Last weekend at the hypnobreathwork workshop I attended. It was a small group of women – 5 of us plus the facilitator. Because of the nature of the work, we were all emotional at the end and there was time to share if we wanted. We all ended up sharing, knowing that what was said would not leave that room. The energy was loving and supportive. The old saying that you never know what people have been through is so very true, and it was an empowering experience.
Vulnerability
disarms the aggressor . . .
honest,
simple,
and holy
coming from a pure heart
puts to shame
he who would bully,
belittle,
or denigrate
(if that bully
is capable of feeling shame).
Being vulnerable
levels the playing field
and reminds us that we are all human.
I’ve mentioned before
that my father was a minister
who often counseled people in his study . . .
a woman came to him one day,
distraught,
but hesitant to talk.
She told him
she probably shouldn’t have come
because he would never be able to understand her trouble.
It was then
that he did something he had never done before . . .
reveal a bit of his own burdens,
and responded
that his teenage son
was a juvenile delinquent,
his daughter had a dead son
and was a drug addict,
while the other one
was living in sin somewhere
playing bongo drums in an underground nightclub.
When he was done
the woman looked at him with tears in her eyes,
and said,
“well then,
I guess you’ll understand after all”,
and smiled.
He had made a trusted friend for life. ♥
Change isn’t likely to happen when you are sure footed and comfortable. And I think allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be a brave choice.
But, it’s a fine line. Being vulnerable where you feel relatively safe and supported is one thing, and allowing yourself to be taken advantage of or abused is another. When I think of vulnerability in this context, it’s mostly in the sharing of personal experiences or thoughts or ideas that I am embarrassed or ashamed of in some way. It certainly takes courage to do this. But I think there is something about sharing these things that helps, not only the person sharing, but the people who are receiving this information also can benefit.
Charlie, for me, it’s getting past the flu game method. It stems from pride and protecting myself from being steered in an undesirable direction. Turns out that I needed to learn to put more trust in my root people like how MJ needed to trust his teammates more. I remember that one timeout huddle when Phil Jackson yelled at him in front of the team by asking “Who’s open!”
MJ replied “Paxson!”
Phil told him “Find him!”
Paxson hit the game winner! Game Over!
I am a therapist and I get to experience my client’s strength in vulnerability daily <3
Their stories are a testament to the power of vulnerability to heal us, to connect us, and to open us up to the world.
I’m sure,
dear Cat,
that you have accrued a shelf full of wisdom
from the people you counsel . . .
vulnerability works both ways,
doesn’t it?
For the healer
and for the healed as well.
Thank you for you reflection today. ♥
I am thinking that an example of vulnerability being a strength is wearing clothes or accessories that I like and not concerning myself with the opinions of others.
Recently I was introduced to a woman about my age who was wearing a hat indoors. I thought to myself that she was wearing a funny little hat and that I would not wear a hat like that. As I think about it now, she was being herself. She probably liked the hat, and wasn’t concerned about the opinion of others (I can’t be sure about that the latter but that’s my assumption.) I, on the other hand, do care about what others think of me, but place a higher priority on comfort than on the opinion of others. I wear my hair in a high ponytail, as and I have for years, and think that looks fine. I go sleeveless almost year round, because, hey, it’s hot down here. I don’t wear makeup because it makes my eyes itch, and I don’t feel like bothering with it. I wear athletic shoes because they are comfortable. I wear a hat in the sun.👒 I used to think I looked cute in a hat, but now when I look in the mirror, I see an old lady in a hat. (What happened to the cuteness?!!🤨). So, overall, I guess I wear what I want to wear regardless of the opinion of others. I want to be me. But, still, if I knew for a fact that someone was looking at me and thinking that I look foolish, or plain, or whatever, it would hurt my feelings. So overall I think I am willing to be vulnerable (as long as I’m comfortable😱🥰😊☀️☀️) because I want to please myself more than being approved of by others. That is a strength and a vulnerability. I’m not strong enough to not care about the opinion of others, but like the lady I mentioned earlier who wore what I thought was a funny little hat, I’m willing to be vulnerable enough to be myself, and that is a strength.
