Brene Brown on the Power of Vulnerability

Brene Brown

I love what Brene Brown says in her investigation the idea that we are hardwired for struggle. She finds that our need for love and belonging is fundamental to our survival. Despite this, we often view struggle as a sign of weakness and something to be avoided. She points out that we numb everything—we try not to feel pain. But this is actually the wrong way to think about life! I thought that was an awesome idea, and so true. Because when we numb everything and don’t permit ourselves to be vulnerable, this can lead us to feeling unworthy of love and belonging—and ultimately of life itself; we begin to try to hide ourselves away. Brene Brown argues that it is essential that we learn to embrace struggle as a part of life. Only then can we truly experience the joy and connection that come from being loved and belonging.

This idea is both empowering and liberating, I feel. It gives us permission to be imperfect and to embrace our unique journey with all of its ups and downs. It also reminds us that we are worthy of love and belonging, no matter what challenges we face in life. When we believe that we’re enough, we are kindler and gentler to others and to ourselves.

This is another terrific idea because we really do need self-compassion. We can get way too down on ourselves for faults and failings that really are not even our fault. This is not a good spirit or way to live. What Brene Brown is talking about is simply realizing that compassion cannot be brought into the world without first recognizing that pain is real and okay and needs to be felt and allowed sometimes. Always trying to hide from pain prevents us from opening up pathways to compassion for others and for ourselves as well.