakness, but what if vulnerability isn’t about weakness? What if it’s about showing the wounded you, the part you’ve kept hidden for so long? Vulnerability is about trusting that the world, or at least certain parts of it, can be a safe space.

I agree that not all environments are created equal. There is a need for safe spaces, where we can shed our walls and truly be ourselves. To find such places in an individual’s journey in itself is a gift.

Personally, embracing vulnerability was a significant step in my healing journey. It was a gift for me to be part of such communities where I could be authentic. Not just this, having dealt with my vulnerabilities, I learnt approaches and methods to share my knowledge with others. I can now host such safe spaces for others to shed their vulnerabilities.

Why Vulnerability Matters?: The Courage to Show Up

At first, vulnerability may seem terrifying because we are exposing ourselves and our emotions in the process. However, when we share our truths we also land ourselves into authenticity. This authenticity helps us to build deeper connections with our own selves and those around us.

Vulnerability can be truly achieved when we reveal the darkness, and by acknowledging our struggles and imperfections we can also help others do the same. It is like clearing the dust and debris that has settled for years on us, allowing us to see ourselves with greater clarity.

By choosing vulnerability, we are not just letting go of the past, but also allowing us to live fully in the present, experiencing life in all its richness and complexities.

Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability

To be vulnerable means to show up your part that is wounded, to know that the world we are living in is a safe place.

And ofcourse it cannot happen anywhere or with anyone. We need some safe spaces to show our vulnerability.

Having discussed in-depth about vulnerability, let’s understand how we can cultivate vulnerability in our lives?

Firstly, we must acknowledge the importance of vulnerability. We must understand that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it is a form of strength. It takes immense courage from an individual to express and reveal their raw selves.

On understanding the importance of vulnerability, next we must identify safe spaces for ourselves, like the one we offer at Compassion Lighthouse. One must look for communities, friendships, or even therapeutic relationships where you feel comfortable being vulnerable.

For me embracing vulnerability helped me in my healing.

I have been fortunate enough to find spaces where I can be vulnerable. And it was such a gift that I myself also have that courage to hold spaces for people to be vulnerable. Vulnerability requires such great courage.

These identified spaces should be such that they hold the essence of empathy, acceptance and non-judgement. Individuals must primarily focus on achieving the aforementioned safe spaces discovered by them.

Here are some tips for creating safe spaces for vulnerability

• Practice active listening – Be aware of your surroundings and pay close attention to what others in the space are saying. You should be present both mentally and physically and have the understanding to detect even nonverbal communications.
• Practice Mindfulness – To create a safe space for others to be vulnerable, be present at that moment with the other person. Not with judgements, suggestions, solutions, you just have to be there mentally, physically and spiritually.
• Offer empathy and support – Being compassionate and non-judgemental is a prerequisite for holding safe spaces.
• Respect boundaries – Boundaries are important, and everyone has their own set of boundaries and limitations, be respectful towards them. Do not pressure anyone to share more than what they are comfortable with.
• Lead by example – The saying, Practice what you preach, holds immeasurable significance when it comes to healing and breaking our walls. You must embrace vulnerability yourself to be able to create a space where others feel comfortable doing the same for you.

The Ripple Effect of Vulnerability

To expose ourselves sounds terrifying, however when we share our truths and our wounds we are also being authentic and truthful to ourselves.

Interestingly, when we have that capacity to share our dark, our light also starts being visible to us. It’s like you are removing years of accumulation from yourself. It’s not only the past we are holding, we are also holding ourselves from living fully in the present. We are also holding ourselves from being joyful and completely in life’s bliss. So, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that vulnerability has a powerful ripple effect just like a smile.

We live in a harsh world that continues to throw whirlwinds at us at every stage of life. Our world values perfection and urges us to mask our emotions, and vulnerability can be an unconventional yet radical act. It’s a declaration that we’re human, with all the messiness and beauty that comes with it.

By accepting vulnerability, we heal ourselves as well as pave the way for deeper emotional connections and a more meaningful existence. It’s a journey of courage, self-discovery, and ultimately, a path towards living life to the fullest.

Are you ready to embark on your vulnerability journey? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!