Every month we bring your way ideas and information on resources, media, or tools to be inspirational, motivating, or helpful in your recovery journey
This month I am highlighting the work of Brené Brown and her highly popular Ted Talk on Vulnerability. Brené Brown dubs herself a “researcher-story teller.” She has an excellent curriculum vitae as a PhD, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, and an author of three best-selling books. Her work has involved years of research and study in the areas of vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. As impressive as her academic credentials are – what makes her most powerful is her own vulnerability as she masterfully tells personal stories to present the meaning of what her research has revealed.
In her Ted Talk, The power of vulnerability, Brown shares a poignant story of being faced with the truth of her own research as her data revealed the essential necessity of human connection. She explicates the core meaning of empathy, belonging, and love as revealed in the stories of her participants that live out their lives based in a belief of their own worthiness. Brown shares she has found life as she has embraced the realities of being authentic with herself and others. The research revealed a group of people that hold an internalized assumption that “what makes me vulnerable makes me beautiful.” Brown closes her talk with these four maxims that she suggests will open a new way of being that fosters listening and compassion toward ourselves and each other.
Let ourselves be seen, deeply seen
Love with our whole hearts even though there is no guarantee
Practice gratitude and joy in the moments of terror and fear
To believe we are enough
If you haven’t yet been exposed to Brené Brown, I strongly recommend you take a look at her books and listen to her Ted Talks. You can find information on all her work at her website and learn about her online learning community at COURAGEworks and the DARING WAY.
Written by Cheryl Schenck LPC, CSAT