Vulnerability – A State of Grace
Posted by Robin Easton
When we judge or try to “correct” another person’s vulnerability, we sever one of the most powerful pathways to meaningful communication. We isolate ourselves and others. We cut the connection that can potentially nourish. Allowing others to be vulnerable requires that we ourselves be vulnerable, not wise, not spiritual, but vulnerable.
Being vulnerable is a state of being, a cornerstone to authentic, honest, and openhearted connections. These connections are not made with the “mind”, nor with tidy concepts and reason. Nor are they made with attempts to enlighten each other. They are made by opening the heart and simply “being with”. They are made by being open to imperfections, failings, fears, idiosyncrasies, and shame, and seeing these feelings as a State of Grace. They are made by being open to the humanity in both ourselves and others. “Mind”, reason and concept violate sacred vulnerability. The only thing that meets vulnerability without desecration is Love.
I cherish the inherent healing power in people who choose to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is essential for the sustained beauty, creativity, and vitality in my life. To be around people who are willing to be vulnerable is a great honor, something to be held in sacredness. Vulnerability isn’t something to be judged, fixed, elevated, changed, shut down, or made better. It is something to be experienced, to just “be with”. It is an integral part of who we are and our ability to communicate or commune. I find myself loving the vulnerable places in myself and others, and not with the intent to heal or enlighten, but simply because I come face to face with Life itself. I embrace beautifully intimate and sacred spaces. I am being given a divine gift. The doors are wide open, and in the absence of judgment, Life flourishes.
I am moved by some people’s willingness to be “naked” with me or others. I love them because they are real, raw, and visible. Their vulnerability cuts through the “heady crap” and I recognize our common humanity. Being open to vulnerability is to touch the Divine in myself and others. I don’t know any other way of feeling my interconnectedness with all of Life. No book, no teachings, and no gurus can give me this firsthand experience of deep communion with my fellow beings, and all the world around me. Being vulnerable opens the door to healing, emotions, insights, wisdom, true connections, and most of all, Love. Vulnerability is strength. May you always recognize and honor the sacred vulnerability in yourself and others.
Love
Robin
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This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog:http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
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Evita Says:
30 November 2010 at 8:28 am.
Hello Robin,
What a beautiful way to present the topic of vulnerability. I have never considered myself as vulnerable or not. I just am and do what feels right, from a conscious place in my heart, regardless of how it makes me seem to others, etc.
However, I have come across many people in my life, who were so scared of being vulnerable, in fact they did everything to not be vulnerable and in return shut down a deep and important part of themselves.
May this post inspire others to be open to love, to be open to being themselves in the truest and fullest nature. But most importantly to love themselves and know themselves.
May you be blessed with love and beauty always!
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Lance Says:
30 November 2010 at 8:29 am.
Robin,
I so “get” what you are saying here….and I do, because I feel that too. When another person bares his/her soul…and IS vulnerable, I just feel such a deeper connection. Perhaps it’s some level of trust – trust in being okay with our vulnerability, trust in the universe providing “enough”, trust in love….
So, this has deep personal meaning for me – when others open up to vulnerability. How about for me, though? How easy is this? It is not easy. I suppose there’s some feeling of weakness in my own vulnerability (as much as I believe what I said up above – it’s not always as easy for me to live this out…).
Robin, your words today reach deep into my soul – to a place of “who am I”, and and to what limits me. This is a good (although not personally “easy”) place to “be”. Know that all that you have shared here, I’m letting it all just soak in…soak in deep and wide…
Love to you…always…
Lance
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David Says:
30 November 2010 at 9:46 am.
I loved this post. Vulnerability in my life is close to the Art of Surrender. When I surrender my thoughts and emotions to the love that exists in all things I am restored to my true self. It is not always easy to do and often I forget to do it. But then there is this insistent pressure that builds inside and eventually helps me to remember.
We can each live in our own worlds or we can explore the universe. It is easier to sit back and feel secure and comfortable while intoxicated with the material props that are all around us. At least for me it is. I should not speak for anyone else.
But to surrender all of this and realize I know so little is to be open to the true world that is the only reality we can count upon. As I gradually emerge from self-indulgence I can see it more clearly. The depression goes away. And it only makes me want to be more open. More vulnerable.
I want to surrender completely. It has been a goal since I was very young. I am not a good student. But I am very lucky to sometimes feel overwhelmed with joy that sets my skin on fire in any case.
