The universe lies beyond safety. Risks must be mitigated as a matter of survival but lowering defenses lets light in.
“Vulnerability” is the capacity to expose oneself to danger. It can bring us closer to truth and trust or be the end of us.
We spend so much of our lives, energies, and capacities protecting ourselves and each other from the dangers of the world that it seems absurd to place any emphasis on actively being vulnerable. It’s practically a synonym for weakness these days. Maybe I’ve just been too privileged, or haven’t experienced real-enough hardship to be convinced of the ultimate necessity of always remaining vigilant.
I’m not saying that’s not the case, but I think I’ve also had my share of rough shakes and seen a thing or two in my time. I’ve certainly seen the absence of vulnerability. I’ve seen people whose hardness made them wither inside, unable to identify real enemies or empowering opportunities. I also speak from experience, because I’ve seen it in myself.
Everything we do has its own risk to our physical and emotional wellbeing, and we all learn different lessons and make different calculations about whether this or that is worth it. But despite the constant cringing I need to remember that facing rejection, withstanding scorn, and being betrayed are all easier than avoiding them at the cost of so many lost opportunities.
In the end, opening ourselves to and unlocking the potential of the unknown is unlocking our own potential. It is a practice rooted in love and the connection of all things. If we prevent our universe of safety from expanding, then everything new we experience or learn will be met with fear and will never truly be known. It’s dangerous to go alone! It’s okay to ask for help.