Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice

By: Brené Brown PhD LMSW

Narrated by: Brené Brown PhD LMSW

Spirituality—How It Makes Us Stronger

With her previous bestsellers, Dr. Brené Brown helped us realize that vulnerability is the birthplace for trust, courage, joy, creativity, and love. Yet a willingness to be vulnerable means accepting that life will sometimes knock us down. Where do we find the strength to get back up? In her research on resilient people, Brené discovered a key factor. “Without exception,” she says, “the concept of spirituality emerged from the data as a critical component of resilience and overcoming struggle.” On Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice, Brené offers an in-depth exploration of this key aspect of wholehearted living, including:

• The spiritual dimension of the Rising Strong process: the Reckoning, the Rumble, and the Revolution
• A sense of belonging—how spirituality encourages us to be ourselves instead of trying to change in order to fit in
• Why the sense of perspective provided by a spiritual practice helps us find meaning and purpose
• “Are we doing the best we can?”—How faith in humanity can help us become more compassionate and less judgmental
• Why the spiritual understanding of death and rebirth are invaluable in the process of forgiveness

On Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice, Brené defines spirituality as something not reliant on religion, theology, or dogma—rather, it is a belief in our interconnectedness and in a loving force greater than ourselves. Whether you access the sacred through traditional worship, solitary meditation, communion with nature, or creative pursuits, one thing is clear: cultivating your own approach to spirituality gives you an irreplaceable resource to help you persevere through hard times and arise stronger and wiser than before.

Great Supplement to Brene's Books!

I was hesitant to purchase this. I've read all of Brene's books, watched all the videos, and even taken some of her classes - how could this possibly include anything new? However, this ended up being a great purchase. Some of the stories are ones she's told elsewhere but this gave a unique, additional perspective and deep dive into the spirituality of her research and practices. It had me captivated and emotional throughout. Personally, I wish this was more specific to Christianity. Instead, it's more generalized. But it still hit on many points that were close to home.

If you're new to Brene Brown, I'd recommend you start with one of her books (hard copy of Gifts of Imperfection - not the audiobook recording - or one of her more recent ones narrated by herself); but if you're an existing fan, I'd definitely recommend this as a supplement to her books. It was worth the credit!

My skepticism gladly meets Brene's Brilliance!

What did you love best about Rising Strong as a Spiritual Practice?

The best part for me was where Brene talks about the process of journaling and writing and how that and other creative hands work is what connects head and heart, and also what gives us a new way of looking at the world, as opposed to constantly seeing a shitty first draft!

What did you like best about this story?

I love Brene's Ellen stories. Her daughter seems seriously equipped at managing life with a high strung type A type person. I love how Brene paints herself kind of neurotic, yet is still so loved.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Spiritual in only the best of ways.

Any additional comments?

I would love to see more on the youngest children as being inclined towards resilience (maybe we learn from mistakes of older siblings?)

Life altering for me right now.

In the midst of reckoning and rumbling with a separation from my husband while in graduate school... to become a therapist. Can you say "shame trigger?" Thank you Brene for putting words on the incredibly difficult process of Rising Strong through this experience. It is has provided the necessary scaffolding from which to make the best use of time in therapy. Slowly but surely rising strong.

Hitting the core

Life changing and very enjoyable! Every time I listen to it I learn something new.

brene teaches true

I have listened to this several times. overtime, as needed! Each time a renewal, thank you.