Life is really very simple. There are just a few things we really need to do while we are here. I am convinced this is one of them. I wish I could communicate more readily with people but I am introverted and shy. Fortunately the internet came along and it is a medium I feel comfortable using. Robin came along and has been such a great gift. She is the embodiment of what I feel sometimes.
She is an angel. She is a prop that is not of this world. She is of the reality we can count on and I feel her presence every day.
We are always going to Be. We should be vulnerable in order to experience this essential fact of our existence.
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marcel lemieux alias starflight Says:
30 November 2010 at 10:32 am.
Hello my friend.
I for myself think that innocence and vulnerability are the starting point in life, to open the doors to learning, adventures,emotions.
Its easy to fall prey to the head/ego/knowledge trip and then think you know it all, but when you come down, when you transcend back to self you are vulnerable and again in touch with life in a magical way..there is also a link to sensitivity, to feel life all around you, people, nature and you stay connected so when you encounter a person or situation you recognize that he or she also has that state of being..its just a bunch of stuff that sometimes hides it, but its there so we also discover respect..could one cry tears of joy or pain if not for vulnerability or sensitivity..does one open a door with a sword?..to let the energy flow freely in yourself, you let go and when you let go, you are vulnerable..just stay humble and enjoy the parade…peace..Marcel
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Michelle Says:
30 November 2010 at 10:34 am.
Hi Robin;
Nothing scares me more… LOL! Your last two posts are BIG ones!
Yes! To be authentic, to be truly who we are, requires vulnerability. Every time I show a new work or confess the deep feelings that drove it, I feel naked. Your post is right on for me because I do it to communicate – to reach out – to even touch the Divine. Your willingness to be vulnerable has been hugely inspiring. I am encouraged to, little by little, to go further.
One might say I am on safari in an emotional landscape! A foreign and stimulating place for one who lives in her head…LOL!
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supernalsteve Says:
30 November 2010 at 10:36 am.
It takes a brave person to show their vulnerability – strange how often courage and vulnerability are not spoken in the same breath and are viewed as opposites. Thanks for the post.
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Nancy Shields Says:
30 November 2010 at 11:57 am.
A precious gift to be vulnerable and so many fear this state of being…..take it for what it is and just be vulnerable at times; be REAL – a human being!
Thanks for this great post!
Nancy
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Gail Brenner (AFlourishingLife) Says:
30 November 2010 at 12:10 pm.
Robin, Dear,
I love this post! When you don’t take anything personally, there is no such thing as vulnerability. When we think we own our fears, when we hold onto secret stories, then we need to protect ourselves.
There is so much grace in the nakedness you describe. So much freedom, living effortlessly, being without protecting. And you are a shining example of this, Robin.
I love you always,
Much love to you, my friend…
Gail
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Trish Scott Says:
30 November 2010 at 12:56 pm.
It would never occur to me to call living with nothing to hide as being vulnerable – that is the greatest strength. Those who have hidden things from themselves and others all their lives are very vulnerable when those less than nice things come up for them consciously. Hopefully they would feel safe with someone whom they sense understands those places in themselves and have forgiven themselves already. Of course they wouldn’t feel safe with others who don’t have a clue. The fear, not misguided I think, is that they would be burned at the stake or stoned in the square. Fear always exaggerates but the root of the fear is correct. Others may well flail you for voicing their own fears right out loud. It’s what we do when we don’t want to see. I think that it may be best when feeling vulnerable to work through it with a trusted friend/mentor and/or in personal meditation. I think it may not be best to stand naked until the skin has healed and you can stand in your truth without a crutch.
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Keith Says:
30 November 2010 at 1:16 pm.
Hello Robin!
It took me so long to come to understand, and accept, the truth you’ve written about here. One really has to “kill” a part of themselves in order to not be vulnerable.
Vulnerability is the only way in which we will ever make a meaningful connection with anything or anybody. I’m reading your book so I am thinking, just think how differently things would have turned out if you had not allowed yourself to become vulnerable! The deep connection you made with Mother Earth would have never happened, your book would have never happened, perhaps this blog would have never happened! Amazing isn’t it? The ripple effect…all of the good things that never would happen if we shun vulnerability!
This post is actually very powerful Robin. The more I think of what it means to be vulnerable, the deeper it goes…
Thank you for helping my heart to gain a deeper understanding of the magnificence of Vulnerability.
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BLOOMING PARIS/ Jenn Says:
30 November 2010 at 1:42 pm.
Robin, I love what you shared here and you didn’t hold back anything either. So right on!
