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Dr. Brené Brown’s groundbreaking research on vulnerability, shame, and resilience highlights a critical truth: we cannot selectively numb emotions. When we suppress difficult feelings like grief, sadness, or fear, we also dull our capacity to feel joy, love, and gratitude.
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This concept is central to her work on wholehearted living, particularly in her best-selling book The Gifts of Imperfection and her widely viewed TED Talk The Power of Vulnerability.
Brown, Brené. The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Center City, MN: Hazelden Publishing, 2010.
Brown, Brené. The Power of Vulnerability [Video]. TED Conferences, 2010. https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o
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When we avoid the painful emotions of grief, we unintentionally shut down our capacity for joy, love, and connection. Brown’s research is widely cited across psychology, trauma healing, and emotional wellness fields as a powerful reminder that emotional avoidance may protect us from short-term discomfort—but at the cost of long-term connection, joy, and healing.
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BACK TO 2 • Why the World Avoids Grief—And Why Embracing It Is Key to Our Well-Being
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BACK TO The Blue Healer Resource Library
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