Doing so can have enormous benefits. Allowing myself to feel my feelings, and not stuff them, allows me to truly grow up. Initially, of course, we want to be very selective in choosing with whom we share our feelings. As time goes on and our spiritual growth progresses, many of us find that we gradually become freer to share with more people. The Twelve Step process has been very effective in helping me to open up.
Vulnerability is expressed progressively on three different levels.
Woven through these levels, there continues to be the need for discernment of the level of vulnerability to share with different individuals. It is easiest to decide we will not be vulnerable with anyone. It will be most beneficial, however, to gradually risk being more vulnerable with more people. The first phase of vulnerability is characterized by the realization and admission to ourselves that we do have weaknesses. Most people can realize this phase of being vulnerable with self, at least somewhat.