So, let's unpack “vulnerability”. It belongs naturally to all living beings on this planet and at its most basic it can be defined as feeling receptive to harm and pain.

In respect of the physical body. I feel most vulnerable when I am at risk of being physically attacked which can ultimately leave us feeling undefended, unable or unwilling to defend ourselves. We are all susceptible to risk, injury and ultimately dying so "to be vulnerable is to be human". It is inherent to life and a core condition of being alive, "to be vulnerable is to be alive".

Feeling emotionally vulnerable happens mainly after a feeling of risk, perceived threat, or attack. For me, I call it an emotional experience which generally occurs when I am indirectly or directly aware of being in a vulnerable position or condition.

This experience can illicit physical pain or incapacity. We  have all heard or used statements such as "I was in shock when I heard them say that", "My jaw was on the ground" or "I was left speechless". Normally these expereinces are accompanied by  uncomfrotable feelings of hurt, helplessness, failure, intimidation and  feeling lost, uncertain, judged, rejected,  foolish, clumsy, just to name a few.

As we are interactive social beings we will encounter these expereinces from day to day, it is all part of being human.

When this experience occurs it can feel so unpleasant that we may be compelled to distract or find ways to numb ourselves.  When I can become more comfortable with being vulnerable and allowing myself to feel uncomfortable in these life situations,  I am less reactive, irritated, controlling, embarrassed  and  more calm, open, understanding and less judgemental.