From Embracing Vulnerability to Finding Joy - Let's Do It
The human mind is a relentless engine of thought, constantly producing ideas and emotions without an easily accessible off switch.
I encounter vulnerability on an almost daily basis. It's been a constant companion in my life, first making an appearance during my early teenage years. This companion seems to have a liking for my company, often choosing to linger when others have found their own paths to follow. Like many of us, I have experienced the highs and lows of life. Vulnerability often surfaced during moments of setbacks or when major life decisions were at their crossroads.
However, over time, I have forged such a deep connection with vulnerability that its presence no longer has the power to bring me down. Apart from inducing temporary sadness - an emotion I've come to realize is of significant importance - vulnerability no longer holds the sway it once did. When I find myself in the grips of this emotion, I breathe, move, and engage in a physical activity. This is my coping mechanism, my way of dealing with the feelings stirred up by vulnerability.
Over the years, I have discovered that engaging in physical activity serves as an effective counter to vulnerability's attempts at dominating my mindset. It provides a release, a way to channel the energy that vulnerability brings. This is a strategy that has served me well and one that I continue to employ whenever I encounter vulnerability in my day-to-day life.
One of the most remarkable aspects of embracing my own vulnerability is the profound way it allows me to establish effective connections with others who are also in different vulnerable states. This openness allows me to empathize deeply with them, to the extent that I can almost step into their shoes, viewing their world through a lens that is very close to their own.
This shared perspective, born out of mutual vulnerability, has proven to be immensely helpful in truly understanding these individuals on a deeper level. Instead of becoming frustrated or confused when a friend is quiet or withdrawn, recognizing their vulnerability allows me to understand that they, too, have moments of insecurity or doubt.
Viewing others' journeys as closely intertwined with my own, instead of separate, has enabled me to establish connections that are meaningful, safe, and filled with trust. Our shared vulnerability creates a space where we can be our authentic selves without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. This approach has strengthened my relationships and enriched my personal journey.
The human mind is a ceaseless machine of thought, continuously churning out ideas and emotions, with no off switch that we can readily flip. We cannot forcibly halt its operations or dictate its thought patterns. However, one strategy we can employ is to guide our thoughts towards productive, positive, or joyful subjects. For example, consider a scenario where you're experiencing sadness or vulnerability within your personal space. Just the simple act of going for a walk, immersing yourself in the fresh air and the beauty of nature, can drastically shift your emotional state. This shift indicates that you've managed to replace the negativity or down emotion with more positive, joyful and uplifting thoughts, and as a result, your mind feels lighter and more at ease.
Listening to uplifting music or watching joyful dances is another effective way to find joy in vulnerability. I would like to share this video today:
Our thought process significantly influences our mood. If we allow ourselves to be consumed by happy thoughts, it will naturally lead to a happier mood. Conversely, if we let ourselves dwell on sad thoughts, it will inevitably lead to a melancholic mood. Therefore, it's important to steer our thoughts in a direction that promotes hope and joy. Engaging in physical activities, for instance, can serve as a potent tool in this regard. The rush of natural hormones that exercise provides can boost our mood and help us maintain a more positive outlook on life. Hence, understanding the power of physical activity and incorporating it into our daily routine can be a vital step towards leading a happier and more fulfilling life.
(If you can, write your thoughts in the comments below)
We have so many references to violence and war in our language that we use them without thinking when talking about overcoming odds in our own lives. Thank you Gurdeep for showing another way to communicate our desires and emotions. We don't have to 'kick butt' or 'kill it' to gain power over our problems. You offer peaceful solutions to regaining control of ourselves so that we won't harm others who share this planet.
Routine is the key. I recently started swimming for fitness after years of sedentary living, and I found that after 3 days not at the pool, I became very sad and depressed! 3 days seems to be the start of it. I mention this as a caution to others, don't overdo and then stop... start easy and keep going to prevent an endorphin crash.