Connections can happen if we have to courage to take our emotional armor off
In an emotional, funny talk, Brené Brown shares a deep insight from her research: We need to live wholeheartedly, lean into the messy side of life. Only if we let ourselves be seen, can connections happen.
We all know how difficult it is to lean into fear, shame and disappointment. How much easier it is to try to numb bad feelings by having a “couple of beers and a banana nut muffin”, as Brené puts it in her talk. Emotions can’t be numbed selectively. If we get rid of fear, shame and disappointment, we also wipe out joy, gratitude and happiness.
Connections are what life is all about: to our parents, siblings, spouse, colleagues, friends, or even complete strangers. Maybe this is why receiving an unexpected smile feels so good, and the loss of someone dear to us hurts so much. Yet what can we do? We can’t put on an emotional armor, because such an armor will hinder us to build up new connections or maintain old ones.
The only thing we can do is to remember that we are all worthy of connection. If we let ourselves be seen, other people will see us. This takes a lot of courage. Connections we thought we had lost will grow strong again, giving us strength and a sense of belonging.
Namaste
Balanced Action 
Love it! Well done, Philipp.
Thanks Nico! I’m going to catch the train in 30min. Looking forward to see you in the mountains.
As usual, your drawing is beautiful and captures Brené Brown’s talk perfectly.
THANK YOU!
Thank you Andrea. I believe vulnerability and shame could be an important topics for the whole agile movement, because it stands behind our urge to control and predict.
Thank you for sharing and greetings 🙂 🙂
Thank you! Wish you all the best.
I was really inspired by Brown’s talk, and had my own vulnerable moment with my writing here: http://juliazasso.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/why-i-write/
Your post is amazing! It takes a LOT of courage to talk about how we truly feel. I wish you lot’s of sunshine after each rainy day.
Hi Julia, reading your post truly touched me. Showing your vulnerability takes a lot of courage and strenght. I’m sure this will help you to create connections that will nourish you.
I’ve only just discovered your site – a happy day. That talk by Brené Brown makes me believe that life will be better – embrace self, embrace others.
Hi Neil,
Life is better, if we learn to take our armour of to allow connection. Connection is what matters. Thank you for connecting back to me, you really made my day.
I wish you all the best,
Philipp
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