“I think our need to push away the word “paradox,” and the need to — our need for either/or, not “and,” is driven by our lack of capacity for vulnerability. It’s really hard to straddle the tension of yes/and. It’s really hard to straddle that, “Yes, I want to belong, I want to be a part of something bigger than me” — and, “I’m willing to stand alone when I need to.””
—— Brené Brown
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The words of the wise woman Brené Brown (quoited above) from her recent interview with Krista Tippett, have inspired me today. As I listened, I felt that clarity to some interactions I’ve been looking at recently was just within my grasp. I felt these words beginning to help articulate (in my mind at least so far) how I feel about my part in them.
How I’ve been showing up.
To quote Dr. Brown again…
“I think, in some ways, it kind of sucks that your level of true belonging can never be greater than your willingness to be brave and stand by yourself. I kind of hate it a little bit. But it’s just what I’ve found. It’s just — it’s how the men and women that have the highest levels of true belonging show up in their lives.”
.Yup… sucks a bit.
But I guess if I’m going to up my level of true belonging, I’m going to have to up my courage to stand alone.
I’m going to start by looking at those interactions.
- A conversation I had with a man I hardly know, and subsequent talk with a good friend immediately after.
- Several group interactions with friends and coworkers.
- Talks with young people.
- Conversations with passengers at work.
I’m going to find a way to address all of these in upcoming posts. This introduction (and making a list) is my way of announcing my intention to myself. To bring my full attention to my intention. To become more conscious of the paradox in which I have possibly been unconsciously choosing to dwell. Perhaps by telling the stories connected to the above-listed interactions, I will be able to bring what articulation my mind has found clarity on…
To this blog.
Perhaps…
Blessed…
m(___)m
