{"id":31931,"date":"2020-11-11T13:19:52","date_gmt":"2020-11-11T18:19:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starr-commonwealth-new.local\/?p=31931"},"modified":"2020-11-12T08:24:50","modified_gmt":"2020-11-12T13:24:50","slug":"connection-and-vulnerability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starr.org\/2020\/connection-and-vulnerability\/","title":{"rendered":"Connection and Vulnerability"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The need and desire to connect with others remains essential. The prolonged need to physically distance, teach, learn and work remotely coupled with the inability to visit friends and family due to travel restrictions and other necessary coronavirus prevention precautions is taking a toll on us all. In recent months, there has been encouragement to reach out to others and remain connected. This is because connection with others gives our lives significant meaning and purpose. We are all wired to connect and as childhood trauma expert Bruce Perry says, \u201cWe are born to love.\u201d<\/p>\n

We all know what it feels like to be in the presence of others (even virtually) but not truly feel connected. I have felt this lately through virtual telehealth sessions and trainings where everyone is trying to remain calm, get used to the technology and juggle barking dogs and household demands with the person or people with whom we are interacting. Educators are feeling disconnected from students because they aren\u2019t in person or lack of participation. We all know how middle and high school youth loathe turning on their cameras. Sometimes we spend hours talking to a computer without seeing faces.<\/p>\n

Brene Brown has taught us that true connection requires vulnerability. We all desperately need connection, but it comes at a cost \u2013 we must get comfortable with discomfort and that isn\u2019t easy.<\/p>\n

What does this really mean? How can we do get there, and what are the benefits?<\/p>\n

Vulnerability is consciously and intentionally choosing yourself to be seen, and to be seen fully. To say it another way, being vulnerable means that we make a decision to be honest with ourselves and others by exposing and sharing authentic thoughts, feelings, opinions, and even appearances. This is not an easy place to be \u2013 it is uncomfortable and scary. It takes courage. The fear of others thinking you are not worthy or not good enough because of your uniqueness is universal. We all experience this unease in some way. But, it is essential for true connection. So how can we, as child-caring adults, practice vulnerability so we may reap the full benefits of connection?<\/p>\n