Some of the most tortured souls have created art, music and stories that resonate with us on a deep level. Yet many people spend most of their lives trying to avoid being exposed or vulnerable. Many of us equate vulnerability with weakness. But I think daring to be vulnerable with others is actually a strength.
According to Brené Brown, a research professor, author and expert on shame and vulnerability, fear of shame inhibits creativity, keeping us hiding in case we are not worthy or good enough. Those of us who have shown ourselves, battered, broken, and not feeling good enough have touched so many lives and changed the world. They are the ones who have created beauty in all that surrounds us.
I think about the musician Leonard Cohen. In 1984, his song Hallelujah was released. He is the original writer and performer of this song, but many people don’t realize it because it has been covered by so many other artists. This song has moved the world, and it was written at lowest point in his career. Executives at Cohen’s label didn’t even listen to the song and were reluctant to even release the album. But they eventually did. A few years went by, and his song resonated so much with other musicians, that they began covering it. And it gained much more attention with music fans as a result.
Brené Brown is famous for saying, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change.” She spoke about this extensively during a TED Talks from 2012.
Real life struggles and challenges are what stay with us the most. Whether depicted in music, art, writing, business or through change in our society. As people, we will always seek affirmation of our human condition when it comes to our feelings. We want to know that we are not alone.
