
Braving the Wilderness |
by Brene Brown
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"True belonging doesn't require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are." Social scientist Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives-experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. With her trademark mix of research, storytelling, and honesty, Brown will again change the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging. Brown argues that we're experiencing a spiritual crisis of disconnection, and introduces four practices of true belonging that challenge everything we believe about ourselves and each other. She writes, "True belonging requires us to believe in and belong to ourselves so fully that we can find sacredness both in being a part of something and in standing alone when necessary. But in a culture that's rife with perfectionism and pleasing, and with the erosion of civility, it's easy to stay quiet, hide in our ideological bunkers, or fit in rather than show up as our true selves and brave the wilderness of uncertainty and criticism. But true belonging is not something we negotiate or accomplish with others; it's a daily practice that demands integrity and authenticity. It's a personal commitment that we carry in our hearts." Brown offers us the clarity and courage we need to find our way back to ourselves and to each other. And that path cuts right through the wilderness. Brown writes, "The wilderness is an untamed, unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking, a place as sought after as it is feared. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging, and it's the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand." |
This is my first Brene Brown book, but after listening to this on audio, I will be downloading more! When a book makes me reevaluate and contemplate my behavior and thoughts or when I can't stop thinking about it, I need to share the love! Braving the Wilderness is an excellent and timely book. In today's landscape, we are bombarded with mixed messages, and it can be hard to sift through them all, but the words sent by Brown are clear and decisive.
Sometimes it hard to remember that everyone struggles with something and no one's life is perfect even though it may appear that way. Braving the Wilderness reminds us to be true to ourselves, to be brave even if you have to stand alone with your beliefs. My favorite takeaway is when Brown tells us to "Stop looking for reasons you don't fit in." It reminded me of the advice my grandmother would tell me "If you look for trouble, you'll find it." Wise words. Brown gives us all a reminder to stay true to ourselves and listen to our inner voice. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author, and it would make an excellent Book Club choice. |
Discussion Questions |
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