I generally wear the same type of clothes all the time. I have been doing that for about 50 years, since I was 18. Just that the Sunday, go to meeting. go on a date, hat, pants, shirts are in good shape and not stained, Mary. My concession to vanity and a small reason my lovely wife Cheryl and I are closing in on 38 years of marriage!
Joseph, my husband and I have been married for 38 years, too!
You and I are both the same age and have been married for the same number of years.😄
A little bit of vanity, like no tears or stains on our clothing, is pleasing to our spouses, right?! 😇
Ah yes, the fear of being judged. Wouldn’t it be nice to be so brave that we didn’t care about other’s opinions of our appearance.
I guess it’s kind of primal. We want to fit in and be accepted. But do I really want to be operating on a primal level? Hopefully as I get older, I’ll care less about these things. 😁
Yesterday I witnessed vulnerability as a strength with one of my very close dear friend.s.
we had a sort of misunderstanding or slight conflict and I was able to see that I felt like a lot of it was my fault.
I made much to do about nothing, due to my own insecurities. Pausing and reflecting, i really saw old habits of unnecessary reflection. Later I apologised.
. I felt vulnerable, but at the same time graceful to be humble.
I see how much our relationship means to me and how much I care for him. . He was also really kind and generous. We both misunderstood the situation. . It was a beautiful vulnerable experience for both of us, and I think we grew closer because of the experience.
I share a meditation and poem I wrote in 2014. When we journal, the words we put on the paper almost always contain greater self-awareness than we actually can claim at the time. We’re presenting ourselves with a concept that many times we have yet to fully accept. It is always a gift from our higher self—a message to ponder—a lesson to be learned.
Meditation for Feb 17, 2014:
Bare Attention by Carol Ann Conner
When one softens
toward oneself,
the past is forgiven,
the present is embraced,
the future takes care of itself.
The Eternal Now is alive
and you can feel it!
Seeking is forsaken
And seeing is for taking
the chance
of being fully human.
Such vulnerability is
for the making
of Love.
I also say that vulnerability is another word for incarnation. I have sensed for years that when I am willing to be vulnerable, willing to celebrate my humanity fully, this thing some call divinity flows. When ever I truly surrender to “what is,” it’s a virgin birth; it’s Messiah—God with and in me, fully human, fully divine. Big Bang, Enlightenment, Cosmic Christ, Second Coming, choose your label.
For me, it’s about forsaking expectations and accepting my limitations. It’s about refusing to fight, freeze, or flee and being willing to face, feel and free my soul. It is the realization that my “yes” will be echoed by the Universe and I can humbly claim the wisdom of the ages.
It shouts, “there is no “Us and Them.” There is only “We.” Let it BE.” It cries, “Choose evolution over revolution. Stop giving up the challenge to grow. Start giving in and letting it flow. Stop trying to get what can’t be got. Start learning to let what evolution has bought.”
Its message is a reminder that the biggest battle resides within; the egoic mind is the only sin. It has to lose so my personal evolution can win.
We must learn to pay “bare attention” to what is happening in and through us, taking responsibility for what we contribute to the wholeness—the holiness of life; for what holds our attention, influences our intention; and our intention holds the whole world in its hands.
Your poem and reflection,
dear Carol Anne,
are so powerful and wise
that I can feel the energy of them
pouring from your heart . . .
you are speaking
from the Soul of the Universe.
Bless you for sharing this incredible Truth
with us
with love . . . ♥
Carol Ann, this is beautiful and so full of wisdom,
that I am taken aback and feeling quite emotional.
Thank you for the wisdom you have laid out here for all to read.
I will make a copy of this and refer to it often. Thank you once again.