Thank you for this clarity. I agree also, and in how you say so it teaches us to be much more reverent of this passageway in our self and others. I am learning to see wholeness in everything, and I think this is right there with it — another step into the beautiful unknown. I want to be this vulnerable, and I think often times I touch upon it, and it can feel uncomfortable or right depending on the company it is shared with. Truly we hold space for one another in those vulnerability moments. Thank you for sharing your heart today! What a blessing you are. hugs, Jenn
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Simon Hay Says:
30 November 2010 at 2:21 pm.
Hi Robin. I like this. Vulnerability, all emotions, expressed fully and honestly is a powerful gift. Our emotions evolve consciousness and life. I love you. I just noticed I didn’t have you linked on my blog. Whip me with a black snake! I fixed that. Talk soon, Simon.
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Amethyst AuraRose Says:
30 November 2010 at 2:37 pm.
Just absolutely Love this writing Robin gives us ~ it says to me being vulnerable comes from the humble spirit that reigns in a respectful realm of appreciation ~ indeed, “heady crap” halts at the halo of that existence for a moment from the surprised simplicity… a healing little zap in the shock ~~~ Robin’s written piece Vulnerability – A State of Grace is a Must Share amongst many – thank you lovely Robin…. humbly so and with miles of smiles
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~ Bern ~ Says:
30 November 2010 at 3:09 pm.
Hi Robin,
You have been blessed to redefine vulnerability from a negative state to a positive state. By seeing and experiencing through the lens of vulnerability, it allows one to focus with care on each encounter.
It is like any other discipline where we begin paying attention to that which we invite into our lives. It is still a hesitation of acceptance to what Is before us. The feeling of vulnerability is an opening up of that which has once been censored into a state of full and unconditional acceptance. By seeing with vulnerable eyes, Life becomes an invitation to be experienced instead of back-logged.
However, like any discipline, we eventually leave the disciple stage to become the master of our art. When vulnerability becomes fully investigated and digested from all angles, its membranes and filters for experience vanish leaving us with a moment beyond the filters which keeps us from embracing Being beyond Conditions. The now positively defined vulnerability which allowed one to move into the unknown can be re-called and re-claimed and re-absorbed to just love with each moment by accepting the stimulus directly into the Soul senses without worry or delay or care. One then becomes the scene of our making and not separate from it.
It is like falling down spiritually and seeing the snake before your eyes where the defenses of you and the snake are built up through fear. But by being vulnerable to the snake, the defenses are slowly let down to allow the snake to be what the snake is. It becomes a welcome part of the scene. Vulnerability allows us to reclaim our fears projected at the snake, who is also projecting its fears towards us. The snake too plays the game it too has invited to experience. But when the snake gets to know you and you get to know the snake through the positive filter of vulnerability, all defenses and blocks between snakes and humans are let go of. There then is no more positive vulnerability. One is then in Love with all snake encounters. If the snake drops then from a tree onto your shoulders, one then merely says hi Snake. I came here upon your request and you came to me upon my request. Let us share that which we are excited to exchange.
Therefore, I see vulnerability as a means of passing through the static and clutter of the ego mind. The idea of vulnerability then becomes a calming effect to the ego which tells it that each encounter we have is perfectly fine and is an essential ingredient to Destiny.
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Suzie Cheel Says:
30 November 2010 at 3:31 pm.
This is beautiful Robin,
Yes being and showing vulnerability does show strength- that which comes from within when one is in love at being with oneself
love
Suzie
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Sandra Lee Says:
30 November 2010 at 6:00 pm.
Hi Robin,
I really love the essence of this post ~ the way that vulnerability connects us with our own humanity and the humanity of others. I also liked what Gail said ~ “When you don’t take anything personally, there is no such thing as vulnerability.”
What I don’t understand is the dichotomies. Why would being vulnerable mean not being wise, enlightening, or healing? I understand what you mean in this sentence, I think… “No book, no teachings, and no gurus can give me this firsthand experience of deep communion with my fellow beings, and all the world around me.” We do need to experience directly. But there is so much we can learn from teachings and the best spiritual teachers to help us open to our vulnerability and to actually experience the world directly, nakedly. So why the dichotomy? Why the either /or? Why not both?
