Vulnerability & Connection

I've been revisiting the work of Brenee Brown this week. If you don't know her, this TED talk is excellent. A shame researcher who studies human connection and vulnerability, one of her key points is that we humans have a fundamental need for connection to others, and suffer in many ways without it, yet, to connect deeply requires a level of vulnerability and relinquishing of control that can feel v uncomfortable

It got me thinking about this lockdown phase of our lives and how it has brought us closer together. Regular western social structures dictate that we are meant to be in control, have the answers, continually be happy, productive, and materially wealthy. For many, the last few months (even just these last two weeks) have turned all of that to mush: despair, fear, sadness, confusion, loss, inertia, humility. All of this can make us feel SO vulnerable because we're suddenly not so 'sorted' and we are made to believe that to let anyone see that would angle us perfectly for rejection. Which feels like the opposite of connection.

BUT we have an opportunity here: right now we have collective awareness of the illusory nature of control, we have collective loss and sadness and anger and confusion and this is SO beautiful because we have the opportunity for deeper interpersonal connection - if, that is, we are willing to own and admit to our vulnerability.

In an Instagram post this week I said that I've been feeling a bit useless. I almost didn't post it, because I worried that no one would want to learn from someone who hasn't got their shit together..! But I did, and a lot of you said you've felt the same and were glad to hear you weren't the only one. When we yoga on zoom, we let each other (and sometimes 20 other strangers, for you guys) into our homes: vulnerable exposure! Thank you. We need this mutual vulnerability because it offers mutual support. Yoga teaches us to be all parts of ourselves. Because all parts of us are valid as much as they are changing and impermanent. All part of us are natural; all parts divine. Courage is sharing that.

See you on the mat. Come as you are ;)