Negotiating Vulnerability and Overwhelm 🪷 (09.07.23)
Today I wanted to write about vulnerability - following last week's Seed on Trust (which you can read in the 'Seed Library' here if you haven't seen it).
I perceive a real difference between A) an attitude of 'trust' in the general direction of life, in which I see my soul on an apprenticeship through life, encountering experiences that serve as learning and growing opportunities; and B) the actual 'vulnerability' of my human body with its very real limitations, energy resources or depletion, and feelings.
Do you recognise times when...
your body is hurting, or cannot do what your mind would like
the noise of the world is so loud you can't bear it
your heart is raw from very real emotions, and the storms of life feels overwhelming
interactions with others or institutions feel unsettling or even unsafe
you feel people (chronically) ask you more than you can give...
or any other way 'vulnerability' shows up on your map?
The questions below help you map how vulnerability shows up in your experience, and how to move with it, like a dance partner!
Reflection and Practice for Negotiating Vulnerability
What kind of situations make you feel vulnerable?
What are your sensations, feelings and thoughts that indicate vulnerability?
Knowing that you cannot always avoid it, how can you best 'protect' yourself going into such situations?
What 'first aid' methods can you devise for negotiating the overwhelm during or afterward?
Can you list a few positive qualities of feeling vulnerable, and make friends with this very natural state without dismissing, denying or repressing it?
Can you make a visual 'support' for yourself in the form of a symbol, amulet, drawing, painting or collage, that will help you stay grounded whenever vulnerability comes knocking next time?
Situations for me include:
'bureaucratic, administrative business', especially here in France (Friday morning at the tax office, I felt so vulnerable - that inspired this email!)
situations in which I might receive bad news (hospitals)
situations in which I don't know the 'social' rules (academic setting was like that for a long time, but also living in France)
Some of my solutions for preparation and integration are essential oils, Bach flower remedies, a (Qi Gong) movement that helps me power up or calm down, the right kind of music (I rarely listen to music, except as 'supportive medicine!), planning enough time around events, chocolate (like Harry Potter after encountering the Dementors!), black tea with sugar, a hot bath, and soft materials for comfort...
Some of the positive qualities I see are: being in touch with my humanity; appreciating the preciousness of life; living from a heart space; recognising vulnerability in others, and also an inner foundation of courage that strengthens with every situation in which I made friends with vulnerability.
As always, I'd truly love to read your thoughts in the Seed Topic within our community, or as a comment in the Magical Seed Library, whatever you prefer!!
I hope you have some time for precious self care today!
Much love,
Eline
Image: Collage Duo from Overwhelm in a Noisy World to Dancing Roots
For Your Diary
The next and LAST Thrive Circle before Summer (in Central European time):
Monday 17 July: 19.30-20.30 CET.
Convert to your time zone with World Time Buddy if needed.
Join the community to share your thoughts!
There are currently 3 options:
Free: Access to the Wild Soul Tribe, our private group away from social media to share about your experiences.
9€/month: The Art of Thriving Circle to join live monthly meetings and connect with others.
29-49€/month: The Qi Studio Membership to participate in 4 weekly movement classes.
Every next option includes the previous ones, so the Qi Studio Membership also includes the Art of Thriving Network.