We’re still in the thick of this thing, yet there is movement to start opening society up again. So there will come a time soon when we will start venturing out more, and each trip to the bookstore or walk through the park will require a summoning of courage. But what is bravery exactly and how to we foster it? How do we know what is a courageous act versus a foolish one? And what do we do when we feel our courage wavering?
The common definition for bravery or courage you hear most often is the one from Franklin Roosevelt, “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” This is a beautiful and admirable definition. Just because you have the sensation of fear around an act, it does not necessarily mean it’s the wrong way to go. Fear is our body’s way of telling us to pay attention, and sometimes, that means to stop and avoid a course of action. It is often also our reaction to the unknown, which in many ways is the safest place to be because it is where we are most creative and adaptable.
How do we know when we’re being brave or foolish?
Bravery is taking a moment when fear comes up to know the difference between when our inner voice is telling us to hold back and when to move forward. Foolishness is acting in ignorance. It’s moving forward without connection to one’s inner guidance…
