According to dictionary.com: vulnerable: an adjective – capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt, as by a weapon: a vulnerable part of the body. open to moral attack, criticism, temptation, etc.

Do you consider yourself vulnerable?

Do you ever watch, read, or hear something that REALLY resonates with you? I mean… like… stop-you-in-your-tracks resonates?

I find I’m often focused on things that bring me pause because I’m connecting the dots between ideas, but recently it happened in such a powerful way that I wanted to share it with you. I literally stopped what I was doing to process what I was hearing. Replay it. Process more.

I was working through an online course and required to watch a TED Talk in which Dr. Brené Brown shares her research and resulting paradigm shift about vulnerability. Unexpectedly, twenty minutes provided me with so much clarity about my personal and professional lives and further confirmed my direction as I build my business – which was the point of the activity.

I watched the video a third time the next morning. While watching each time, I discovered answers to questions that fill my head and heart. I found myself thinking each time I watched the video about specific people in my life and how we interact – or don’t – and why. I discovered that I fall into the ‘whole-hearted’ category of people defined by Dr. Brown’s research. I found that ‘wearing my heart on my sleeve’ is defined as vulnerability. And… it sure explains a LOT about my interactions with others.

It seems, based on her research, that many most (?) of us are not willing to be vulnerable. Instead, we numb our vulnerabilities – with debt, substances, medications… I realized that understanding this will help me continue working on my own pitfalls because though I’m largely vulnerable, there are areas that I can definitely improve upon!

The video also confirmed for me:

making art that gives my soul its voice and teaching the Creative Process (using words + colors) to address what needs addressing – is a worthy mission because we all have things to address.

Though most will define Creative Play as ‘time to socialize with others’ (true!), I will continue nurturing wellness for others through clarity, peace, and giving our soul its voice….

RobinLK Studios workshop participants, group members, and retreat guests are attending for fun, but many of us – especially returning guests – are showing up to show up… We know the real value in creative play and our own wellness, don’t we?

It is right with our soul.

We are willing to address what’s inside – usually privately – as we create our art and writing – and give our soul its voice.

If you’ve got a few minutes, I invite you to watch Dr. Brown’s TED Talk… Then, watch for future Creative Play workshops. They’re cheaper than therapy, less harmful than substances and medications (though I’m told – just as addictive), and definitely fun. 🙂

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