My experience of creating music and writing songs is finding enormous strength through vulnerability. — Bob Dylan.
In my early days, I was raised to be the opposite of vulnerable. Boys were taught to be tough, and any sign of vulnerability was greeted with the words, “Boys don’t cry.” I remember in junior high taking a forearm to my nose in football practice. My nose was broken and blood poured. The reaction of my coach was to shout with glee, “Good work Stan. First blood we’ve had all year. Hubbell clean yourself up and get back in there.”
I could give you a hundred examples, but my point is that many of us were taught to be strong in different ways to the detriment of learning “strength through vulnerability.” More importantly is to recognize that strength can be developed in other ways than physical abuse and pain.
PS: You may remember may commending Bonnie Whitehouse’s Book, A Journal of Mindful Walking. I had a lot of fun exploring the concept of sauntering. Now Bonnie has a new book out, and it is a wonderful tool. It’s titled Seasons of Wonder and is a 52 week devotional. I look forward to taking the journey her book guides you through. Perhaps you will as well. W.
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