Here's a poignant, funny TEDTalk by Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, who studies the human connection - our ability to empathize, belong, parent, lead and love.

She is the author of 'Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead' and 'The Gifts of Imperfection and I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't)'.

The two foregoing books seems fascinating to be acquired for reading and contemplation, judging by the following resonant quotes, which I just found from other people's reviews:

''Connection is why we’re here. We are hardwired to connect with others, it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.''

''The perception that vulnerability is weakness is the most widely accepted myth about vulnerability and the most dangerous.''

''Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.''

''It’s crazy how much energy we spend trying to avoid these hard topics when they’re really the only ones that can set us free.''

''Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them—we can only love others as much as we love ourselves. Shame, blame, disrespect, betrayal, and the withholding of affection damage the roots from which love grows. Love can only survive these injuries if they are acknowledged, healed, and rare.''

''I’ve come to believe that a leader is anyone who holds her- or himself accountable for finding potential in people and processes.''

''Hope is a function of struggle.''

''Who we are and how we engage with the world are much stronger predictors of how our children will do than what we know about parenting.''

I also like two searching questions attributed to her:

- How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness?

- How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognize that we are enough – that we are worthy of love, belonging, and joy?

Power of Vulnerability