Brené on Strong Backs, Soft Fronts, and Wild Hearts
Nov 4, 2020
23:30
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On a reflective journey through challenging times, the speaker introduces the powerful mantra 'strong back, soft front, wild heart.' Listeners learn how authentic engagement and self-care are essential for genuine connections. The importance of balancing strength and vulnerability is emphasized, along with the challenges of maintaining emotional openness in a divisive world. Embracing vulnerability is presented as a pathway to deeper relationships and true belonging, urging individuals to find their internal self-worth amidst societal pressures.
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Quick takeaways
The balance of having a strong back and a soft front fosters resilience and vulnerability, promoting authenticity in relationships.
True belonging involves embracing one's authentic self, requiring the courage to express beliefs while navigating societal pressures.
Deep dives
Understanding Strong Back, Soft Front
The concept of having a strong back and a soft front, introduced by Joan Halifax, emphasizes the balance between resilience and vulnerability. A strong back metaphorically refers to having the strength and confidence to navigate life's challenges, while a soft front represents openness and compassion towards oneself and others. This framework encourages individuals to strengthen their inner resilience instead of relying on a defensive exterior that shields insecurity. Embracing this balance allows for genuine connections and fosters a sense of belonging rooted in authenticity.
The Importance of True Belonging
True belonging extends beyond mere acceptance; it is about embracing one’s authentic self while navigating societal pressures to conform. It requires the courage to express personal beliefs, even in the face of criticism and fear, and to prioritize self-acceptance over the desire to fit in. This journey emphasizes that true belonging is a spiritual practice, where individuals cultivate self-worth by believing in themselves first. As this practice develops, it encourages individuals to be both a part of something greater while also standing alone in their convictions.
The Wild Heart and Its Challenges
The wild heart embodies a spirit of courage and compassion, able to appreciate joy while remaining aware of the struggles in the world. It highlights the importance of resilience in advocating for justice and equality, while also allowing for personal moments of joy and gratitude. The wild heart also grapples with the tension between vulnerability and the need for protection, often finding itself challenged by past traumas that create barriers to openness. By fostering emotional safety and support, individuals can cultivate their wild heart and embrace the complexity of their emotions, acknowledging both pain and joy as essential to their human experience.
In this solo episode recorded on Election Day 2020, I talk directly to our wholehearted community about the practice that helps me when I’m feeling fearful, worried, or wobbly and why this work is the foundation for true belonging.