“Vulnerability is not weakness, vulnerability is our most accurate measure of courage.”

– Dr. Brene Brown (if you haven’t seen this Ted Talk yet, go watch it now)

I believe in vulnerability whole heartedly. I also believe that you have to experience vulnerability to feel the difference it can make in your life. Before I came to this realization, I saw myself as someone who could be what others wanted to see-- I could appear confident and I could do it well. Opening up and being ‘vulnerable’ were nothing but a pool of weaknesses I couldn’t afford to reveal. I worked hard at keeping myself bottled, and in complete control. News Flash—the exact opposite is true. If you want control, authenticity, and confidence it can come through vulnerability.

Yoga taught me a lesson on vulnerability. I know that vulnerability can be vague but in my experience it involved two large realms of my life—healthy body image and entering that scary dating world for real.

I believe that vulnerability is ultimate self-respect. In one of the first yoga classes that I attended years ago I had one of those “aha” moments. I was focused, involved, and completely present. I focused more on my breathing throughout the hour and internalized the words of my yoga teacher, “be familiar with your body and do so without judgment.” At the close of each class we lay on our backs in complete meditation (shavasana) and as I did, I began to cry. The relaxation and peace of mind I had felt had literally brought me to tears. No other thoughts of sadness, longing, or fear entered my mind—just purity and with that came a wave of emotion. Never have I cried that way before and it confused me. Laying on the yoga matt and accepting my body had allowed me to be completely vulnerable. Part of vulnerability is the acceptance of where you stand, how you feel, understanding your place in the journey of life and being fully present. In that hour I did not compare my body with others. I did not reflect longingly on that perfect gymnast body I had years ago. I didn’t shame at my lack of strength or perfect movements. I just accepted myself. Being vulnerable felt almost invincible and I began to open up to those around me. Vulnerability is liberating.

Of course, I slip like everyone else. There are harder days even now. But I try to remember this experience that vulnerability led me to acceptance that in turn led me to self-respect. I wanted to share this because courage is something we need daily and I believe you can find courage in vulnerability.