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 to pretend that they are something they are not because they do not want to 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 incorrect assumption and an illusion.
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. So, they must be doing something right.
The amazing quality that birds possess, along with other animals, 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 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 and how 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 you never knew you had. And, certainly it will prepare you for the surprises the Universe throws at you!
This is an excerpt from: Deep Truth: Wisdom of the Masters - Reality and Illusion by Jean Walters
Jean Walters is a best selling author, Akashic record reader, teacher and coach. You can reach her at 314 991 8439