Definition
The condition of a being who may be injured, affected or dependent on others, but also relate and receive support.
Sharing vulnerability can create proximity, but must never be demanded. Trust is built with limits, consent and the ability to withdraw.
To be retained
- Recognizing Human Dependence
- Choose Who to Trust
- Associate opening and limits
- Protecting the most exposed
Origin of the term and context
Vulnerable comes from the Latin vulnus, "injury". The philosophies of care insist on a common human vulnerability, distributed unequally according to social conditions.
Why does it matter?
Personal disclosure can support privacy when it is reciprocal and safe. In an abusive or public context, it can expose more; therefore, caution is not a lack of authenticity.
- Recognizing Human Dependence
- Choose Who to Trust
- Associate opening and limits
- Protecting the most exposed
How can it be explored or practised?
- Name a need to a reliable person
- Ask before telling the story of others
- Allow a limit before intimate sharing
- Offer a presence without requiring any confidence
Misconceptions and points of caution
- Vulnerability should not be put into practice.
- A spiritual guide is not entitled to your full privacy.
- Fragility does not negate the ability to act.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Care Ethics: Dependence, Attention and Responsibility.
- Christianity: power sometimes understood through weakness.
- Buddhism: vulnerability related to impermanence and compassion.
To go further
- Vulnerability — Corine Pelluchon
- Daring Greatly — Brené Brown, with critical retreat