#notesfromtherapy

One of the most important distinctions that Brené Brown makes is between "vulnerability" and "woundedness". Sharing our darkest struggle or deepest pain is not instantly vulnerable if those with whom we share it haven't yet earned our trust & shown an ability to bear our truth. Sometimes we lead with our woundedness assuming it to be our vulnerability because our internal struggles have gone unheard and unwitnessed for so long that we have reached an abject state of aloneness in our pain. When the woundedness is "rejected" because the person we share it with is immature or incapable of a mindful compassion, we assume our vulnerability is being rejected. This is a false equalization. People can try to mess around with your woundedness because it is a raw, open place but no one has the power to reject our vulnerability.

consciousness : choice

Mindfulness is the opposite of impermanence. We are surrounded by impermanence, its agitating shadow extending itself to fill up our consciousness. The fruitless chatter, self-talk rooted either in pride or fear, both manifestations of ego-mind. Mindfulness helps release this chatter, allows for space to make friends with who we are. It is staggering to perceive how afraid we are of our own company. Mindfulness brings us back to ourselves gently and we feel fine with the shifting balance of life, its wayward momentum and unpredictable catharsis.