For many, shame can be paralyzing, and moments of extreme stress or crisis can bring shame rushing to the surface. We need to remember that it's unrealistic to expect ourselves to be perfect, even in the best circumstance. In this time of collective crisis, revisit the basics of shame: what it is, why it hurts, and what to do about it. For help, we turn to shame expert Brené Brown, and her book The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are.