Once, during a workshop, I mentioned a historical massacre that had affected my family. The woman sitting next to me told me to my face, with full confidence, “that never happened.” I burst into tears, on full display with 15 people watching us, and said “what?” She said again: it never happened.
I walked out of the room, got enough air to stop sobbing, and picked a rose to memorialize those who’d been killed. I came back and sat next to her again, completing our day-long workshop. Afterwards, people told me they thought I wouldn’t come back, and that they were moved by the interaction. The woman who denied history wanted me to hug her after the event, to “make peace.” The next day, her chronic illness flared up badly. Honestly, I’m not sure who was more vulnerable that week. But I am proud of myself, in hindsight, for not leaving the workshop that day.
My first thought upon reading your reflection,
dear Drea,
was a question . . .
”why did this woman
choose to be in this workshop?”
Your reaction to her cruelty,
whether it was intended or not,
was spontaneous
and pure heart.
You stood as the bearer of a greater Truth,
and I am grateful
that you became aware of your own strength . . .
blessings to you,
dearest Drea. ♥
Dear Sparrow, the woman was working on a novel, based on her family, that valorized their war efforts. It seemed the family identity rested upon denying that these men, who fought bravely, could also have been party to something genocidal. I don’t think she expected to be challenged like that.
Thank you,
dear Drea for explaining this . . .
I’m sorry,
but it still is not an excuse to be insensitive.
Perhaps the woman realized later
how she had come off to you . . .
in any case,
dear one,
you handled it with grace and wisdom. ♥
Wow. What an intense experience. Good for you for going back in, demonstrating strength the way that you did.
I am blown away by people who deny history.
Good for you, Drea. I am so impressed with your strength.
It’s very hard for me, however, not to sit in judgement of that (ignorant insensitive) woman.
I also can’t help but feel disappointed in others in the group for not speaking up on your behalf.
Maybe they were just shocked and, unlike you, felt intimidated by this woman.
I wouldn’t describe this interaction as moving, although I am certainly moved.
To me it is infuriating! And where was the leader of this group in all of this?
I’m sorry to pour my anger on top of something that you appear to have made peace with, Drea.
I fully hope that my response does not bring up any pain for you.
Mostly what I want to say to you is that I stand with you in the face of such ignorance.
You are beautiful women, and a beloved member of this group, and I am so sorry that you had to go through that experience.
You deserve so much better. I send you my love and appreciation. Also sending peace, Mary.
Thank you Mary. I appreciate you. It was a difficult experience when it happened, but in hindsight, I am grateful that I was faced with historical denialism in that way. And the leader of the group did pull me aside after it happened and explained that there’s population of people who don’t believe it happened, and it’s extremely painful to deal with! So she was supportive. Others in the group were indeed shocked and absorbed by the display of it all. Anyways, a useful experience now.
Drea, the fact that you were so real, so vulnerable, had to have been a blessing for that lady. And I am sure it is moving everyone who reads your post today. Thank you for sharing.
There have been a lot of times, especially when I was the one practicing it. But I think the biggest for me was when I was finally able to ask for help.
The time when my husband needed extended care. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. This first year of his passing has put me in many a vulnerable situation to discover me and true friendship.
This is one thing I dread
more than just about anything,
dear Yram,
my future should my husband leave before me.
Your story
gives me courage . . .
thank you. ♥
🙏🏻
Every Monday, my mom and her friends get together and chat. I have attended a few of these gatherings and noticed that every attendee is very vulnerable with each other. There is no topic too sensitive and they talk about everything ad nauseam. It’s part of the reason that I don’t go anymore. Once, I felt that her friends were too invasive when I mentioned something personal and never attended again. I know that they have no ill will towards me or anyone else in their little group, but it was just too much for me. However, they are always lifting each other up and helping each other when needed. So being vulnerable with each other can make the whole group stronger in the long run.
