Courage, Compassion and Connection
Wholehearted living,
Courage, compassion and connection,
Such lovely, powerful, words,
But what do they really mean?
According to Brené Brown,
It is about engaging in our lives,
From a place of worthiness,
Embracing our imperfections,
And feeling that we are enough,
This means letting go of who,
We think we’re supposed to be,
And embracing who we are.
It is possible; it takes intention,
And practice… lots of practice,
It is through the three Cs,
Courage, compassion and connection.
You know that feeling you get inside,
When someone says something hurtful,
Or when you’ve made a mistake,
And shame starts to wash over you…
Different people may respond in,
Various ways to this emotion,
Some may feel heart palpitations,
Sweat or other symptoms of anxiety.
You may get red in your face,
Feel pain/pressure in your chest,
Want to disappear or run away,
However if you practice the 3 Cs,
You are able to stop shame in its tracks!
Practice COURAGE to be vulnerable,
And share your story of what happened,
the pain, the mistake, whatever it is,
That made you feel just awful,
To someone special whom you trust,
Who sees and values you as yourself,
Who will not judge you.
Establishing this CONNECTION is priceless,
It enables you to draw sustenance and strength,
Regain your equilibrium and puts into perspective,
That which you wish had not happened.
Last but not least, practice COMPASSION,
With yourself for what happened,
Mirror your confidant’s compassion,
Loving acceptance of your imperfections.
Shame can no longer exist…
It may only survive,
When kept hidden and in the dark.
Therefore, try to practice your 3 Cs…
Are any of you participating in Brené Brown’s 6-week online art journaling course? My daughter and I are doing it together. It is not only fun and meaningful but I am full of gratitude for the course deepening our connection.
What are your thoughts about living wholeheartedly?
Your Brene Brown inspired poem was moving, so compelling. You have a genuine knack, a real gift for expressing yourself, Dorlee!
Warmly,
Jacqui
Thanks so much, Jacqui, for your kind feedback 🙂 I had much fun writing it.
It’s so funny how I had never written a poem [or at least none that I can remember prior to a year and a half ago] and now, I like to engage in this medium on a periodic basis.
I agree with Jacqui, your poetic explanation is exquisite! I’m glad you are enjoying the art journaling class so much and that it’s deepening your connection to your daughter.
I think everything Brene Brown says is spot on. At the same time, my definition of living wholeheartedly would be quite different. But, as you suggested, it might take a whole blog post to express and first I’d have to give it some reflection.
Thanks so much, Sandra, for our twitter exchange and your kind feedback.
I’m wondering what your interpretation/thoughts of living wholeheartedly might be… aside from being authentic, I think it entails living with passion/vibrancy – in essence – being able to be as much of yourself as you are… but I also think it could be open to different meanings for different people and may even change for one person according to where he/she is in her life/stage. And now, you’ve given me some food for thought as well 🙂
Yes, The key may be in our hands, but at times, the key is old, heavy, rusted and only fits the lock with difficulty. The answer? Hold onto the key, keep it in your hand, because sooner or later it will turn the lock.
Verde.
Lovely metaphor of key for faith… in being able to ultimately trust, make a connection, be vulnerable… Thank you, Verde, for sharing your thoughts and faith 🙂
Great message. I especially like the point about courage. Not only the courage to take risks but the courage to then share stories of failures and growth.
Thank you, Brent, for highlighting the importance of courage for sharing the stories; what you will find when you do this is that a wonderful reinforcing effect takes place. As you share, not only will your connection deepen with the trusted person with whom you chose to confide in, but you feel more acceptance and compassion towards yourself… thereby only encouraging you to have the courage to share your inevitable future errors so as to help you move on. Similarly, your confidant will now feel more open and able to share with you his/her mistakes/failings… we can all help one another…it’s quite beautiful and powerful 🙂
Hi Dorlee,
I’m almost done reading the Gifts of Imperfection, which I’m quite enjoying.
One of the things Brené says, and I agree with, is that there is no such thing as creative people and non-creative people – only people who don’t use their creativity.
You reflect this so aptly in your poems, your infographics and the gifted way you have in picking out salient points in your writing and comments.
Hi Marianna,
I’m so glad that you are enjoying the Gifts of Imperfection!
Aww, what a very kind and generous comment for you to make – thank you so much for noting and remarking so kindly on my poems, infographics and way I write.
I feel the same way about you, your swimming, dancing, acting, writing and creative approach to incorporating various stress techniques to improve your wellbeing and that of your readers! Your recent article on Sports Psychology and RA is a lovely example!
Thanks again!