“There’s a crack in everything.That’s how light gets in.”-Leonard Cohen
The more we lean into our vulnerabilities, the more open we become to spiritual transformation, for one unlocks the door to the other. The moment we lean into our vulnerabilities, courageously stepping through this portal to personal transformation, we find that love has been there all along.
Health, relationships, and finances are the areas of our lives in which we feel most vulnerable. Whether or not we had a healthy and loving childhood, we all experience some form of loss or suffering in our lives as a reflection of the human condition. Our subsequent pain, while unresolved, keeps us moving in habitual ways and inhibits us from cocreating and cultivating a fulfilling and happy life.
Leaning into our health, relationship, financial, or other vulnerabilities requires spending time alone so we can focus on whatever unresolved pain begins to surface. Many of us find that being alone with ourselves is scary, making us feel uncomfortable. Yet it gives us the opportunity to observe and reflect on our feelings of unworthiness and disconnection. It’s important that when we spend time alone. We are compassionate company for ourselves, as if spending time with an old, trusted friend whom we unconditionally love and accept.
Spending time alone creates a sacred space for checking in with ourselves and becoming aware of the source of our vulnerabilities. For example, while I was searching for my mother my unresolved pain started breaking through the protective barriers I had set up early in my life. So ensconced in my burgundy corduroy chair, my safe sanctuary, I took time to reflect on the anguish that threatened to engulf until it seemed I had shattered into a million shards of glass; then, with compassion, I leaned into my deepest vulnerability, the fear that I was unlovable. I emerged from the experience aware that this fear had colored nearly my entire life experience and that its source was abandonment by my mother when I was eight.
When we confront the source of our vulnerabilities, we often discover that the person or situation causing our distress is not as formidable as the fear amplified in our minds and blocking the flow of energy we need to thrive. When we trust ourselves as a source of genuine power, our courage can kick in, enabling us to face what frightens us most and witness firsthand that our vulnerabilities are no match for the energy of love.
Debra this article is so powerful. I spent most of my young adult life never wanting to be alone. I looked outside myself for my self-worth, my entertainment – EVERYTHING. It was only when I made the courageous choice to go in and “lean into my vulnerabilities” that my life blossomed in miraculous ways. Thank you for writing about such and important subject… Lisa Marie Rosati
Beautifully written, Debra. I love your reference to “leaning into our vulnerabilities” to learn more about ourselves and that love is always, ALWAYS within us!
As children we really can’t understand that everything happening in life isn’t always about us. I’m so glad that you have learned how special you really are, in spite of your abandonment. Equally so, I am so glad that you have the courage and compassion to share your story with others so they can learn from it. March on, girlfriend!
Ring the bells that can still ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light get’s in. One of my all time favorite quotes by Leonard Cohen. Thanks for beginning your post with this gorgeous quote. Here’s to leaning in and getting the support we need to heal our precious hearts.
Thanks so much for this post Debra. Leaning into my health and relationships has been a big one for me over the last few months. I’m still at the place where I need reminders to continue leaning in. Love this “When we trust ourselves as a source of genuine power, our courage can kick in, enabling us to face what frightens us most and witness firsthand that our vulnerabilities are no match for the energy of love.”
With Gratitude,
Tracy
Debra, I like your statement that “when we trust ourselves as a source of genuine power, our courage can kick in.” This is such a key step! Thanks for talking about not only vulnerability, but how to make it empowering.
Debra I have taught myself to lean into my vulnerabilities – we aren’t perfect, we are human. I didn’t want to show vulnerability growing up because I thought it made me look weak, but came to realize that this quality is what connects people in the most powerful ways. Our vulnerabilities teach and empower us to live our best life. Great article!
Beautiful, Debra. It takes such strength to open ourselves to being vulnerable, to surrendering to that which surfaces in the stillness with full acceptance. What makes us vulnerable, makes us beautiful. And having the courage to be imperfectly perfect, leads us to the knowledge that underneath at all, we were eperfect all along.Thank you for this loving reminder.
It’s so hard for me to lean into my vulnerabilities because I don’t like admitting I have them. I know, I know. There’s work to do. Enjoyed this read!
This is such an important message, Debra. It’s a tough one for so many people, but that first step is the one that makes the most difference. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
What a beautiful and powerful article. Yes, I hear you. I feel it resonating in my heart as true. My body, my temple, and mother nature, have become my safe sanctuary. There I connect to my self and look at my inside world to transform, transcend, and transmute things. Thank you for this wonderful article and shining your light. It soothed me very much today. Thank you.
Wow, how timely and wonderful… I’ve been feeling my solitude a bit painfully these days, and I so needed to be reminded that my time alone is an opening for healing. Since I have so much that needs healing these days (physical and emotional both), how lovely to ease into — lean into — my tender self and what needs to be expressed, processed and healed.
Thank you!
Sue