It was deeply helpful to me to differentiate between vulnerable and susceptible. Even though the dictionary does not.
They say for systems, people, fortresses: vulnerable to attack.
Brene Brown (amongst others) is actively seeking to embrace vulnerability in a human as being co-present with courage and strength. Daring.
And yes, it’s true that when we’re vulnerable we’re more open, and when we’re more open, we might be attacked. Probably will on some level. Personal criticism is a form of attack.
For me the question is how “susceptible” I am to harm. That goes to my skill level at being calm and confident combined with the spaces where I choose to share.
I feel less susceptible to overwhelming attack here than on Facebook for example, and definitely a lot more resilient being vulnerable here than say, Twitter (or the op-ed of the local paper). I know I can be vulnerable with @Jem and @Cathy – even around areas where my resilience is lower… because they are trustworthy with my heart. Others have proven that, too.
Sure, no one is perfect. People can say things that hurt. My hope is that we can cultivate a strong enough circle that people who invest some of their heartistry and vulnerability will feel our support for their realness… in ways the median person on the planet doesn’t get to experience… yet.
Appreciate you, @Glenn, for modeling what I was sharing in your reply. Courageous of you! And not a surprise. 