Notes from Brene Brown’s TED talk on vulnerability.
Connection gives meaning to our lives.
For connection to happen, you have to be seen. People who have a strong sense of love and belonging believe they’re worthy of love and belonging. That belief isn’t a consequence of connection — it’s a prerequisite.
We can’t treat others with compassion without treating ourselves with compassion first.
Numbing the downs numbs the ups. Embracing vulnerability allows us to create space for creativity and joy. The instinct to protect ourselves from pain also cuts us off from the things that make life worthwhile.
Brown’s research into fear led her to understand vulnerability as the core of connection — a fundamental for people to exist together. The uncomfortable truth is that you can’t selectively numb emotion. If you armour yourself against shame and fear, you also lose access to joy and belonging.