[Brookfield Place Location] Discussion: Resilience vs. Vulnerability

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We're testing a new location for this event. We'll gather outside the Amazon Go store on the second floor of Brookfield Place. The space is overlooking the Winter Garden and it is on the opposite side of the Hudson Eats food court. There are large circular stairs and two escalators heading up to the second floor.

Resilience vs. Vulnerability looks at two sides of how we navigate life’s challenges. Resilience is our capacity to adapt, recover, and stay strong when difficulties arise—it’s the toughness that helps us keep moving forward. Vulnerability, in contrast, is about openness, honesty, and the courage to let ourselves be seen, even when it feels risky. While resilience helps us endure, vulnerability allows us to connect and grow. Together, they can create a balance—strength with authenticity, toughness with tenderness. In this discussion, we’ll explore how resilience and vulnerability interact, and what each reveals about how we relate to ourselves and others.

1. How do you personally define resilience and vulnerability?
2. Can you share a time when resilience helped you overcome a challenge?
3. What role has vulnerability played in deepening your relationships?
4. Do you see resilience and vulnerability as opposites, or can they work together?
5. How does fear influence your willingness to be vulnerable?
6. What are some misconceptions people have about resilience or vulnerability?
7. How can showing vulnerability be a form of strength?
8. Have you ever experienced a moment where resilience and vulnerability were both required?
9. How does culture or upbringing affect the way we view resilience and vulnerability?
10. Can too much resilience make it harder to connect with others authentically?
11. What practices help you balance being resilient with allowing yourself to be vulnerable?

These are just some of the questions we will discuss during our meetup. No preparation needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to listen and share your thoughts.

The meetup will be structured in a way to promote small group discussion so everyone has a chance to listen, be heard, and really dive into the discussion.

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Due to the increased group size, we're making a few changes to how our discussions will be structured.

We'll arrange tables of 6 participants each, without a moderator. When you arrive, please gather at the front near the escalator. Once enough people are assembled, I'll escort each group of 6 to their table to begin the discussion, and continue doing this as more participants arrive.

Each table will receive a sheet containing the topic description and discussion questions. Feel free to take a photo or refer to the event page to have your own copy handy.

The official event time is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, but some of us stay longer, transitioning into informal conversations beyond the topic. You're welcome to join any other ongoing discussions once your initial group wraps up and members start leaving.

Please do not go directly to a table upon arrival; instead, wait at the front area by the stairs. This approach will help us manage seating smoothly and ensure everyone enjoys an organized and engaging discussion experience.

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