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Mike King Says:
30 November 2010 at 10:12 pm.
Brilliant Robin. Vulnerability is key to true connection with others and as you put it, grace. An amazing post and it puts through the fluff and dives straight to the subject. Raw honesty about oneself, feelings, trustworthiness, openness, sharing subjects that are often avoided and surprising details you wouldn’t expect to see are all great signs of vulnerability in relationships.
Robin, your writing and certainly that in your book, are a great demonstration of your own willingness to be vulnerable and I suspect, the very reason you see vulnerabilities in others and can experience that. You demonstrate it yourself and it is a beautiful trait to have. Your grace when it comes to connection with others is immensely driven by that vulnerability. I admire that! Great article,!
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Nea | Self Improvement Saga Says:
1 December 2010 at 10:54 am.
You are such an amazing person, Robin. I feel like you reached through my computer, gave me a hug, and told me it’s okay to be imperfect. I needed that so much today. Lately, I’ve been working on acceptance & your words are in total alignment with that. Thank you for encouraging me to honor vulnerability. Like everything else, it has a purpose.
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Zeenat{Positive Provocations} Says:
1 December 2010 at 10:49 pm.
Darling RObin,
YOU YOU YOU …I am in divine presence when I read YOU> You are such a beautiful ambassador for “vulnerability”. I love how when we communicate, neither of us have any masks, or curtains to hide our true self. Its in embracing our true self and loving our true self(just as we are) white hair, scars and all….that we can truly truly understand and reap the power that comes from being “vulnerable”. You are so right…its a gift! Pure and Divine! But a bigger gift is truly finding that person who really lets you BE.
YOU are that person for me Robin. You literally hug my soul and love my heart..and for that I am eternally grateful.
Love you so so much!
Z~
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Corinne Rodrigues Says:
2 December 2010 at 9:02 am.
Robin – Thank you for reminding me of this great ‘gift of vulnerability’. What a wonderful post yours is…and so true. Only when I dare to be my most vulnerable with another can I truly love and be loved. Allow me to share with you a quote from one of my favorite Christian writers – Henri Nouwen:
There is a great difference between successfulness and fruitfulness. Success comes from strength, control, and respectability. A successful person has the energy to create something, to keep control over its development, and to make it available in large quantities. Success brings many rewards and often fame. Fruits, however, come from weakness and vulnerability. And fruits are unique. A child is the fruit conceived in vulnerability, community is the fruit born through shared brokenness, and intimacy is the fruit that grows through touching one another’s wounds. Let’s remind one another that what brings us true joy is not successfulness but fruitfulness.
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Hilary Says:
2 December 2010 at 10:13 am.
Hi Robin .. gosh – I’m vulnerable at the moment – having been hit a whammy by my family .. I guess I need to act as Corrine quotes above .. “A successful person has the energy to create something, to keep control over its development, and to make it available in large quantities.” – just by getting through this period I’ll be successful at not letting being vulnerable swallow me – life is not easy .. at all. I’ll be fine .. cheers .. and a big hug or two .. Hilary
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Stacey Says:
2 December 2010 at 3:27 pm.
Robin,
As always your post is filled with such wisdom, I like the post but I have to say I feel that you clarified your concept greatly in your first response. You tapped into it exactly, and what Bernie shared also captures the essence of what I felt when I read your post and response.
I think Vulnerability is an essential expression in the experience that is being human. It is part of our learning, and part of sharing ourselves. When someone dismisses another being expressing/processing through vulnerability they are essentially putting a block on that individual processing their inner thoughts/emotions/feelings. Vulnerability is a first step in releasing aspects of ourselves that may no longer be serving us. It is acknowledgement of what is within, and although we are each individually responsible for the state that we are in, when someone else dismisses our act of being vulnerable and opening up to them it is easy to retreat within again. This leads to hiding those parts of ourselves within more layers of heavy armor, instead of bringing them out into the light.
When we accept someone being vulnerable, opening up to the world around them, we are accepting them as they truely are. We are expressing true love. When we do this, we are better helping the person to remember exactly how beautiful and perfect they are. Then they will more easily shed those things that make them fearfull. And then they will be able to move past being vulnerable, to simply Being in each moment. Then they will be open to all.
Keep shining bright! You fill each moment with so much love.
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patricia Says:
2 December 2010 at 5:03 pm.
This is such lovely writing Robin and I am so glad I was able to finally get into comments, because I want to respond and connect. Vulnerability and Courage such huge links…the book I just reviewed is about serenity and courage and that connection – yes I do find that when someone is vulnerable and the masks are removed the ability to connect is so heart to heart and it strengthens and builds a communion of community.
