Vulnerability

What does it mean to be vulnerable? We need to protect ourselves because we feel that the chances of being hurt, manipulated, controlled, diminished, or rejected are likely from the numerous experiences we have already had at some point in our lives. Due to such painful experiences our natural sensitivity and openness shift from being one of our greatest assets to being the greatest danger.

At such a young age our mind is so impressionable that the best word to describe it is vulnerable. The fact that we are so sensitive leaves us open and vulnerable to virtually everything. As a baby, we are completely at the mercy of the environment not only physically but mentally and emotionally. We are vulnerable in a way that has a significant impact on us for the rest of our life.

At such a young age, we are so influenced by our parents, teachers, society, and the rest of our environment that almost everything about how we feel and think comes from sources outside of us. That includes what we think is good, or bad, right or wrong, what we want or don’t want, and even who we think we are.

Yet being vulnerable is an aspect of our deepest nature as human beings. Developing the courage to become vulnerable again, can actually become a door into being our true selves, to being real. But for that to happen, we have to be willing to open ourselves again, to what we are feeling and experiencing in the moment without fear, denial, or self-criticism.