184 - The Power of Curiosity and Connection

In this episode, I share with you my thoughts on Brene Brown’s book “Braving the Wilderness”. I was particularly struck by the concept of ‘true belonging’, which Brown explores in her book. She argues that true belonging comes from standing in one’s truth, even when it’s uncomfortable or different from those around us.

Brown also talks about ‘braving’ as an acronym, with each letter representing a different aspect of the process of learning to stand in one’s truth. I found it really helpful to break it down like that: setting boundaries, being reliable, holding myself accountable, not sharing information that isn’t mine to share (the ‘vault’), having integrity, being nonjudgmental, and being generous in my interpretations of others.

But it’s not just about standing in our truth - it’s also about reaching out to others, even those we might not understand or agree with. I think it’s so important to ask questions, be curious, and truly listen to understand others, rather than simply picking a side in a conflict. It’s a crucial aspect of braving the wilderness and being able to stand in our truth.

Of course, braving the wilderness isn’t always easy or comfortable. But I believe that kindness is key in all interactions. Despite the difficulties, it’s important to always bring kindness to our interactions with others. If you think of someone with whom you’re having difficulty understanding, ask them, “Tell me more.” Let’s bridge gaps and build connections!

https://brenebrown.com/book/braving-the-wilderness/

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/184-the-power-of-curiosity-and-connection/

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