How to be vulnerable, authentic, and more you
Being vulnerable means opening yourself to the possibility of emotional exposure. And can therefore feel extremely risky. Allowing others to see your true self, warts and all, your insecurities, fears, and struggles, can bring on feelings of uncertainty and mistrust. Which is totally understandable.
However, this state of complete openness can also lead to a deeper connection with others, bringing a sense of greater intimacy and trust. And can also help you become more who you were meant to be.
Vulnerability is often thought of as a weakness, yet it requires immense courage and strength to be truly vulnerable. It isn’t about putting on an act, donning yet another mask to hide behind. Or doing something to meet someone else’s expectations.
By embracing vulnerability, you take a step towards being truly authentic. Truly you. Acknowledging your imperfections and the complexities of your emotional landscape.
Being this brave can be transformative, facilitating profound healing and growth. Even if at times it feels truly scary.
In therapy, particularly within somatic practices, vulnerability becomes a pathway to understanding the body-mind connection. By tuning into physical sensations and emotions, you can unpack layers of trauma held within the body. This holistic approach allows for a deeper exploration of your inner world. And if done sensitively and with curiosity, can be hugely empowering.
Being vulnerable is not about a lack of protection. Or at any cost unmasking. Or sharing things about yourself that you aren’t comfortable sharing. It is actually about building a very strong bond with your Self, a relationship that is based on trust, understanding and a deep inner knowing. From there, you can start to trust others when it is appropriate to do so. And feel confident in owning your boundaries.
Being vulnerable can in fact lead to greater protection of your values and inner world. As you learn to trust your intuition, instincts, and Self energy.
How to Be More Authentic
Being more vulnerable and authentic involves a conscious commitment to self-exploration and openness. Here are some practical steps to help you on your way:
Self-Reflection: Take time to understand your emotions, fears, and desires. Journaling can be a powerful tool for uncovering your true feelings and thoughts about any situations or people you are dealing with at the current time or from the past.
Embrace Imperfection: Accept that you are not perfect. Acknowledge your flaws and limitations as part of being human. This acceptance can make you love yourself more. And make you more relatable to others and them to you.
Share Your Story: Start sharing personal experiences with trusted friends and family. It can be freeing to explore your thoughts and feelings out loud, helping to form deeper, more meaningful connections.
Practice Active Listening: Engage in conversations with an open heart. Listen to others without judgement. This is actually one of the greatest gifts we can offer our special people, allowing for a space where mutual vulnerability can thrive.
Set Boundaries: Being authentic does not mean oversharing. Understand your limits and communicate them clearly to others to protect your emotional wellbeing.
Seek Support: Consider working with a therapist or coach who understands somatic approaches. They can help you process emotions and traumas that hinder vulnerability. And by that I mean our parts that leap up in protection of us when we are triggered can prevent us from connecting meaningfully with ourselves and others.
Mindfulness and Somatic Awareness: Pay attention to your body's sensations and reactions. This awareness can provide insights into your emotional state and guide you in expressing yourself more authentically. It can also help you get more comfortable with some sensations that you would otherwise avoid feeling or get overwhelmed by.
Practice Empathy: Be more empathetic towards yourself and others. It is a big realisation when you start to recognise that we are all struggling. Bringing a greater sense of connectedness, making it easier to be vulnerable.
Engage in Vulnerable Experiences: Intentionally place yourself in safe situations that challenge you to be open, such as public speaking or group discussions, which can strengthen your capacity for vulnerability.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate moments when you express vulnerability. This reinforcement can encourage you to continue on your journey towards authenticity.
Connection Through Vulnerability
Vulnerability is a profound strength that can lead us to a place of greater authenticity and self-discovery. Embracing vulnerability allows us to confront our fears and insecurities, creating space for genuine curiosity. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we break down the barriers that separate us from our true selves and from others.
By acknowledging and sharing our fears, doubts, and emotions, we invite connection and understanding. This process often leads to a deeper sense of belonging, as others may resonate with our experiences and feel empowered to share their own vulnerabilities. Such exchanges can foster relationships built on trust and empathy, reinforcing the idea that we are not alone in our struggles.
I run a women’s circle in Buckden on the second Saturday of each month. We meet for two hours, sharing our stories and learning how to regulate our emotions and embrace vulnerability. If you’d like to join us, check out the Women’s Circle and drop me an email.
