During March we explored the practice of cultivating authenticity, which is discovering and
expressing who we truly are as we live life out loud! During April, we explore the power of
vulnerability, which is a crucial starting point for authenticity and connection.
For Brené Brown, Professor of Social Work at the University of Houston, vulnerability is a
central element of her research and teaching. In her recent audiobook, The Power of
Vulnerability: Teachings in Authenticity, Connection & Courage, she observed, “Vulnerability is a
state of emotional exposure that comes with a certain degree of uncertainty. It involves a
person’s willingness to accept the emotional risk that comes from being open and willing to
love and be loved.”
For many of us, including myself at times, we find safety inside a protective shell that we have
carefully built around ourselves to protect us from the scary world. Yes, the big picture issues
are all there: resolving conflicts between nations and ideologies, protecting human rights and
the environment, and providing food and shelter for all people and creatures on our planet.
More personal and immediate threats, however, may involve the emotional risk of sharing our
authentic self and being rejected, ignored, misused or abused. Nevertheless, if we always stay
inside our protective shell, we risk never discovering, nurturing and living our authentic life.
As we begin exploring the power of vulnerability and coming out of our shells, we learn to
create lives that are aligned with the Spirit within us. The willingness to be vulnerable empowers
us to express our authentic Self as Spirit’s unique and worthy gift, through us and as us, to the world.
We learn to love and be loved. Rev. Ryan Alexander suggests that we learn to
“create safe spaces, safe communities, and safe relationships in which vulnerability can thrive
and grow.” Through vulnerability, we not only begin to share our authentic selves, we also
build connections with Spirit and with the people around us.
It is the cracks in our shells that allow the light to shine in – and out!
Love and light,
Rev. Pam
