The most interesting thing happened last week. I have been waiting to do a medical consult with a colleague about the imaging results of a favourite patient. I was expecting a detailed scientific breakdown of the patterns and meaning of the vascular changes I was seeing so that we could confirm a diagnosis. When we had the conversation, my colleague did offer a scientific mind to confirm my thoughts that there were some areas of concern that required follow-up. However, she also offered her wider view to this particular case and asked me if I had heard seen the TED Talks video about Dr. Brené Brown’s research on the power of vulnerability. I had not. As Naturopathic Doctors, we believe in the inter-connectedness of mental-physical-emotional-spiritual health… and after discussing this patient (and ourselves), it seemed like expanding our “treatment plan” to look at the importance of vulnerability and authenticity would be helpful.
Later that same day, I went home and opened my newest issue of Oprah (June 2013). The cover read “The Surprising Path to Joy… Just Take This One Simple Step, p. 136″… I was intrigued and so turned to page 136. That title read, “Oprah’s Conversation with Brené Brown – The Whole-Hearted Life”.
Twice in one day!! This was a message I didn’t want to ignore.
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. My understanding of her message in a nutshell is that, for a variety of reasons, most of us try to hide from negative emotions of vulnerability, shame, disappointment, anger and fear. As a result of attempting to numb these emotions we have become most in debt, obese, addicted and medicated adult cohort in history. The problem is that you can’t selectively numb negative emotion without also numbing yourself from other positive aspects. By leaning into the discomfort of vulnerability and imperfection and engaging in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness, we find that this is actually the birthplace of belonging, love, empathy, joy, creativity and other experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.
If we let ourselves be deeply seen; love with our whole hearts with no guarantee; practice love, compassion, and joy fully; and be in the moment with gratitude and believe that “I’m enough”… a whole new experience of connectedness and wholeness can emerge. Believing as we do in the inter-connectedness of mind, body and spirit, it only makes sense that this is an essential part of being in a truly healthy balance.
Here is the link if you’d like to learn more:
Naturopathic Doctor
Clinic Director
Leave a Reply