collective soul

Over the past few years I've heard many people lament the death of collective movements.

Where are the marches? The protests? The sit-ins?

How are we going to create critical mass?

How are we going to make the world a better place without community action?

Last week over 100 bloggers wrote about worthiness. Thousands of women left their ideas and mantras and proclomations in the comments sections of those blogs.

These comments ranged from "I am worthy" to "My story matters because I matter." Bloggers asked their readers to reflect on everything from their favorite ordinary moments to "what makes you awesome?"

Make no mistake. This is a collective movement. It's a soulful, authentic, wholehearted sit-in. A protest cry of "I am enough!"

I'm inspired and deeply grateful.

A huge thanks to Jenny who had the idea of celebrating the new DVD with a Week of Worthiness.

And, thank you for participating, for putting yourselves out there, and for being vulnerable.

There are days when I feel empowered to lead this Wholehearted revolution and there are days when I'm slumped over on the curb eating funnel cake and watching everyone march by. The incredible thing about this community is that we are all allowed to lead, to follow, and to stop at the funnel cake stand. It's the way of our tribe.

My dear friend Katherine Center says, "You have to be brave with your life so others can be brave with theirs.”

Thank you for being brave. Your worthiness makes mine possible.

And . . . congrats to Jill, Maria, and Sayre! You won copies of the DVD.

I'll see you in the streets!

Comments

[diana willis]

Just wanted to say congrats on the new DVD this week. I read about you on ali's blog and am so happy she is connected with so many awesome people who inspire us to live an authentic life while keepin it real.

Again I wish you the best with your DVD and continued success this year.

Diana

[Terresa Wellborn]

"You have to be brave with your life so others can be brave with theirs.”

That is a beautiful quote. Thank you.

[linda]

Thanks for being brave and sharing your thoughts with us...I am still reading your book and learning so much...it's wonderful...thank you again!

[Meg]

I LOVE this, Brene ♥
You know, I think Katherine is spot on. The more of us showing courage, the more who are likely to follow. When someone beats the path before us, the way is clearer. It only takes one. Then the rest of us can the way for each other and encourage more to come along. Before we know it, yes, it's a movement.
Thank you... for everything.

[stephanie alaine]

i'm reading all about showing this kind of "togetherness courage" in Nikolas Cristof and Sheryll WuDonn's book, Half the Sky. It's amazing to read tales of how togetherness creates opportunities; how there is strength supported by sisterhood and a firm belief in our worthiness, no matter what.

thanks for starting this wave of worthiness. you are the spark!

[Deb]

How exciting to be a part of this movement. We each do our small part (or large)
in our own little groups and reach out to any women who are hungry to feel better and be their authentic selves. I have been a women's counselor for thirty years and it is so rewarding to see women beginning to say "I am enough, just the way I am"

[Sally]

It feels good to be part of something so collectively powerful - each of us beautiful waves, together - a dynamic ocean. I really enjoyed participating in your Week of Worthiness and thank you profusely for providing a space for us all to gather. (PS: You can eat MORE funnel cake when you sit straight up - slumping makes you feel full!)

[Maria]

Thank you for being brave. I am so grateful for the people in my life who, by sharing their fears AND their courage, inspire me to try to be a little more brave!

[Anne Fraley]

I'm so grateful to have been directed to your blog where I find food for a part of my soul that has been undernourished. It's so important to be reminded that the community is indeed present, even if silent, or without names or faces we each know. We all take turns rallying the necessary cry of the spirit, while at times we rest our voices. But we all have voices, and there is a place for each voice to be heard. Thank you for this channel to rally together.

[Jill]

I won a DVD! Unfortunately, my email was spelled wrong. The one in this comment is accurate.

[Adelle @ ready...GO!...get set]

My girlfriends and I call this the "You don't stink!" movement!

So happy to have found your blog...looking forward to more posts!

[Danielle]

Thanks for being brave.

[Renee Lerner]

In order to make the world a better place for all we must BECOME WHAT WE WANT THE WORLD TO BE. Thank you for this blog, it's amazing the work that you are doing.

[Carolyn]

I happened on to your site today....Where the heck have I been. I am ordering your DVD and I can't wait to read your books.. I'm 59 1/2 and damn I'm worthy, I can wait for some tips on how to start living like that now! You are awesome! Here Here, cheers, to all the women and men who perpetuate this thought, I am worthy!

[Sylvia V]

Hi Brene and other Bravehearts,

LOL about sitting down and eating the funnel cake - what could be more comforting?

But truly, congrats on this genuine and growing movement towards authenticity. As somebody who has felt the need for this type of soul-baring and honest sharing for a long time, I rejoice in all that it is generating.. so very .real indeed!

[linden]

I love collective soul! We are all traveling this journey collectively whether or not we are attuned to it. Collectives are where we can make things happen. It's a great experiment to try to set things up in our lives collectively with others...everyone has a say, consensus process, putting something together where it all "works collectively". I am loving your writings. I stumbled across you somehow. My blog tagline says..."creating an auththentic life"...so, it's cool to find your work & ideas! I'm looking forward to participating in your collective soul work and excited to meet some fellow journey souls.
wellness~

[Sarah]

I'm very happy to have found your blog! I've been having a good look round and found your article on shame. I agree with you completely - when I realised in therapy how thoroughly shaming has crippled me in so many ways I began an informal research project -suffice it to say, like you I believe that many problems in our societies are caused by EXCESSIVE shaming - more of it does no one any good. How can you treat another with empathy and respect when deep down you believe you are a flawed, defective human being? Not to mention the angerwhich people feel when they are shamed. I'm applauding you loudly from England.

[mary jane]

thank you for putting out the call to pens and thoughts - it was so meaningful to participate... i had posted about the topic once before, but it is so sorely needed... this wonderful community is both empowering and therapeutic... and it so very alive and interactive... i am so grateful to be a part of it...

[Cheryl Mattis]

I just watched your DVD this evening, oh my.....I absolutely can not wait to share this with my best "help me move a body" friends. Thank you for sharing your amazing work.
Cheryl

[krys]

I just got home from the gym to find thay my copy of the DVD has arrived. Yay! Once that laundry goes in, I'm turning it on. :) Thanks, Brené.

[Davielle]

Brene, I got my DVD in the mail today! I can hardly wait to view it - I'm taking it on an out-of-town trip with my husband, Mark, because I just read Kelly Rae's post about her experience it with John ... and I figure, WHY NOT? We absolutely "should" view this together - after 17 years of togetherness, including our almost-11 as husband and wife, WHY NOT? I am so excited ... can't wait for your book, too, by the way. Love and Gratitude to you, Brene. -- Davielle in California

[Cathy Elaine]

This brings geese to mind, which take turns flying the point position in formation so no one gets too weary.

We're definitely getting there together. It is just that change is happening in a quieter, but no less powerful, fashion now.

The shouting, attention-getting, marching, in-your-face methods seem to have been needful to get the ball rolling. People were much less connected then. But now there is enough momentum that gentle shoves seem to be enough to keep evolution moving and on track.

At least, that's the way I see it.

[soraya nulliah]

THanks Brene-for inviting us to be a part of the collective. it was difficult for me to think about the topic of worthiness-but so much came out of it! Thanks for being vulnerable and daring and allowing us to do the same!

[Cathy {Tinniegirl}]

I love this post. It's so true, we are definitely a collective, and I love the idea that we all have an opportunity to lead, follow, rest.

Can't wait to check out the DVD.