Some days the whispers of the Spirit are louder than others. Several of my friends had been talking about Brene Brown and so I bought her book, The Gifts of Imperfection and devoured it. Then I heard she was doing a 6-week e-course. Next thing I knew, she was going to be speaking in Winnipeg as part of Compassion Project series that the Catholic Health Association of Manitoba and the Interfaith Health Care Association of Manitoba helped to sponsor. I bought a ticket to the evening session. I stepped out boldly, wondering if work might allow me to go to her morning workshop. They did. I was thrilled. The doors were opening again.

These past two days have been amazing. I think I relocated centre again. I seem to be more solid in my boundaries, reflecting on her stories and teachings. Her topics were vulnerability, shame and resilience. She was awesome, funny, and heart-warming. I feel as if I have been give a suit of armor, but not the kind that is harmful, but one that allows me to stand proud and ready to face the world. The armor is not on my heart, but rather for my decision-making process, for the love of myself, and for the ability to set good boundaries. I feel pretty fabulous.

She spoke about how most of us are brave and afraid at the same time. She posed this question: what is worth doing even if you fail? She encouraged us to practice gratitude. She invited us to pay attention to the ordinary moments because they are what will be missed most when they are gone. She told us that cool is an emotional straight-jacket that freezes your freedom. Stop being invested in being cool.

She asked hard questions like “What is one place i want to show up, be seen and live brave?” She recommended that we cultivate courage and shame-resilience. She assured us that trust is earned in super small moments that may not be noted until you realize that your jar of marbles is overflowing with love and caring. She talked about the sliding door moments where one decision will have the potential for trust and the other for betrayal. She talked about about the moments in life where loved ones have you putting marbles for “good behaviour” in a jar. They are the times that are pretty ordinary, for regular every day events like just being there fully engaged.

Her presentations were simple, sprinkled with stories that inspired and examples that rang true. I am grateful for the opportunity to hear her and have my heart and soul refreshed by her. 

Peace,

Suzanne