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The Power of Vulnerability

Teachings of Authenticity, Connection, and Courage

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The Power of Vulnerability

By: Brené Brown
Narrated by: Brené Brown
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About this listen

Show Up and Let Yourself be Seen

Is vulnerability the same as weakness? “In our culture,” teaches Dr. Brené Brown, “we associate vulnerability with emotions we want to avoid such as fear, shame, and uncertainty. Yet we too often lose sight of the fact that vulnerability is also the birthplace of joy, belonging, creativity, authenticity, and love.” On The Power of Vulnerability, Dr. Brown offers an invitation and a promise - that when we dare to drop the armor that protects us from feeling vulnerable, we open ourselves to the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives. Here she dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and reveals that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage.

The Power of Vulnerability is a very personal project for me,” Brené explains. “This is the first place that all of my work comes together. This audio course draws from all three of my books - it’s the culmination of everything I’ve learned over the past twelve years. I'm very excited to weave it all into a truly comprehensive form that shows what these findings and insights can mean in our lives.”

Guidance and Insights for Wholehearted Living

Over the past twelve years, Dr. Brené Brown has interviewed hundreds of people as part of an ongoing study of vulnerability. “The research shows that we try to ward disappointment with a shield of cynicism, disarm shame by numbing ourselves against joy, and circumvent grief by shutting off our willingness to love,” explains Dr. Brown. When we become aware of these patterns, she teaches, we begin to become conscious of how much we sacrifice in the name of self-defense -and how much richer our lives become when we open ourselves to vulnerability.

“In my research,” Dr. Brown says, “the word I use to describe people who can live from a place of vulnerability is wholehearted.” Being wholehearted is a practice—one that we can choose to cultivate through empathy, gratitude, and awareness of our vulnerability armor. Join this engaging and heartfelt teacher on The Power of Vulnerability as she offers profound insights on leaning into the full spectrum of emotions—so we can show up, let ourselves be seen, and truly be all in.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Cultivating shame resilience—the key to developing a sense of worth and belonging.
  • Vulnerability as the origin point for innovation, adaptability, accountability, and visionary leadership.
  • Our emotional armory - how we use perfectionism, numbing, and other tactics to avoid feeling vulnerable.
  • The myths of vulnerability - common misconceptions about weakness, trust, and self-sufficiency.
  • Discovering your vulnerability armor - recognizing what makes us shut down, and how we can change.
  • The 10 guideposts of wholehearted living - essential skills for becoming fully engaged in life.
  • Six hours of stories, warm humor, and transformative insights for living a life of courage, authenticity, and compassion from Dr. Brené Brown.
©2012 Brené Brown (P)2012 Brené Brown
Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Esteem Inspiring Funny Witty Feel Better

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All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed this, it was funny and challenging and interesting. a few points were difficult to follow because it's being delivered to a live audience and I couldn't see her faces etc.

my biggest bug bare was the lack of conversation about privilege and those of us who live in marginalised bodies. the assumption all the way through was that listeners had access to the things she suggested, when in reality we don't.

I still found this valuable to hear and I'll likely listen again

Great, but no discussion of privilege

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How to arm yourself with tools against shame, fear, judgement. Let yourself go and be human and awesome. Told through witty relatable stories interlaced with research and facts. I dare anyone to read this and not feel changed!

Life changing

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Although this is more listening to a conference I have found this really thought provoking, smile generating and addictive. I love listening to Brene talk. Recently got the gifts of imperfection as well on audible and was disappointed to find that she didn't read it. (Shopper blindness)

Been listening almost on repeat

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Hell yes!

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/A

Which character – as performed by Brené Brown – was your favourite?

N/A

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely

Any additional comments?

I love this book, it's wonderfully insightful and sometimes painfully true.I felt a much greater affinity with this book than with some of Brene's other work because I am not a facts and figures type of gal. This book, whilst still based on Brene's qualitative research, also contains lots of human stories which resonated with me. I love the way Brene herself was so courageously vulnerable in it.

Life-enhancing. Thank you.

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This book was recommended to me. It has really helped me understand the toxic power of feeling shame, and how to recognise it and change it. I will need to read it a second and maybe a third time to fully make use of it. Definitely recommend It and have to several people.

Thought provoking and intense

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