Tag: vulnerability

Becoming Our Courage.

In her book, Daring Greatly, author Brene Brown discusses vulnerability as a ‘willingness to be seen’.

Though, so often we view as a point of weakness – an admission to the fault of our own insecurities. We recoil at the mere thought of anything ‘less than’ – exhausting all efforts to make ‘right’ again.

And yet, when we are vulnerable – we stand fully alone; relinquishing the armaments of our tired, tattered soul, abandoning all structures which limit our view.

“How long are we going to resist putting on our hat of truth?” Thich Nhat Hanh inquires. “How long can we stand feeling so unsafe just to maintain the illusion of safety…?”

In our letting go, we become the greater measure of our courage.

In peace, my sweet friends…

Namaste ❤️

Is Vulnerability a Weakness or a Strength?

In many societies, vulnerability is viewed as a weakness of spirit – something to be disparaged, rather than encouraged. Even from the youngest of age, we are taught taught to ‘be strong’ – to find our fortitude and resilience.

“You’re a big boy now,” a father might say. In our minds, we associate this moment as one of censure and withholding. As a child, we draw our lip. Though, as an adult, we withhold our truth as the bully ‘ego’ moves in.

In time, we become paralyzed through this paradigm of living fully within our fear. We lose faith in these subtle, yet far greater aspects of self.

Acclaimed author and Jungian analyst Robert Johnson, describes how difficult it is for us to embrace our potential.

“Curiously,” he writes, “people resist the noble aspects of their shadow more strenuously than they hide the dark sides…” Just as a child fighting back the tears, we struggle to acknowledge the entirety of our own spirit.

In reality, it takes great courage to stand in the light of our own vulnerability – to ‘speak our truth fearlessly’, as author Jack Kornfield once said.

As the heart is calmed, we begin to realize that inevitably our vulnerability is both the means and the way.

A little something to consider, my friends.

In peace…

Namaste ❤

Where the Heart Becomes Human.

Peace comes when the heart remains open. Like the warmth infused from a patch of morning sun, it washes over – relieving the ‘burdens’ of day. And, asking only that we stay awhile – sitting within the stillness of a far greater freedom.

Though, how might we respond when the heart begins to close? When past hurt reminds us of the vulnerability in being human?

To prevent further suffering, the spirit may recoil. We may choose to disregard the very experiences which may ultimately serve to embolden.

As children, we’re taught the honor of the fearless explorer. However, as we grow older we realize that fear must be met with a far greater courage.

“Are we enough,” thinking mind might inquire, “to engage this world with a fully open heart?”

Though, isn’t strength something we nurture and grow?

“Yes, the world is full of pain, uncertainty, and injustice.” Jack Kornfield reveals. “But in this vulnerable human life, every loss is an opportunity either to shut out the world or to stand up with dignity and let the heart respond.”

In the end, the only question which remains – my darlings, which will you choose?

In peace…

Namaste ❤️

This Privilege of Seeing.

I was thinking this morning about a dear friend’s pain. He’d been unjustly attacked, injured through another’s words.

In the aftermath, we talked. Though, mind shared the blessing of logic — heart hadn’t yet fully yielded to understanding. It reminded me of a passage from 8th century Buddhist master, Padmasambhava.

Reading simply;

“I am present in front in front of anyone who has faith in me. Just as the moon casts its reflection effortlessly in any vessel filled with water.”

As I look out into this world, I am inspired — and often overwhelmed by the miracles manifested before me. I see the canopy of centuries-old trees, bowing before me. And the heron’s fluid ascent, graceful – yet, powerful. And the willows whispering their blessings of day.

Difficulty is often our path, my loves.

Though painful, at times — it serves to enrich; to widen our hearts through an aspect of vulnerability. In doing so, we are granted the divine privilege of seeing this world through empathetic eyes; of recognizing the perfection of imperfection. Only then, may we truly connect to another’s heart.

When another is unkind, I remember this lesson: that the outline of the moon in encouraged through the depths of our own experiences.

In peace, my loves…

Namaste <3