“Whatever you do dont shut off your pain accept your pain and remain vulnerable”
Remaining open and vulnerable to pain is a profound act of acceptance.
Sometimes, when life feels heavy, our first instinct is to build a wall. We try to lock our sadness in a dark room and pretend that everything is perfectly fine. But Sogyal Rinpoche reminds us of a beautiful, albeit difficult, truth: we shouldn't shut off our pain. To accept our pain and remain vulnerable is not a sign of weakness, but a profound act of courage. When we stop fighting against our own feelings, we finally create the space necessary for true healing to begin.
In our everyday lives, this often looks like the moments when we feel we have to be 'strong' for everyone else. We wear masks of composure at work or during family dinners, even when our hearts are aching. We think that by suppressing the sting of disappointment or the ache of loss, we are protecting ourselves. In reality, we are only numbing our ability to feel joy, too. Vulnerability is the bridge that connects us to our true selves and to the people who truly love us.
I remember a time when I felt like I was drowning in my own worries. I was trying so hard to act like nothing was wrong, pushing every anxious thought deep down. I thought I was being brave, but I actually felt more isolated than ever. It wasn't until I sat down, let the tears fall, and admitted to a dear friend that I was struggling that the weight began to lift. By being vulnerable and letting someone see my messy, unpolished self, I felt a sudden sense of connection and relief that I couldn't have achieved by staying closed off.
As your friend BibiDuck, I want to remind you that your feelings are valid and they deserve to be heard. You don't have to be a fortress of iron; you are allowed to be soft and human. Embracing your vulnerability allows you to live an authentic life, where even the shadows are part of your beautiful landscape.
Today, I gently encourage you to check in with yourself. Is there a small piece of pain you have been trying to hide? Try, just for a moment, to stop pushing it away. Breathe into it, acknowledge it, and allow yourself the grace to simply feel what you are feeling.