So many times. I run a women’s heart program and in the first session we teach our patients about the safe container of our group coaching cohort. So many of them have never even heard of the idea of a safe space. It’s amazing when they have the opportunity to share their survival stories how they open up and feel such space and experience such a growth. Unfortunate I get to bear witness to this with regularity.
So many times. I run a women’s heart program and in the first session we teach our patients about the safe container of our group coaching cohort. So many of them have never even heard of the idea of a safe space. It’s amazing when they have the opportunity to share their survival stories how they open up and feel such space and experience such a growth. Unfortunate I get to bear witness to this with regularity.
In 2009, I stayed with my mother, as she lived her final 3 months in a hospice; witnessing her strength amidst her vulnerability. As her medical power of attorney, I stood in the room while she informed the medical provider she didn’t want to surrender her quality of life by resigning to stay in a long term care facility. She chose palliative care. My gut ached and I wanted to scream “NOOoo.” I was obligated to uphold her decision, though I knew what the final outcome would be. In 1984 she taught me that it takes more love to let go than to hold on. As I witnessed her strong proclamation to medical personnel, and her 5 children of what her “new” boundaries were. That 5 foot tall woman became a Giant that day. In her weakness was her own strength. ☮️
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Lived vulnerability often becomes empathy.
Last weekend at the hypnobreathwork workshop I attended. It was a small group of women – 5 of us plus the facilitator. Because of the nature of the work, we were all emotional at the end and there was time to share if we wanted. We all ended up sharing, knowing that what was said would not leave that room. The energy was loving and supportive. The old saying that you never know what people have been through is so very true, and it was an empowering experience.
Vulnerability
disarms the aggressor . . .
honest,
simple,
and holy
coming from a pure heart
puts to shame
he who would bully,
belittle,
or denigrate
(if that bully
is capable of feeling shame).
Being vulnerable
levels the playing field
and reminds us that we are all human.
I’ve mentioned before
that my father was a minister
who often counseled people in his study . . .
a woman came to him one day,
distraught,
but hesitant to talk.
She told him
she probably shouldn’t have come
because he would never be able to understand her trouble.
It was then
that he did something he had never done before . . .
reveal a bit of his own burdens,
and responded
that his teenage son
was a juvenile delinquent,
his daughter had a dead son
and was a drug addict,
while the other one
was living in sin somewhere
playing bongo drums in an underground nightclub.
When he was done
the woman looked at him with tears in her eyes,
and said,
“well then,
I guess you’ll understand after all”,
and smiled.
He had made a trusted friend for life. ♥
Change isn’t likely to happen when you are sure footed and comfortable. And I think allowing yourself to be vulnerable can be a brave choice.
But, it’s a fine line. Being vulnerable where you feel relatively safe and supported is one thing, and allowing yourself to be taken advantage of or abused is another. When I think of vulnerability in this context, it’s mostly in the sharing of personal experiences or thoughts or ideas that I am embarrassed or ashamed of in some way. It certainly takes courage to do this. But I think there is something about sharing these things that helps, not only the person sharing, but the people who are receiving this information also can benefit.
Charlie, for me, it’s getting past the flu game method. It stems from pride and protecting myself from being steered in an undesirable direction. Turns out that I needed to learn to put more trust in my root people like how MJ needed to trust his teammates more. I remember that one timeout huddle when Phil Jackson yelled at him in front of the team by asking “Who’s open!”
MJ replied “Paxson!”
Phil told him “Find him!”
Paxson hit the game winner! Game Over!
I am a therapist and I get to experience my client’s strength in vulnerability daily <3
Their stories are a testament to the power of vulnerability to heal us, to connect us, and to open us up to the world.
I’m sure,
dear Cat,
that you have accrued a shelf full of wisdom
from the people you counsel . . .
vulnerability works both ways,
doesn’t it?
For the healer
and for the healed as well.
Thank you for you reflection today. ♥
I am thinking that an example of vulnerability being a strength is wearing clothes or accessories that I like and not concerning myself with the opinions of others.
