2020 has been a challenging year. It was a year that brought to focus issues we ignored or avoided in the personal, professional, within relations, cultural, and in our society. With this level of highlight, we asked ourselves new questions. We challenged what we thought we knew. In the light of death, we took big steps and leaned into, stepped, or jumped into their heart’s desires. For some people, what wasn’t working fell apart. So in came an opportunity to start fresh. We found the unavoidable surrender of vulnerability. We asked for help. When we could, we gave to others.
So much came out of 2020. Personally, I experienced death in my immediate family, moved to Portland, Oregon, stepped deeper into my teaching career, and of course - navigated social distancing and new levels of isolation.
2020 has deepened vulnerability. It is a blessing in disguise. The walls we created to protect ourselves are coming down. We may not have known it, but the old walls were no longer needed. Perhaps you are no longer fighting against old ghosts. You have outgrown walls - that became limits - and are safer in new ways. You are safe to have new experiences. I believe post-pandemic life will bubble with the exploration of experiences similar to the roaring 20s and 30s. In a way, getting to a new bottom to reach a new high.
We are redefining the word vulnerability in this new century as we step into the age of Aquarius. The new way of seeing vulnerability is about being open, without having a guard, raw, willing, simply being yourself.
In the middle of a pandemic, we are all faced with the truth of ourselves. Social distancing and quarantining only impact this more swiftly. We may have noticed we can’t avoid things in the same way. We can’t avoid seeing or being with ourselves.
I’ve observed not only myself, but several students show up in this state of vulnerability. They are so raw and real. They are simply being themselves - the 'ugly’ parts, the beautiful parts, the doubts, the laughter; all that makes them who they are. This is the human experience.
In 2020, I've been discovering what really matters. I’ve been taking down the walls. What doesn’t serve what matters had to go. What I am having in my life makes this worth it. For this experience, it has been a year of miracles.
I’d guess 2020 has left you feeling more vulnerable too. What are the opportunities within that? Where have you grown that you never acknowledge? Who are you now?
“Vulnerability is a path back to each other, but we’re so afraid to get on it.” - Brene Brown
I hope that 2021 brings the light and healing of vulnerability. That we tear down our walls and open ourselves to new experiences.
Happy New Year to you and all that you love.
