Timely question indeed! Following a recent revelation of sickness and addiction with a loved one, the seeds of self doubt appeared as I questioned my blindness to the situation. In the midst of processing through this heartbreaking challenge I have been participating in a small group class on examining shame and vulnerability and how it relates to compassion and empathy. I have learned how easily it is for me to armour up when feeling a sense of “I’m not enough”, and I’m slowly beginning to bring moment awareness to this in my daily living. This is helping me practice self compassion, along with developing tools for social experiences to use when I feel vulnerable as well as interacting with others with an attitude of empathy and compassion. The shame component of vulnerability is an area that typically our human nature attempts to avoid. Opening personally to beginning to understand the role of shame in my life has offered new light to my being. I have found compassionate courage to face the challenges of this turning point in my life. All that said examining our vulnerabilities is not an easy task. I believe group study and practice is essential to discovering these self truths and the freedom that finds presence within when we do. Thank you for this question!