Mindfulness practice has taught me that whatever turmoil or emotional storm I’m experiencing, I can trust that eventually I will be able to weather it and start again. The more I practice, the more confident I become in my ability to experience my own vulnerability, as well as the vulnerability of others. And being accountable is an experience of intense vulnerability. When we are called out for being wrong or for hurting someone, we fear we will be deemed unloveable. But we are all worthy of love, and with accountability there is no blame. We can face the consequences of our choices or actions, of our engagement with the world, and we can grow and learn, communicate and do better. Accountability allows us to not have to hide from having done wrong, and we are then able to connect with others, and be connected with ourselves.

Three Ways to Practice Vulnerable Accountability

  1. Recognize blame for what it is. Brené Brown says that blame is just the release of discomfort and pain. Accept that accountability requires courage and time, and learn two important insights on this toxic behavior. 
  2. Let yourself feel shame. We defuse the power of difficult emotions when we explore them with mindful compassion. Get curious about the bodily sensations that arise as you lean into those emotions. And when shame rears its head, Patricia Rockman says in this guided meditation, we can learn to stay with the difficult feelings and survive them.
  3. Nourish a support network based on compassion. Start small, by inviting one or two friends to join you in practicing self-care. Once you’ve got the hang of it, widen your circle. The good news, according to Shelly Tygielski, is that we don’t have to go it alone. Our #selfcaresquad can help us stay accountable. 

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Mitch Abblett September 24, 2015

Stephanie Domet and Heather Hurlock June 2, 2020