A Simple Discussion That Changed An Elaborate Outlook

“Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.” This has to be the most profound statement that Brene’ Brown made during her TED session “Listening to shame.”

In this session, Brown begins by captivating the audience with a personal story, an instance in which she found herself at her most vulnerable state. Brown polled the audience to see if the majority of them had the same initial perception of vulnerability: weakness. The results were just as expected; many people only relate vulnerability to a state of weakness. This is how the above-mentioned quote was birthed. “Vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage.” Vulnerability occurs when someone is positioned in a way to receive emotional or physical harm. Brown breaks down this often feared word as, “to be vulnerable, to let ourselves be seen, to be honest.” Understanding this take on vulnerability clearly shows where courage is moved to the forefront. Brown explained to her listeners that she “did not learn about vulnerability and courage and creativity and innovation from studying vulnerability. [She] learned about these things from studying shame.” She further explained that there is a very significant difference in “shame” and “guilt.” My favorite example she gave is “Guilt: I’m sorry. I made a mistake. Shame: I’m sorry. I am a mistake.”

I loved Brown’s approach in this session because she began with a personal experience. It was an experience that was directly related to the audience she was addressing, therefore, they were able to immediately connect with what she was revisiting. Brown also incorporated several sly instances of humor during this session. I kept the tone of the session light and easy to follow. Another thing I liked about Brown’s presentation was the she made everything easily flow together. Her story of vulnerability created a great transition into what vulnerability is, and then further into how it relates to shame.

Now, not only did I like Brown’s TED session because of her presentation, but I also enjoyed it because I found it very helpful. After listening to her speech, I am able to incorporate what she expressed, into my every day thinking. Prior to watching this TED session, I was one of those who only associated vulnerability with a weakness, and did not bother to understand a difference between guilt and shame. This session has helped me tremendously.