The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why. Mark Twain
Many people fear vulnerability. They will lie and make up stories pretending they are something they are not so they won't be seen as vulnerable. They hide lack of experience or knowledge for fear they may appear less important or valuable. They see vulnerability as weakness, a flaw, rather than strength, and that is an mistake.
Vulnerability is strength. You might consider birds as small, vulnerable creatures. They are certainly tiny in size, but birds have tremendous staying power since they have been around for thousands of years. They must be doing something right.
The amazing quality birds and animals possess is instinct or intuition. Whereas they have not been schooled in navigation or seasonal patterns, they nevertheless know the perfect time to fly south for the winter, how to build a nest, and how to prepare for and nurture a family.
Many birds fly hundreds of miles with absolute trust, using seemingly tiny, frail wings, guided by an internal navigational system and, without error, land in the exact location they had intended. They do this by being vulnerable. They are open and willing to be guided by inner knowing.
Vulnerability, as described by Webster, is openness. Being open is a strength. It is the way we are led to new friends and experiences. Without openness, we are operating on a gerbil wheel, doing the same things, getting the same results, being bored and boring. But when we open ourselves to newness, the potential for aliveness is increased.
That means going to an event where you know no one and start introducing yourself to strangers. That means taking a chance and applying for a job that might be above your skill level. And it means trying new things. Take dance lessons or a painting class or learn a new language. Be willing to be awful because you just might find out that you are a natural.
Here is a test: What was the last thing you tried or attended when you were totally unprepared? In that experience, what did you learn something new and did you expand yourself? What new experience can you sign on to right now? Where have you wanted to travel and haven’t yet given yourself permission? What hobby might be fun to try? Chess, decorating, surfboarding, fishing, collecting, rehabbing, traveling, investing, learning calligraphy?
Keep going. Pick one and give it a go without concerning yourself with excellence. Practice being vulnerable (open), and you might discover strength or talent you never knew you had. It all comes down to trust.
What messages have you been given of late? What has your Inner Voice suggested? Is it time to do something different or make a change? If so, trust that you are being guided and give your internal suggestion a go. In the process, just like a child that is open to adventure, you will discover your path to expression and happiness.
(This blog is an excerpt from Deep Truth: Wisdom of the Masters - Reality and Illusion - Practical steps to understand the Universe, master the mind, develop intuition, deepen wisdom & live and Inspired life! Order on Amazon.com
Jean Walters is a best selling author and Akashic Record Reader of over 35,000 readings. You can reach her at 314 566 5231 or jean@spiritualtransformation.com