I have been feeling vulnerable after receiving a round of requests for assistance by artists in nations where hunger is now a daily reality. These individuals were seriously vulnerable to suffering. I was vulnerable to my financial ability to assist them and each of us was uncomfortable with the conversations that occurred. We all felt weak but the opposite was true. We were brave and we shared our truths (or at least most of us did).
We need to remind ourselves that vulnerability is not weakness. It is our strength.
Everything will not go your way, nor should it do so. It is when life wrestles with you that we mature, and seldom before. We cannot evolve into our potential when we remain frustrated and defensive or try to manipulate others. Connection is why we are here and in order to feel connected, we must be excruciatingly vulnerable. Without claiming our vulnerability we cannot feel our own worthiness.
Some of us will rebound and some of us will face devastation and even death. It can be hard to stomach this truth.
I am reminded by what researcher Dr. Brene Brown says about vulnerability.
“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belong, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper or meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
Vulnerability is where courage and fear meet.
I worked out this meeting place of fear and courage by painting all night until 4:30 a.m. Thought I might share this with you before I try to sleep.
Jinx Davis is an actress, artist, and entrepreneur. During the Covid pandemic, she created hundreds of paintings that she turned into printable art to help support the Living Arts Corporation.