Brene Brown is a renowned scholar, author, public speaker, and research professor (think of her as a Social Scientist, really). Her work focuses primarily on vulnerability, courage, self worth, and shame.
Watch this video below of a TED Talk she gave in 2011 on Vulnerability:
In a podcast interview the interviewer, Tim Ferriss, asked Brene about this TED Talk and why she thinks it was so powerful and successful. Her response was very endearing. Firstly, she said she didn't know they were recording it for anything - remember that, for the moment.
Secondly, she was going into the talk unsure exactly of what she would say. While she has studied and spoken on this topic a number of times she felt compelled to do something different. So, on the morning of the presentation, she talked to her husband and said to him that she felt she should show some vulnerability that day and share something(s) about herself that she had shame, or fear surrounding. He asked if she was sure about that and she decided to proceed.
The day after the presentation the video went live on YouTube. She panicked (again, with her husband) because she thought she was only sharing that vulnerability with a couple hundred attendees in the room; not the world. Her husband reassured her that "people probably won't watch it anyway, so don't worry." Within a couple days there were tens of thousands of views on YouTube. As this is being written there are well over 3.6 million views!
Link to Tim Ferriss interview
Isn't it ironic that a presentation on vulnerability required just that from the presenter?
What are your takeaways from this presentation?
Are you vulnerable with the people closest in your life?
Some people are "too vulnerable." In that same interview with Tim Ferriss Brene said: "Vulnerability minus boundaries is not vulnerability. It can be desperation, it can be over sharing, it can be manipulation, it can be a lot of different things but it's not vulnerability." Do you know people like that? Do you ever think you are that person? There's a difference between being authentic and willing to share with those you care about, and giving people too much information to solicit information from them or simply to drive reaction from others.
Below are some key quotes from this TED Talk; ponder them and analyze if they strike you in any way:
"In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen — really seen."
“the courage to be imperfect [...] fully embrace vulnerability [...] the willingness to do something where there are no guarantees.”
"You cannot selectively numb emotions…. when we numb those [painful feelings], we [also] numb joy, we numb gratitude, we numb happiness."
"…vulnerability is the core of shame and fear and our struggle for worthiness, but… it’s also the birthplace of joy, of creativity, of belonging, of love."
Can you find joy, creativity, belonging, love if you aren't vulnerable?
Are you putting yourself in a position to be joyous, creative, loved?
Bible References:
2 Corinthians 6:11-13
We have spoken freely to you,
Corinthians; our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are
restricted in your own affections. In return (I speak as to children) widen
your hearts also.
Hebrews 4:12-13
12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Luke 10:3-9
3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.
5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.
8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’
