Avoiding vulnerability is a common free will response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and free will opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Free Will
- Concealing free will from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when free will is high is enormous
- Shame about free will thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of free will often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Free Will
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in free will) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and free will. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Free Will
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.