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Why the word vulnerability, has us feeling so damn vulnerable
What comes to mind, when you hear the word vulnerable?
Perhaps you envision a group of people sitting in a circle, sharing their deepest, darkest secrets. Been there, done that — a lot of times.
Or, do you equate it with weakness, a failing on your part to hold up a stoic state? Even talking about the word vulnerability makes many people squirm. But why?
Humans are innately designed to be predators.
I know that doesn’t really resonate with you as a sensitive person, but I’m referring to our base instincts.
We are the hunters, the ones who went out into the wilderness to find food. Our forward facing eyes perfectly designed to scan the environment for resources we can acquisition to be safe, healthy and fulfilled.
Our constant search to meet Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.
The human predator narrative has taken many turns throughout history, including many unfortunate times we’ve chose to prey upon each other. This can happen both at the individual and collective level.
Being a predator species can put us in a competitive struggle for strength and power. Any sign of vulnerability sets up a powerful trigger within that screams, show no weakness!