Are You Feeling Vulnerable?
In trying times, most of us feel vulnerable, at least occasionally. Vulnerability reflects our feeling of exposure to physical, emotional or economic harm. I don't know about you, but I've noticed it several times over the past six months. Emotionally, the "unknowing" has often felt overwhelming. Physically, many people have faced illness from the virus or destruction from fires and violent protests. For others, "home" does not offer a haven. Economically, many businesses and jobs have been threatened if not demolished by the pandemic. (RIP Lotus Blossom Prenatal Yoga studio, and so many beloved venues that just couldn't survive this downturn.)
Vulnerability can create discomfort. But, in the words of Brene Brown, "If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path." (If you haven't read Brown's books, check out my favorite — The Gifts of Imperfection — which just celebrated its 10th anniversary! In the meantime, read this article reflecting on some of Brown's teachings about vulnerability.)
While vulnerability may feel like a negative effect of 2020, perhaps it provides us more opportunity to seek deeper meaning in the way we're leading our lives. While these ruinous fires rage across the west coast, they must open people's eyes to the impact of our warming earth. What habits might we change to help prevent similar devastation? Our calendars likely look different from last year. What people and activities are worth prioritizing when time and connection are so limited? When days leave us feeling stuck or abandoned or uncertain, maybe exploring our spiritual selves helps us determine our "why," which can inspire creativity, self-care, compassion and love.
In yoga, I invite you to practice vulnerability with me. Find something uncomfortable (though not painful!) and allow yourself to examine the discomfort — perhaps diminishing its power through observation and breath. Face a fear. Practice humility. Nobody's there to judge; after all, it's only a practice. As humans, none of us is perfect — in fact, our glorious uniqueness comes from our perceived "imperfections." How boring life would be if we all fit into a mold!
If we never open ourselves up to vulnerability, we don't allow ourselves to learn, to grow, to be seen and to be appreciated. Through our vulnerability, we can better show compassion toward others and receive compassion in return. Vulnerability allows us to find connection — and through connection we can all begin to heal.
