Written by: Dr. Allen Lycka, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Vulnerability is the birthplace of connection and the path to the feeling of worthiness, according to Brene Brown. It is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but it is also the source of empathy, compassion, and courage. To live a wholehearted life, we must be willing to let ourselves be seen.
As human beings, we all have a basic need for connection. We want to feel like we belong and are loved and accepted for who we are. Unfortunately, our natural desire for connection is often met with fear, shame, and the belief that we are not good enough. When we are afraid of being seen, we build walls and armor to protect ourselves from rejection, criticism, and failure. We wear masks and pretend to be someone we're not to fit in and be accepted.
But what happens when we let down our guard and show up as our true selves? We open ourselves up to the possibility of rejection and failure, but we also open ourselves up to connection and love. When we are vulnerable, we can connect with others on a deeper level and build trust and intimacy.
Being vulnerable also means being willing to take risks. It means putting ourselves out there and being open to the possibility of failure. It means facing our fears and not letting them control us. When we are vulnerable, we can step out of our comfort zones and try new things. We can grow and learn from our experiences.
But vulnerability is not just about being open and honest with others. It is also about being open and honest with ourselves. It is about looking at ourselves in the mirror and accepting ourselves for who we are, flaws and all. It is about being able to acknowledge our fears, our insecurities, and our mistakes. It is about letting go of perfectionism and always having everything together.
Vulnerability is not weakness; it is courage. It takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable and to let ourselves be seen. It takes courage to be honest and open with ourselves and with others. It takes courage to take risks and to face our fears.
The key to cultivating vulnerability is practicing self-compassion. Self-compassion means being kind and understanding to ourselves when we make mistakes and fail. It means acknowledging our imperfections and accepting ourselves for who we are. It means giving ourselves the same love and understanding we would give to a friend.
When we can practice self-compassion, we can be more vulnerable to others. We can always let go of the need to be perfect and be open and honest about our struggles. As a result, we can connect with others in a deeper and more meaningful way.
To cultivate vulnerability, we must also be willing to let go of the need for control. We must always be ready to let go of the need to have everything figured out and always be in control of our lives. We must be willing to let go of the need always to have the answers and always have things under control.
When we let go of the need for control, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being surprised by life. We open ourselves up to the possibility of growth and change. We open ourselves up to the possibility of connection and love.
In conclusion, vulnerability is not something to be feared or avoided; it is something to be embraced and cultivated. It is the key to connection, intimacy, and wholehearted life. It takes courage and self-compassion, but the rewards are
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Dr. Allen Lycka, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Dr. Allen Lycka is acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. In 2003, Dr. Lycka was diagnosed with ALS and given six months to live. After fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage and tenacity. Having been given a “golden ticket” Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author the books The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life with Harriet Tinka, Pillars of Success with No.1 New York Times Best Selling Author Jack Canfield and bLU volume 1 with Corey Poirier. He is the host and executive director of How To Live a Fantastic Life show with 4 million listeners per episode. He is a sought-after speaker.