I think as we come into the darkness of winter in this hemisphere, we are all either working on hiding emotions or working with our emotions. Advent used to be such a big part of the Christian experience and now that period of discernment and evaluation is just the commercialization of a secular event. It has kind of lost that lovin’ feeling!
I am wondering if this writing was inspired by your Thanksgiving hiking adventure? Nature certainly does provide vulnerability and courage as we open our arms to receive
Thank you for this love piece/peace. hugs to you dear one.
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Joy Says:
2 December 2010 at 5:45 pm.
Robin,
Wow..Thank you for your words today!
As I read ‘vulnerable’ my wonderful friend’s favorite song comes on the radio..talk about vulnerable..to lay yourself out bare as you are, no mask, no pretense, no fear..just experience with your senses all that is to experience and share heart to heart..
I love to be “naked” I love to share from this spot and I love when others trust enough to be naked as well..
When I sail to the islands, there are very few people who are comfortable in such an intimate space on the boat, and in such a quiet isolated space on land. The people I personally choose to sail with are almost as sacred as lovers. And these are the people my heart celebrates because there is such freedom in relating!
I love your answer to Sandra Lee. This morning I was thinking true wisdom is not to be read about, heard about, but rather Felt, Known..there is a natural cycle/flow to tap into when we allow our senses to lead..it’s not mind based from the teachers but life based from putting all aside and truly *living* full out, no fear, no doubt..just purity in all…Teachers are amazing and necessary on this journey…but All we truly need is at our fingertips when we open our hearts to it..
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Christopher Foster Says:
2 December 2010 at 6:47 pm.
Hi Robin. It seems to me that being vulnerable in a true sense requires being strong. It’s kind of a paradox. How can you be vulnerable and strong at the same time? But unless we are “strong” in the sense of having at least some measure of trust in life and in our own authentic self I don’t think our vulnerability will be all that genuine.
I love your strong, vulnerable spirit, Robin. A true inspiration. Blessings.
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Chris Edgar Says:
4 December 2010 at 5:22 pm.
Hi Robin — and to think I put so much work into looking perfect for you! 
Yes, one thing I’ve noticed about vulnerability is that, for me, it seemed difficult at first when I got into the practice of saying what was actually going on for me — and then, eventually, it actually became easier than trying to wear the “Mr. Perfect” mask all the time, which as it turns out takes a lot more energy to hold onto.
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Robb Says:
6 December 2010 at 6:44 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
This past weekend I was with family at a lovely swimming hole by a river out in the country. We were having a picnic, and saying goodbye to Tara’s half brother who was leaving for Canada that evening with his fiance. I have known him since he was little and I first moved here, but we lost touch and he disappeared for a long time. He has been staying with us and I have observed him quietly, still seeing that little boy I knew so long ago, and sensing the hurt and pain that lie within this talented man and which he could not express. So as he stood apart by the river just looking out, I simply went and stood by him, not saying a word, we just stood there. When he left later that evening he gave me the biggest hug I have gotten from another person – and I am a big guy to give a big hug to! Today I received a beautiful note from him thanking me for that very moment I simply stood by him, and what I have meant to his life, and how he has learned what family means to him. Because I recognized the vulnerability in myself, and have learned from that, I could see it him and reach out to it. All without saying a word. Pretty cool!
Aroha,
Robb
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Resources Feb 2011 | Learn This Says:
14 February 2011 at 1:30 am.
[...] Vulnerability – A State of Grace [...]
Marty Says:
20 February 2011 at 3:46 am.
Robin,
Your writing on this subject touches me deeply. I am certainly a person who is in touch with my vulnerability. I feel authentic when this happens. It is so often seen as a weakness but I KNOW it is a strength. The trick is how to use it in a positive manner.
The content on your blog is a true blessing!
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Angela Artemis/Powered by Intuition Says:
17 May 2011 at 6:54 am.
Robin,
I understand completely what you’re saying about “vulnerability.” In my younger days I trained with a well known guru to become a yogini and meditation instructor. One of the teachings that impacted me most was about being “innocent.” To be innocent, she explained, was about being pure and not masked by the false face of the ego. I equate this to what you’re writing about with vulnerability. When we remain innocent we don’t try to “be” what we think society expects in how we present ourselves. Having this quality gives you greater power because your inner light shines more easily when it’s not masked by the falsity of the ego. Yes, when you’re innocent you might also be more vulnerable and it would appear to others that you might even be weak at times, but that’s simply not the case. Innocent/vulnerability give you wisdom that is pure and from the heart, what I’d call intuition, while being all wrapped in the ego cuts you off from that innate wisdom. So, if I had my druthers I’d rather be innately wise and be counted among the ranks of the vulnerable – than be the street saavvy superwoman.
