The importance of embracing vulnerability
As a lightworker I always try to encourage other souls to be open to change, be honest with themselves and embrace vulnerability because it is a healthy and important thing to do while being on a healing path.
Vulnerability means to accept the possibility of being judged, criticised or attacked by others when you expose yourself emotionally with all your fears, past wounds, thoughts and dreams.
For me it was a scary thing to do because deep down I’d had the fear of being rejected for who I really was, but I had the willingness to be authentic, to stop pretending, to show the world my true self, and to take off the mask I had been wearing.
It can be terrifying to open yourself up to another person. I had not only to learn to speak my truth but also to admit it to myself. The latter has been hard for me because of my busy inner critic. Deep down I always knew what I truly needed to live peacefully and full of energy, but I didn’t acknowledge it and therefore no actions followed.
I have been too scared to face my truth and embrace it fully. Instead, I kept ignoring it. I suffered in silence. Ok, maybe the word ‘suffering’ sounds extreme to you. I had a good upbringing, nothing wrong with it, but since my childhood I have felt like an outsider and had the wish to be a different person in order to fit in and live up to others’ expectations I thought they would have of me. And this is all that is needed that someone suffers in silence even when it is not obvious to other people or the person itself at a conscious level. Because it takes a while until you realise that you are the creator of your own reality, and yes, of your suffering too.
I wore my mask for self-protection. In the beginning, I just didn’t know better. At the time there has been no internet. I couldn’t just google my symptoms, characteristics or my behaviour. But when I finally read an article about highly sensitive persons I gasped in astonishment. It felt like it was me they were writing about. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders by reading about it because until then I had thought everyone was like me, only that others could just cope better with the world we were living in. I didn’t know that there was a biological explanation for it.
Highly sensitive persons (HSPs) experience the world differently than others. This is mainly because their central nervous system works differently and has an increased sensitivity to stimuli. Due to this biological difference that they’re born with, they are more aware of subtleties and process information deeply. This means they tend to be creative, insightful, and empathetic, but it also means they’re more prone than others to stress and overwhelm and need more quiet time to recharge. Maybe in another post I will write about being an HSP in today’s world.
When I learned about this topic I suddenly understood why I had been struggling in life so far. By recognising my truth I have taken a further step towards knowing myself. I have started to own my story and to walk the path of self-discovery. But to face and accept my truth required welcoming vulnerability first.
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they’re never weakness.”
Brené Brown
Yes, being vulnerable is not a weakness. It requires strength to be honest with yourself and to acknowledge that healing is needed. No matter what the reason for someone’s need for healing is, the WILLINGNESS to be vulnerable is crucial for continuing this path. Know that it is OK to be vulnerable. Actually it is necessary for a more meaningful and joyful life.
At some point, I started slowly to show the world my authentic self. With every step of my emotional healing journey I felt more confident to embrace vulnerability.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t go around telling everyone that I’m a highly sensitive person. What is more important, I understand myself better. It’s about accepting and loving my imperfect self and giving myself what I need in order to thrive and not only survive. Knowing myself allows me to thrive while wearing a mask is pure survival mode.
So I began to admit what I truly needed to feel good. By being honest with myself and acknowledging my innermost wishes self-acceptance, self-love, and self-compassion came along while putting an end to worrying what other people would think – pure FREEDOM.
The reward of being vulnerable is not only to know yourself better but also holistic health, inner growth, and a deeper connection with yourself AND others.
“If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
Brené Brown
