Vulnerability, Covid-19, and other things...

by Martina Vuk

The psycho-sociological exposure of vulnerability realized in periods of uncertainty often leads one to discover that, as individuals, we are vulnerable. The elusive feeling of being vulnerable frightens and upsets us, yet it also leads us towards the wonder of inner selves. There are thoughts of realizing that vulnerability can bring something beneficial to ourselves and others. For instance being aware of vulnerability exposes our creaturely-given nature in its capacity for human strength. On the other hand, it reveals human interrelatedness and interdependent nature which leads towards the realization that, as individuals, we are dependent upon one another as well as upon the Creator.

In this challenging and uncertain Covid - 19 pandemic, vulnerability is not only something broadly discussed, but the time of pandemic is itself marked by a crisis of increased vulnerability. Many who have been infected with the virus know that Covid-19 is impossible to avoid. They also know that, existentially, the vulnerability is what makes us dependent upon other humans as suddenly the occurrence of fears, feelings of loneliness, nervousness, frustrations were impossible to avoid. Paradoxically, however, these situations have resulted in experiences of gratitude such as being thankful for life, air, sun, another person, or a job, or sadly have deepen the injury due to lost and illness.

"We could say that everything happens for a reason … and the reason here is becoming aware of one´s vulnerability, which eventually isn’t really that bad."

Evident from a previous experiences as well as the pandemic, vulnerability has negative consequences when putted on a stand by; it is a positive experience when is approached with acceptance. Does the virus want to bring us back to ourselves or confront us with the fact that we are simply all vulnerable human beings and as such we can become infected, fragile, sick, hurt ?

What can one eventually learn about vulnerability? Do we learn how to valorize it, understand it, "get closer" to it, or something else? I believe that wounds are inevitable; sometimes they leave long-term scratches; sometimes a short-term consequences. But wounds are not someone's shame. Nor are they marks to ridicule or stigmatize others. In fact, wounds are not ones’ identification numbers, nor should anyone point to them as a reason for avoiding the encounter with vulnerability. Wounds are neither a means for manipulating others nor are they a sentimentalized feelings to avoid responsibility.

Only the encounter of a sincere gaze that springs from one to another can reveal the truth; only open wounds and an honest encounter with those wounds can bring freedom and accelerate the personal growth. Such recognition encourages the need for others, the communication of openness, the need to belong, the desire for a relationship, and finally the embrace.