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Robin Easton Reply:
December 1st, 2010 at 12:41 pm
NOTE: Dear Friends,
Down below SANDRA LEE asked a great question. I was thrilled by it. So I am going to reply to that first and if any of you have insights that you feel might answer her question maybe you can share them with her. All I can do is look in my heart and see what wants to be said. I’m so grateful Sandra raised these questions because it allowed me to feel intense beauty and love.
I love your comments here. So much passion and insight. Just beautiful!! I am deeply grateful.
Love to you all,
Robin
____________________________________
SANDRA asks:
“What I don’t understand is the dichotomies. Why would being vulnerable mean not being wise, enlightening, or healing? I understand what you mean in this sentence, I think… “No book, no teachings, and no gurus can give me this firsthand experience of deep communion with my fellow beings, and all the world around me.†We do need to experience directly. But there is so much we can learn from teachings and the best spiritual teachers to help us open to our vulnerability and to actually experience the world directly, nakedly. So why the dichotomy? Why the either / or? Why not both?â€
_____________________________________
I’ve found that being vulnerable IS a state of wisdom, enlightenment, and healing…all in itself. I don’t think there are any dichotomies there. Maybe what I needed to make more clear are these thoughts: I live in an area of the country that is often referred to as a spiritual mecca. Although I live in this supposed spiritual mecca, something I often see is this: when someone shares feeling tired, frightened, sad, hurt, worried, alone (vulnerable), any emotion that is not joy, happiness, peace, etc., the vulnerability is often met with clichés (or pronouncements) like, “You are what you draw to youself.” or “It’s all what you attract to yourself.” or “It’s all a matter of mind.†or “Happiness can only come from within.” or “Your sad because you want to be sad.” or or or…. More often than not I observe the vulnerable person retract in an attempt to save face. It is human nature that we want to appear “normalâ€, grown up, together, enlightened. Sadly it is sometimes at the expense of sacred vulnerability….vital Life
These pronouncements (or responses to vulnerability) may ALL be true….on one level. But there might be another response, which is to not spout anything, not fix anything, not try to enlighten anybody, but to merely allow in others and myself the experience of feeling vulnerable, and while feeling this way, also feel connected to another compassionate human being. There is tremendous innate wisdom in the state of vulnerability and safe connection. Given a safe space we can often naturally find our own level (like water), and access clean, clear, gut knowing.
It can be a complex balancing act between giving advice/wisdom, and understanding why we’re giving it. Is it to genuinely help? Has the person asked for our help? Have we asked them what they might need, if anything? Or is it our own desire to be seen (maybe as more spiritual, wise, enlightened)? Or is it our own desire to express ourselves, but we may have forgotten to listen to the other? Or is it a way to indirectly (on an unconscious level) not expose ourselves to other people’s vulnerability, hence our own.? (As opposed to saying directly “this is too much for me right now.â€) There are many reasons we say what we say, and many of the reasons are unconscious.
I see seemingly subtle ways that are sometimes used to negate or shutdown vulnerability in ourselves and others. These ways are so common and socially acceptable that they’re often over looked. We sometimes walk around almost analyzing each other on the fly, not in depth, and not maliciously, and yet not consciously either. It’s almost a habit, where the latest book, new age healer, or enlightened insight is plunked down in the face of vulnerability. We miss something deeper, something that touches the soul. It may not be as clear, maybe not as tidy, but I have found it to be priceless. It is a return to innocence.
This doesn’t mean we may not seek help or guidance from teachers. We can, and we may find it highly useful. But I think we have to be aware of how we use our wisdom in response to vulnerability. There is intrinsic healing just in allowing vulnerability to “be”.
Maybe we aren’t supposed to never feel hurt, never feel shame, never feel scared, never feel old, tired, sad, unhappy, uncomfortable. Maybe we are supposed to feel all those things, and learn that they are part of the wonderful magnificent human experience along with joy, peace and love. Maybe we don’t reach Nirvana by doing away with these things. Maybe it is in embracing them that uplifts and enlightens us, that makes us more fearless, more vast, more willingly vulnerable, and more alive.
Love,
Robin
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