Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela  Just to be clear, when I'm talking about generating a new way of being: being vulnerable; I'm talking about a non-traditional definition of that word. That is: being available and accepting, looking boldly for the truth in what others say about me, letting go of habitual and reactive self-protection, and feeling safe and supported, regardless of what others say or do or my own negative self-talk. |
I think I know what you mean. And I understood that even before. I guess I was just making note of why vulnerability feels so difficult...
because we think of it in that traditional way. It seems to be taught to us (and maybe even moreso to men) that vulnerability is to be looked down on, pitied even. I don't remember too many sources saying it's a good thing or making note of the things you mentioned -- "
being available and accepting, looking boldly for the truth in what others say about me, letting go of habitual and reactive self-protection, and feeling safe and supported, regardless of what others say or do or my own negative self-talk" -- it's just not shown as something positive at all. And many of us have had experiences (probably almost everyone in the world) that cause us to close off. If we could embrace the qualities you described and really live that way...woah.
The thing is, with the reaction inside us so strong (like Lola mentioned) it's hard to really *get* that it could be a wonderful thing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela edit: oh, yeah, and also being open to being hurt. Being open to the possibility that the pain has a valuable message, and is going to keep generously eating my underbelly until I get the message. Really, pain is a benefactor. (how does THAT set you off and push your buttons?!?) |
*head explodes*
