2010 is rapidly approaching. There are only 3 more days before my year of courage begins. I've spent a lot of time over the last few weeks thinking about what courage means and how to muster it. I've read up a bit on it, and searched for its definition and origin. I've played with the word in my mind and with my voice. I do like the sound of it - it has a rich strong sound that seems to come from the back of the throat and then settle on the tip of the tongue between the teeth.
Quietly saying the word seems to bring me to my centre.
Apparently the word courage has its origins in the Latin word cor which means heart.
Thus it seems that living courageously is all about living - being, listening, choosing, doing, speaking, moving - from the heart.
Our fears exist for the most part in our heads. In situations where there is no 'clear and present danger', our imagined threats are what halt us in our tracks.
Our heads swing from yes to no and back again. Our hearts know the truth.
Our heads toss up the pros and cons. Our hearts know what needs to be done.
Our heads doubt our abilities. Our hearts trust that we have all that we need.
Our heads remind us of our past mistakes. Our hearts forgive. Over and over again.
Our heads can generate endless fears. Our hearts are a source of infinite love.
So living with fear or living with courage boils down to a simple choice between listening to the voices in our heads, or following our hearts.
Kathleen, this is beautiful writing. I think you are well on your way to finding and embracing courage and all that it encompasses.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't read it already, Stephanie Dowrick's book "Forgiveness and Other Acts of Love" has a chapter on Courage which I think you would like. It is, like all her work, profound, reassuring and inspiring.
Happy new year!
Ah, it's such an ongoing practice to get out of my head and listen to my heart. 2009 was a huge step in the right direction in my life. All the best, brightest and lovliest wishes to you in the new year!
ReplyDeletethank you green ink, and welcome to my blog :-) ..and thanks for reminding me of Stephanie Dowrick's writing - I have that book but have only dipped into it, so will dig it out today and read what she says about courage! xox
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Michelle, an ongoing practice! But one which seems to become easier once we're appoint our hearts as rulers! Everything of the best as you continue your journey in 2010, not only a new year but a new decade!
ReplyDeleteSo many times I need to follow my heart more than my mind. It's like the two arm wrestle or something!
ReplyDeleteBut I do know this: whenever I follow my heart, it is most often a very good thing.