(Anna Dello Russo, photo by TommyTon)
la vulnérabilité (Fr.)/ vulnerability (Eng.); noun- Capable or susceptible to being wounded or hurt
I have been thinking a lot about vulnerability and its benefits. This subject comes up for me about 8 out of 10 times when I walk out my door. Especially when I go to the theatre, the small and intimate type of theatre, not the grande sized theatre, where you can actually hide in the crowd. I find myself going to the smaller venues quite a bit as the majority of my Parisian friends are involved in theatre to some extent.
The thing about a smaller sized theatre is that the actors actually involve the audience in their performances. And while this would not normally be an intimidating factor in an English speaking environment, it causes me a great deal of anxiety in a French speaking environment as my French comprehension is quite poor. I find myself praying that they will not call me out. And I even make silent declarations to myself as I sit in the audience avoiding eye contact with the actors, that I will not put myself in this situation ever again. Yet, I know that you must expand yourself outside of your comfort zone if you want to experience life at its fullest, which is why, I suppose, I will go to yet another intimate theatre performance tonight.
It occurred to me that I could transform my anxiety into a sensation that is a tad bit more enjoyable. For example, focusing my energy on channeling my sense of humor about my lack of comprehension rather than my embarrassment of it. Or, perhaps I could simply embrace my vulnerability, lean into it, and even shine a light on it.
There is a very wise researcher/story-teller (yes, that is her real-life profession), Brene Brown who claims that people who have the courage to be imperfect and show the world who they are with their whole heart, experience a connection of authenticity that leads to (and enhances) a happy existence.
To have the courage to be imperfect and show the world who they are, letting go of who they think they should be in order to be who they are. And to fully embrace vulnerability and believe that which makes them vulnerable, makes them beautiful.
If you have 20 minutes, you can check out the full TEDtalk on this subject, which raises the point that when you feel vulnerable means that you are alive:
If you have 20 minutes, you can check out the full TEDtalk on this subject, which raises the point that when you feel vulnerable means that you are alive:
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4 comments:
As you know I, too, have grappled with this multifaceted topic over the last few months on the journey I chose for myself. That said, I suppose "chose" truly is the operative word. You have made the conscious decision to thrust yourself into this alien environment, to challenge yourself on new levels, to find a new way to be in this world. This cannot fail. What could more readily be construed as failure would be to remain in the same old this, doing the same old that. You knew that wasn't going to be an option so you chose spirit over matter. This is such a blessing on so many levels; something this dynamic is going to be teeming with emotions that run the gamut. Vulnerability shows us that we're still alive and that there's more to learn, uncomfortable as it may be while we're experiencing it.
"You've got to got through hell before you get to heaven." -- Steve Miller
Yep, you just quoted Steve Miller.
You are right, a blessing on so many levels. Thank God there is more to learn and experience. Well said my friend.
OMG! I knew that when I sent you the video you would embrace it - but wow. I love how you made it your own. You have more courage than you give yourself credit for.
One question: what happens when mama is vulnerable to those new Margiela wedges???
Amanda, I have learned that when faced with vulnerabilite that is induced by Monsieur Margiela, you must embrace it, lean in to it, and even shine a light on it. The same goes with Dries Van Noten, Isabel Marant, Celine, and as you know, AllSaints Spitalfield.
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