A Conversation on Vulnerability — The Strength of Letting Go

Listen to this episode from Deep Spirituality on Spotify. In this episode, we explore how vulnerability might be the key to unlocking deeper relationships, inner peace, and even spiritual growth.Through personal stories and insights from science, psychology, and the Bible, our host, Russ Ewell, along with his guests, Dr. David Traver and Dr. Gary Ruelas, discuss how embracing our emotional limits can actually lead to strength. You’ll hear how letting go of control can relieve anxiety, how spiritual honesty can fuel personal growth, and why vulnerability might just be the most courageous thing we can do.Listen now and rediscover the strength in surrender.► SUBSCRIBE: ⁠https://youtube.com/deepspirituality/?sub_confirmation=1⁠Scriptures:2 Corinthians 6:11-13 TPTLuke 18:16 NLTMark 14:36 GWJohn 15:1-2 NIVEcclesiastes 11:2,5-6 NLTJohn 8:31-32 NIVGalatians 5:19-21 NLT1 Timothy 1:16 NIrV1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV2 Corinthians 12:9 NIVJames 5:16 NIVPsalm 42:1,11 NIVPsalm 90:14 NIVJohn 14:6 NLTHebrews 12:2 NIVJohn 18:38 NLTJohn 17:17 NIVMark 10:21 NIVPsalm 139:11-12 NIVChapters:00:00 Intro02:12 Podcast direction & topic04:07 Scripture & the big question05:32 Gary — Vulnerability & spiritual union07:45 Mind, self & presence09:11 No‑mind (mushin) & the vine metaphor12:25 Dave — Autonomy, anxiety & belonging19:10 Contact vs true connection21:07 Healing requires vulnerability23:17 Biological drive to connect & love26:07 DSM, labels & disconnection29:41 Integrating psychology, psychiatry & faith33:13 Facing hard truths for freedom35:37 Courage, control & showing up39:03 Surrender, God‑first approach to healing48:39 Vulnerability, sin & church relevance54:07 Health costs of suppression56:28 Letting go — East/West perspectives63:02 Parenting, boundaries & connection65:25 Control vs vulnerability (Brené Brown)73:59 Soul‑to‑soul connection (Oprah quote)82:16 Jesus’ prayer for unity & closing reflections93:24 Outro & final scripture