Emotional Outsourcing & Dependence
Learn why relying on others for emotional stability backfires.
When Vulnerability Feels Exposed
Vulnerability opens something.
Air moves through where walls once held steady.
You notice how being seen brings both freshness and unease.
Nothing is wrong with this exposure.
It does not mean you misjudged or gave too much.
It means something inside is now uncovered, receiving light and temperature at the same time.
Name exposure with DojoWell.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does being vulnerable feel like being "exposed"?
Exposure is the sensation of the Narrative & Identity system losing its protective "buffer." In this model, vulnerability is an open loop with no guaranteed safety signal. You feel "exposed" because your system has suspended its usual defenses to allow for potential integration. Naming this "felt exposure" validates the biological risk your system is taking, allowing you to witness the discomfort as a structural state rather than a sign of weakness.
How do I manage the feeling of being exposed?
You ground yourself in the physical present. While the Narrative system feels "exposed," the physical body remains structurally intact. By naming the exposure, you create a "dual-awareness" that prevents the Threat system from panic-closing the loop prematurely. This allows you to hold the space for vulnerability without the system collapsing into a total defense response, eventually allowing the experience to land and integrate.