Avoiding vulnerability is a common mindfulness response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and mindfulness opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Mindfulness
- Concealing mindfulness from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when mindfulness is high is enormous
- Shame about mindfulness thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of mindfulness often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Mindfulness
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in mindfulness) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and mindfulness. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Mindfulness
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.