Vulnerability is not a Weakness

Rev. Jill Brocklehurst tells her story of disappointment and shame as she worked toward ordination within the Spiritual Living community. She speaks to us from the book The Power of Vulnerability by Dr. Brené Brown. Vulnerability is absolutely essential to wholehearted living. Shame is the fear of disconnection: Is there something about us, that if other people were to know it or see it, we wouldn't be worthy of connection? There are people who really struggle---they believe they are not worthy of love and belonging. In contrast, there are people who have worthiness---they live as wholehearted people, embodying the three characteristics of courage, compassion, and connection. Vulnerability is the core of shame and fear. It is the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging, and love. Vulnerability is absolutely essential to wholehearted living. We can develop the courage to be whole.