Recently I was introduced to a woman about my age who was wearing a hat indoors. I thought to myself that she was wearing a funny little hat and that I would not wear a hat like that. As I think about it now, she was being herself. She probably liked the hat, and wasn’t concerned about the opinion of others (I can’t be sure about that the latter but that’s my assumption.) I, on the other hand, do care about what others think of me, but place a higher priority on comfort than on the opinion of others. I wear my hair in a high ponytail, as and I have for years, and think that looks fine. I go sleeveless almost year round, because, hey, it’s hot down here. I don’t wear makeup because it makes my eyes itch, and I don’t feel like bothering with it. I wear athletic shoes because they are comfortable. I wear a hat in the sun.👒 I used to think I looked cute in a hat, but now when I look in the mirror, I see an old lady in a hat. (What happened to the cuteness?!!🤨). So, overall, I guess I wear what I want to wear regardless of the opinion of others. I want to be me. But, still, if I knew for a fact that someone was looking at me and thinking that I look foolish, or plain, or whatever, it would hurt my feelings. So overall I think I am willing to be vulnerable (as long as I’m comfortable😱🥰😊☀️☀️) because I want to please myself more than being approved of by others. That is a strength and a vulnerability. I’m not strong enough to not care about the opinion of others, but like the lady I mentioned earlier who wore what I thought was a funny little hat, I’m willing to be vulnerable enough to be myself, and that is a strength.
I generally wear the same type of clothes all the time. I have been doing that for about 50 years, since I was 18. Just that the Sunday, go to meeting. go on a date, hat, pants, shirts are in good shape and not stained, Mary. My concession to vanity and a small reason my lovely wife Cheryl and I are closing in on 38 years of marriage!
Joseph, my husband and I have been married for 38 years, too!
You and I are both the same age and have been married for the same number of years.😄
A little bit of vanity, like no tears or stains on our clothing, is pleasing to our spouses, right?! 😇
Yes it is!
Ah yes, the fear of being judged. Wouldn’t it be nice to be so brave that we didn’t care about other’s opinions of our appearance.
I guess it’s kind of primal. We want to fit in and be accepted. But do I really want to be operating on a primal level? Hopefully as I get older, I’ll care less about these things. 😁
Yes, the fear of being judged.
I do love the approval of others.
Maybe one day when we’re older
we will figure this out. 😅
Wear what makes you feel good ! 😊
Yesterday I witnessed vulnerability as a strength with one of my very close dear friend.s.
we had a sort of misunderstanding or slight conflict and I was able to see that I felt like a lot of it was my fault.
I made much to do about nothing, due to my own insecurities. Pausing and reflecting, i really saw old habits of unnecessary reflection. Later I apologised.
. I felt vulnerable, but at the same time graceful to be humble.
I see how much our relationship means to me and how much I care for him. . He was also really kind and generous. We both misunderstood the situation. . It was a beautiful vulnerable experience for both of us, and I think we grew closer because of the experience.
I did the same yesterday with my husband, but wish I hadn’t waited the full day, before apologizing.
Oh that’s so nice Mary. Good job! 👏 thank you for sharing. It’s a way to build our relationships.
I share a meditation and poem I wrote in 2014. When we journal, the words we put on the paper almost always contain greater self-awareness than we actually can claim at the time. We’re presenting ourselves with a concept that many times we have yet to fully accept. It is always a gift from our higher self—a message to ponder—a lesson to be learned.
Meditation for Feb 17, 2014:
Bare Attention by Carol Ann Conner
When one softens
toward oneself,
the past is forgiven,
the present is embraced,
the future takes care of itself.
The Eternal Now is alive
and you can feel it!
Seeking is forsaken
And seeing is for taking
the chance
of being fully human.
Such vulnerability is
for the making
of Love.
