Creating from the Heart: The Importance of Vulnerability in Your Work
Vulnerability is tough.
It is a fragile string connecting two parties.
At one end of that string is you - required to expose yourself to the deepest, darkest depths of the waters of your soul. And at the other end is the receiver of this display of unguarded authenticity.
You’re a fish without your scales, and all you can do is hope that the party on the other end of that fragile thread will be precious with these soft, fleshy parts of you and treat you with gentle kindness.
It sounds...terrifying, doesn’t it?
Why would anyone want to put themselves in such a helpless position? What would be the benefit of bringing that into our work?
I struggle with this myself.
And even as I write this post, I am shivering with nervous sweats because I am petrified at the thought of digging in too deeply.
But maybe there are benefits to digging deep into our hearts and bringing out these softer parts of ourselves, and in order to understand these benefits, we have to rethink what it means to be vulnerable.
“Shining Thoughts” by Sarah Va Xiong
Why is it Difficult to be Vulnerable?
Vulnerability is difficult for many people. Many of us were taught from an early age to not show or talk about our emotions, that this was a sign of weakness. So we instead put on a stoic exterior, never letting anyone through that armor to see those more sensitive parts of ourselves.
But when we don’t acknowledge our emotions, we become disconnected from them, even guilty or ashamed of feeling them. This can cause us to feel trapped and isolated from those around us, even those who are closest to us.
Vulnerability As Courage
Dr. Brene Brown - a research professor and expert on vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame - defines courage as “feeling scared or awkward, accepting those feelings, and moving forward anyway.” Courage is not the absence of fear, but the acceptance and acknowledgement of it.
It’s scary being vulnerable.
We may fear that we will be rejected, ridiculed, or harmed when we expose our hearts to such an extent. It can often feel as though we are putting our lives on the line.
But if courage is the acceptance of fear, when we are being vulnerable, we are accepting the fear of speaking our truth, and going forward anyway.
Vulnerability is an act of courage.
The more vulnerable we are willing to be, the more courageous we are.
Vulnerability Goes Both Ways
Vulnerability is also the key to connection.
Remember that fragile string? The one that’s connecting you to the other party?
When we display our vulnerability, we are also giving space to allow the other party to do the same. We give them permission to also reciprocate the same level of depth and honesty. We can gain a better understanding of each other, develop trust, and feel comfortable enough to show up as our true, authentic selves.
And as that process continues, that string becomes stronger.
When we give ourselves permission to be vulnerable, the connections we have with those around us strengthen and deepen because each party feels seen, heard, and radically accepted.
Going to the Heart to Create
So why is it important to be vulnerable in your work?
Artists and creatives are the storytellers of the human condition, and as humans, we have an intrinsic need to form meaningful connections.
When we create from the heart, we bring forth part of that human quality that exists in each of us.
When we authentically show up in our work, we are telling others that it’s ok to be themselves too - that we see them, hear them, and accept them as they are.
That we are not alone in our experiences.
That it is ok to be imperfect, because that is what makes us human.
And the strings that connect us to each other become stronger as a result of it.
Before I leave, I just wanted to leave this helpful post here by one of my favorite bloggers, Thea from The Charmed Studio. She gives some really helpful tips and techniques on how to incorporate vulnerability in your work. I hope you’ll check it out and subscribe to her delightful blog.
* This is part of my “Inspiration Wednesday” series, where I will post shorter tidbits about topics to inspire the mind and encourage the spirit. Got a topic you want me to discuss in my “Inspiration Wednesday” series? Send me a message via the contact form or my email!
