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