I also say that vulnerability is another word for incarnation. I have sensed for years that when I am willing to be vulnerable, willing to celebrate my humanity fully, this thing some call divinity flows. When ever I truly surrender to “what is,” it’s a virgin birth; it’s Messiah—God with and in me, fully human, fully divine. Big Bang, Enlightenment, Cosmic Christ, Second Coming, choose your label.
For me, it’s about forsaking expectations and accepting my limitations. It’s about refusing to fight, freeze, or flee and being willing to face, feel and free my soul. It is the realization that my “yes” will be echoed by the Universe and I can humbly claim the wisdom of the ages.
It shouts, “there is no “Us and Them.” There is only “We.” Let it BE.” It cries, “Choose evolution over revolution. Stop giving up the challenge to grow. Start giving in and letting it flow. Stop trying to get what can’t be got. Start learning to let what evolution has bought.”
Its message is a reminder that the biggest battle resides within; the egoic mind is the only sin. It has to lose so my personal evolution can win.
We must learn to pay “bare attention” to what is happening in and through us, taking responsibility for what we contribute to the wholeness—the holiness of life; for what holds our attention, influences our intention; and our intention holds the whole world in its hands.
Your poem and reflection,
dear Carol Anne,
are so powerful and wise
that I can feel the energy of them
pouring from your heart . . .
you are speaking
from the Soul of the Universe.
Bless you for sharing this incredible Truth
with us
with love . . . ♥
Sparrow, your words definitely touch my heart.I am so deeply blest to have a place to share it and not be ridiculed. Thank you
Carol Ann, this is beautiful and so full of wisdom,
that I am taken aback and feeling quite emotional.
Thank you for the wisdom you have laid out here for all to read.
I will make a copy of this and refer to it often. Thank you once again.
Mary, I am glad to know you found it helpful. In fact I’m joyful to be heard!
Amen!
Thank you, Drea. Your AMEN is deeply appreciated.
Once, during a workshop, I mentioned a historical massacre that had affected my family. The woman sitting next to me told me to my face, with full confidence, “that never happened.” I burst into tears, on full display with 15 people watching us, and said “what?” She said again: it never happened.
I walked out of the room, got enough air to stop sobbing, and picked a rose to memorialize those who’d been killed. I came back and sat next to her again, completing our day-long workshop. Afterwards, people told me they thought I wouldn’t come back, and that they were moved by the interaction. The woman who denied history wanted me to hug her after the event, to “make peace.” The next day, her chronic illness flared up badly. Honestly, I’m not sure who was more vulnerable that week. But I am proud of myself, in hindsight, for not leaving the workshop that day.
My first thought upon reading your reflection,
dear Drea,
was a question . . .
”why did this woman
choose to be in this workshop?”
Your reaction to her cruelty,
whether it was intended or not,
was spontaneous
and pure heart.
You stood as the bearer of a greater Truth,
and I am grateful
that you became aware of your own strength . . .
blessings to you,
dearest Drea. ♥
Dear Sparrow, the woman was working on a novel, based on her family, that valorized their war efforts. It seemed the family identity rested upon denying that these men, who fought bravely, could also have been party to something genocidal. I don’t think she expected to be challenged like that.
Thank you,
dear Drea for explaining this . . .
I’m sorry,
but it still is not an excuse to be insensitive.
Perhaps the woman realized later
how she had come off to you . . .
in any case,
dear one,
you handled it with grace and wisdom. ♥
wow. I also agree with the others, your strength is uplifting. Thank you for sharing such a personal story.
Thank you Michele.
Wow. What an intense experience. Good for you for going back in, demonstrating strength the way that you did.
I am blown away by people who deny history.
Me too!
Thank you Sunnypatti.
I am proud of your actions that day also, Drea.
Thank you Joseph.
Yes, very very brave indeed. I’m not sure what I would have done in that situation. The insensitivity of some people Is truly amazing.
Good for you, Drea. I am so impressed with your strength.
It’s very hard for me, however, not to sit in judgement of that (ignorant insensitive) woman.
