From the Heart: Vulnerability as an Ingredient in Those Endeavors That Matter Most

There are endeavors in life that require one's all, that require the complete giving over of one's self in order for their full potential and greatness to be revealed and experienced.

Complete vulnerability is required in marriage, or in an intimate relationship between two people, because without it, strange things snake their way in and cause barriers to come up, creating a lack of closeness and bonding, giving the relationship an air of “one foot in and one foot out”, which is never healthy.

Vulnerability is required when raising a child, as that child must first see the willingness on the part of the parent to put all of their love into their relationship, no strings attached, no conditions.

There must be honest communication, an open heart, a display of emotion, desires being shared, and an ability to admit mistakes in order for true trust to be experienced, and for that child to also develop, by example, the courage to be vulnerable themselves when needed.

Vulnerability is a requirement in business or work-related endeavors, as getting real with what one truly hopes to accomplish and then being flexible and open in one's approach—being open to guidance from someone who has more experience or knowledge— is so very important, and is the best way to ensure the most success and growth.

...in my vulnerability, I become more present, more conscious, more authentically me...

I've been thinking a lot about vulnerability and openness lately, and how on one hand, it takes a lot of courage for me to have it; but when I do turn myself over to it, nothing feels as liberating, and wonderful, and right.

I've noticed that nothing seems more representative of who I genuinely am than when I can look my husband in the eyes during a disagreement or an upset, and simply and calmly confess that I'm not sure that I'm in the right; or that I can't say for certain that I'm seeing him or understanding him accurately in that moment; or to let him know that I'm willing to look at the situation from a perspective other than my own.

I've come to realize that I am closest to being my truest self when I am willing to be vulnerable and open, to be moveable, and to be available to that current of truth guiding me, than when I choose not to be.

It feels freeing to not hold onto something—a mindset, a point of view— that truly does not align with nor represent who I am and how I feel deep inside in a particular moment, but to release it and rather become more open to what is true. And in my vulnerability, I become more present, more conscious, more authentically me—I feel stronger, not weaker.

This precious ingredient called vulnerability is one that cannot be overlooked in any endeavor worth endeavoring upon, in any recipe worth preparing and partaking in.

Vulnerability brings a sweetness and a balancing effect to life, and makes all of those things that we hold important that much more nourishing and enriching to everyone involved.

To stay open and moveable by what one sees before them, to bring down the walls rather than to build them up like a fortress, is the most fearless way to life, the most courageous.

It is in our ability to be vulnerable that we find our true strengths, and release those things that hold us back from achieving greatness in all that we endeavor upon.

Taste what's good and pass it on.

Ingrid