Vulnerable. How does that word make you feel? Scared? Anxious? Or Empowered and Creative?

Vulnerability is something that’s discussed widely, thanks in part (or a whole lot) to Brenè Brown. Her TED talk on vulnerability went more than viral, it became a phenomenon. These past few months (I’m still in 2020 quarantine, in case you’re reading from the future), I’ve really focused on my creativity and helping other people locate and engage their own. I’m facilitating a group covering the Julia Cameron follow up to The Artist’s Way, “Vein of Gold”, I’ve launched a new creativity coaching business and a line of planners to go with it, committed to writing an article a week, and so much more. I figure that in this weird time, everything that I can do to make my life more colorful, more creative, I will.

How Does that Have anything to do with Being Vulnerable?

Everything we make, if we’re being honest and making it from the heart, causes us to be vulnerable. Even if it’s something we’re not going to show anyone. We’re subject to our own criticism. Our own inner critic. However, it is the vulnerability that makes for worthwhile art. There’s an old saying, that nothing bad ever happens to a writer and simply, that’s because everything is material. Everything. Some of the greatest art has come from times of tremendous pain and suffering. It becomes great art, because it’s relatable, because others can empathize with the pain. A few years ago, I wrote this piece about being vulnerable and I still stand by it.

Are You Allowing this in Your creativity?

Do you allow for vulnerability in your own art? Yes, art – If not, why? Do you think that allowing yourself to be vulnerable would allow for greater creativity? I do. We all feel that fear, the terror of putting ourselves “out there”. But as I heard Martha Beck say in an interview, the fear of throwing yourself into the fire, is more horrific than the fire itself. I agree. I can wrap myself up in terrible knots before a performance, but once I throw myself into the fire, I’m so glad I did. It feels good. No, it feels wonderful.

In the article referenced above, I ended it with this sentence; “However it works out, I know that I’d rather have the possibility of a great adventure, then be safe and protected.  How about you?” And I wouldn’t change a thing today?

So tell me, how about you?