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Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

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Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability | Video on TED.com

I stubbled across this video due to a supplementary option in my training at Freshman Mentoring. We were also asked to read a chapter from a book about Mindsets. The main focus was on vulnerability and how that is both the center of shame, fear, and depression as well as the springboard to security, joy, and a wholesome life.

The Woman in the video shares her findings from over six years of intensive research. She said that those who were happy and who felt accepted and loved were the same in every way to those who didn't, except they felt like they were worth loving. This sense of worthiness enabled them to have the courage to be imperfect, and they were willing to let go of who they thought they should be so they could really become who they were. They embraced vulnerability. These people were willing to let their true selves be seen and to love with everything they could with out guarantee.

Folks from the other spectrum tended to try and numb the dark emotions that result from suppressing vulnerability. Unfortunately this numbing leads to a numbing of all other emotions which results in increased vulnerability and the cycle continues. These people always try to make the uncertain certain. She talked about how blame and accusations are results of shame and self deprecation. Ultimately she stated that one can't practice compassion for others if you can't even treat yourself with some kindness.

I think she has some great points! She takes a position that makes a lot of sense. I want to do better at facing vulnerability in my life and rather than trying to plan it all to a T to make myself feel like my uncertain future is fully certain, I hope to appreciate the experiences of trial and growth that come from putting myself out there in search of a good cause.

If you wanna watch the video it is about 20 minutes and is not boring. She takes the name of the Lord in vain 2 times, and cusses 1 other time just so you know.

Comments

  1. David WilliamsJune 26, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Interesting that I ran into this about the same time you did but independently. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about it-- makes you a bit vulnerable to do a blog doesn't it? In a good way?

    ReplyDelete
  2. GregJuly 5, 2011 at 2:40 PM

    Ha ha - yup! That is neat you found this too

    ReplyDelete

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