The concept of vulnerability can look very different depending on where you are standing. Many times, we applaud other people’s raw honesty and courage to put themselves out in the world in a bold way. On the other hand, when it comes to ourselves, we tend to fear looking weak, fallible, or imperfect.
The truth is that we are all vulnerable all of the time, whether we show it to the world or not. Vulnerability can sound terrifying, but the spiritual payoffs are immense. It can help us through painful emotions more quickly, allow us to live an authentic, fulfilling life, and is key to deepening intimacy and trust.
Here are 3 ways to embrace vulnerability and live a more authentic life:
1. Start with being honest with yourself.
We are all imperfect, yet we often try to hide the vulnerability and portray an image that is not accurate to the world. When we portray a false version of ourselves, we start lying to ourselves. That is not healthy psychologically or spiritually. The danger is we lose the ability to be truthful, even with ourselves.
In order to live authentically, you have to learn to be honest with yourself first. Check where you are uncomfortable in your own skin and what parts of yourself you’re trying to obscure. Figure out where you are lying to yourself and why. It’s important to know your own story, your own struggles, victories, gifts, and worst tendencies and accept them all as integral parts of what makes you “you.” Once you are really honest with yourself, you can start to be honest and vulnerable with other people and live a more authentic life.
2. Push yourself to be more open with those closest to you.
Vulnerability is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t mean we need to be vulnerable with everyone we meet. When we are vulnerable with the wrong people who end up hurting us, it can cause us to build walls to protect ourselves against future rejection, hurt, and pain and lead us to spend our lives trying to cover up our flaws.
Share your innermost thoughts, feelings, experiences, and fears only with people who have earned the right to hear them. In the right space, being vulnerable with your partner, family, or close friends is a powerful way to deepen and strengthen those relationships. Work to be more vulnerable with those who are loving and supportive of you.
3. Don’t be afraid of embarrassment – it’s good for the soul!
There are times that life makes us vulnerable in ways that are beyond our control. It can be embarrassing to have people see our faults or mistakes. But the wisdom of Kabbalah teaches that embarrassment is actually a positive thing.
Vulnerability is so important because it helps break down our ego. Our ego creates a barrier to blessings, growth, and Light. It is the force that convinces us we need to look perfect all the time. Being vulnerable and, at times, embarrassed is a very proactive way to diminish the ego and open us up to Light and blessings.
Too often, people go through life not doing the things they want because of how people will view them, even strangers. You are never going to get adoration or acceptance from everyone, nor should you strive for it from anyone other than yourself and the Creator. Sometimes people will judge you or misunderstand you, and that’s ok too. It’s going to happen. Know that every time you feel the sting of embarrassment, your ego is being chipped away, allowing for more blessings to come into your life.
What does vulnerability mean to you? Do you see it as an act of weakness or of strength? Being vulnerable is scary and not always easy, but the alternative is a life of missed opportunities. An authentic life starts with honest self-reflection, opening up to those we love, and not being afraid of a little embarrassment along the way. The benefits of being vulnerable aren’t always obvious in the moment, but what it does for our souls is immeasurable.
