As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, I too rarely read lay literature. But there have been several recent pulls to have a look at the work by Brene Brown, including a recommendation from author Eliot Peper. Peper tends to write in near-future scenarios. I’ve read all of his ten books and enjoyed this ride. He also writes a blog that I follow. I recommend that you google him and take a look at his blog. It was in his blog that he strongly recommended Brene Brown’s audiobook, The Power of Vulnerability.
I think most readers may be more familiar with Brown’s body of work than me, and I feel enlightened by having done this listening. As a researcher into such topics, she covers a wide band of information about the psychological issues that are faced by people in this American society. Rather than choosing a specific topic, I’ll say that anyone who reads this particular book can’t help but take on another serious self-appraisal. She cleverly demonstrates her own vulnerability in a way that is disarming and engaging, thereby encouraging the reader to take some changes.
Two brief quotes about topics I’ve thought a lot about:
“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.”
“Faith is a place of mystery where we find the courage to believe in what we cannot see.”
I think the definition is the clearest and cleanest such definition that I’ve seen. I continue to struggle with the word “faith” and I’m reserving the right to think about that for a while longer.
Much to my wife’s delight (who was already very familiar with Brown’s work), when she asked me what I thought about the book, I said I’m ready to dance. It’s been since my mid high school years that I’ve had a phobia about dancing, an activity that brings my wife great joy. She was thrilled to hear that I’m willing to give that a go. I’ll write to Dr. Brown to let her know how this works. But her point is that life is short and there are lots of ways to feel pleasures in life that we may be afraid to partake in. It’s time to test my boundaries in that regard. However, my wife’s next comment was that she now hopes I’ll join her in her shopping activities – but of course there’s a limit to how much Dr. Brown can do and I doubt that I’ll ever find enjoyment in shopping.
West Coast Don
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