I also can’t help but feel disappointed in others in the group for not speaking up on your behalf.
Maybe they were just shocked and, unlike you, felt intimidated by this woman.
I wouldn’t describe this interaction as moving, although I am certainly moved.
To me it is infuriating! And where was the leader of this group in all of this?
I’m sorry to pour my anger on top of something that you appear to have made peace with, Drea.
I fully hope that my response does not bring up any pain for you.
Mostly what I want to say to you is that I stand with you in the face of such ignorance.
You are beautiful women, and a beloved member of this group, and I am so sorry that you had to go through that experience.
You deserve so much better. I send you my love and appreciation. Also sending peace, Mary.
Thank you Mary. I appreciate you. It was a difficult experience when it happened, but in hindsight, I am grateful that I was faced with historical denialism in that way. And the leader of the group did pull me aside after it happened and explained that there’s population of people who don’t believe it happened, and it’s extremely painful to deal with! So she was supportive. Others in the group were indeed shocked and absorbed by the display of it all. Anyways, a useful experience now.
Drea, the fact that you were so real, so vulnerable, had to have been a blessing for that lady. And I am sure it is moving everyone who reads your post today. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Carol ❤️.
There have been a lot of times, especially when I was the one practicing it. But I think the biggest for me was when I was finally able to ask for help.
The time when my husband needed extended care. I was overwhelmed and exhausted. This first year of his passing has put me in many a vulnerable situation to discover me and true friendship.
This is one thing I dread
more than just about anything,
dear Yram,
my future should my husband leave before me.
Your story
gives me courage . . .
thank you. ♥
🙏🏻
What a blessing to have such discovery and friendship after a difficult time. Thank you for sharing.
Every Monday, my mom and her friends get together and chat. I have attended a few of these gatherings and noticed that every attendee is very vulnerable with each other. There is no topic too sensitive and they talk about everything ad nauseam. It’s part of the reason that I don’t go anymore. Once, I felt that her friends were too invasive when I mentioned something personal and never attended again. I know that they have no ill will towards me or anyone else in their little group, but it was just too much for me. However, they are always lifting each other up and helping each other when needed. So being vulnerable with each other can make the whole group stronger in the long run.
So many times. I run a women’s heart program and in the first session we teach our patients about the safe container of our group coaching cohort. So many of them have never even heard of the idea of a safe space. It’s amazing when they have the opportunity to share their survival stories how they open up and feel such space and experience such a growth. Unfortunate I get to bear witness to this with regularity.
I am thinking you are fortunate and they are fortunate that you bear witness.
So many times. I run a women’s heart program and in the first session we teach our patients about the safe container of our group coaching cohort. So many of them have never even heard of the idea of a safe space. It’s amazing when they have the opportunity to share their survival stories how they open up and feel such space and experience such a growth. Unfortunate I get to bear witness to this with regularity.
In 2009, I stayed with my mother, as she lived her final 3 months in a hospice; witnessing her strength amidst her vulnerability. As her medical power of attorney, I stood in the room while she informed the medical provider she didn’t want to surrender her quality of life by resigning to stay in a long term care facility. She chose palliative care. My gut ached and I wanted to scream “NOOoo.” I was obligated to uphold her decision, though I knew what the final outcome would be. In 1984 she taught me that it takes more love to let go than to hold on. As I witnessed her strong proclamation to medical personnel, and her 5 children of what her “new” boundaries were. That 5 foot tall woman became a Giant that day. In her weakness was her own strength. ☮️
Thank you for sharing Carla that is truly amazing. It must have been a true learning experience for you and family. Letting go is what it’s all about.
Carla, My mother did the same thing. I think we spend our whole life learning how to make that final “letting go.”
That was really strong of your mom. What a courageous act to witness.
”In her weakness was her own strength.”
What a beautiful, strong woman
your mother was,
dear Carla.
She is a testament
to apparent weakness
turning into our greatest strength. ♥