Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability
Speaking on TED.com in 2005, Brené Brown talks about the power of vulnerability in the way that people make connections with each other.
Brown suggests that connection is a primal need, but that shame and fear often get in the way of us connecting with each other. Connection requires us to show vulnerability, which leaves us open to unpredictable and uncontrollable outcomes. Those who, by fear or shame, are unable to face this unpredictability and loss of control, will have difficulty forming connections, as they numb down their vulnerability in favour of certainty.
When vulnerability is numbed in this way, the capacity to feel love and joy are diminshed.
She says "Love with your whole heart, even though there are no guarantees".