I now see that by holding so tightly to one understanding of strength, I was actually repressing and resisting a new strength trying to be born in me: the strength of vulnerability.

It is vulnerable to let motherhood change us. Yet, by doing so — by claiming our right to this sacred, messy and sometimes terrifying evolution — we position ourselves as capable, heart-led leaders in the healing of the world.  We start by seeing ourselves as powerful, not despite having changed, but because we’re more vulnerable to love and in need of connection.

Paradigms are shifting, however slowly and painfully, and there are plenty of things each of us can do to hasten change:

Disconnect vulnerability from disempowerment in your mind. We tend to avoid vulnerability largely because of its common association with oppressive circumstances and feelings of disempowerment. While these can be linked (and often are), they don’t have to be. Conscious, intentional, self-honoring vulnerability is a very different thing than the vulnerability that accompanies truly oppressive circumstances and mindsets.

Vulnerable, vulnerability – what?

I could feel it deep in my bones with my daughters; how I naturally wanted to interact with them, the deeper more connected relationship I wanted with them, as opposed to all the ‘shoulds’ our culture insists upon.

And yet, it was a struggle to do this with adults. I took baby steps with a friend who has continually helped me reinforce in my brain ‘vulnerability connects me with others’ versus my years of thinking it would do the opposite.

I think we are meant to lean on others and be leaned upon. I think we are made to be vulnerable and dance between holding space for ourselves, holding space for others, and allowing others to hold space for us.

As  I continued my journey toward learning vulnerability I learned about entrainment.  I read Anna O’Faolan’s words on its healing power. 

In The Healing Power of Entrainment (link) by Anna O’Faolan says: 

“The gravitational pull towards synchronicity is one of the founding principles of the natural world. It is observable in our everyday lives and immortalized by the theories of Quantum physics. This basic law of physics teaches us that everything in the universe is made up of particles or waves, vibrating like strings at different frequencies. From the cells in our own bodies to the light and sound waves that echo through the cosmos. Within these vibrational phenomena, resonating particles will communicate with, and influence each other.

The vibrational frequency of two objects in contact will frequently fall into sync. When the frequencies are the same, it is called ‘resonance’. But when a vibrational body of a stronger resonance influences another in its field, leading the beat, it is called entrainment.”

Even in science – we influence each other. So now – lay back down.

Deep breaths, star position, and melt.

Has anyone ever melted into you?  Emotionally, logistically, physically?  They trusted you (and themself) enough to be open and vulnerable with you.

Did it feel good?  Did you feel “warm & fuzzy”? (if not, that is ok too)

Or, have you melted into someone else?  Leaned on or asked for help from them?

And if it was someone you trusted and felt unconditionally loved by, did it feel ok?  Even, maybe, comforting?  Did it give you strength? (again, different feelings are ok too)

OK– more on holding space in the next one, along with  some different reactions to leaning/being leaned on and many ‘shoulds’ that may (or may not) be involved.

So

This earth

Holding you 

When you relax into it

Maybe you give something too.  

Vulnerability and grounding strength is a dance to be flowed through.