Brené Brown discusses on her website, that through her research and the participants she studied, she forged a new path that ultimately defined her career and her life. “When I first realized and resented the importance of embracing vulnerability and living a Wholehearted life, I would tell people that I was hijacked by my own data. Now, I know that I was rescued by it,” said Brown.
It is an empowering statement to hear when a researcher suggests that their data and findings, not only altered their understanding of a chosen topic of study but that it completely influenced their way of life, is something very significant. Brown, is known for developing meaningful definitions from her research, like her definition of authenticity in part one she aims to further the meaning of living wholeheartedly.
“Wholehearted living is about engaging in our lives from places of worthiness. It Means cultivating the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, no matter what gets done and how much is left undone. I am enough. It’s going to bed at night thinking yes I am imperfect and vulnerable and sometimes afraid that the doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.”
Through over thirteen years of research, Brown has not only developed a better understanding of living her own wholehearted life but how others have the potential of also living a fulfilled life.
In her most viewed TED Talk, Brown discusses her research about living a wholehearted life as well as the power of vulnerability.
Brown has mentioned in previous interviews that she gained groundbreaking recognition after her TED Talk, which has ultimately helped her establish a career and continue sharing her research.
In Brown’s third book “Daring Greatly,” she discusses 10 guideposts to living wholeheartedly.
Here is a list of Brown’s 10 Guideposts :
- Cultivating Authenticity– Letting go of what people think.
- Cultivating Self-Compassion– Letting go of perfectionism
- Cultivating A Resilient Spirt– Letting go of numbing and powerlessness
- Cultivating Gratitude and Joy– Letting go of Scarcity and fear of the dark
- Cultivating Intuition and Trusting Faith– Letting go of the need for certainty
- Cultivating Creativity –Letting go for compassion
- Cultivating Play and Rest– Letting go of exhaustion as a Status Symbol and Productivity as a Self-Worth
- Cultivating Calm and Stillness– Letting go of Anxiety as a lifestyle
- Cultivating Meaningful Work-Letting go of self-doubt and “Supposed to”
- Cultivating Laughter Song and Dance– Letting go of being cool and “Always in Control”
In Part 3 of this article series, I will expand on guideposts one and four. Two guideposts that I believe hold a significant amount of importance toward living authentically as well as wholeheartedly.
(Featured image credit: Captain Creps)
