Keywords: Trauma and Recovery.
I explored with Jan Hutchins our relationship to vulnerability and how it is impacted when that vulnerability isn't honored.
Trauma and Recovery: The Necessity of Boundaries
Vulnerability, when we have been hurt, is perceived as something to be averted or seen as weak and out of that avoidance of the state of vulnerability, we start building a defending character structure around it.
In the process, though, we lose a part of ourselves and our available energy. It might get covered by ambition to prove to oneself one is capable, by seeking prestige and self-confirmation. The problem is, on a deeper level, it is still built upon that part of oneself that is hurt.
Once that hurt is directly addressed and healed one might become aware that vulnerability has some healthy attributes that can help create opportunities, creativity, and connection.