Got Courage?

What images come to mind when you think of courage? Do you find images of real or fictional heroes and heroines tumbling into your mind?

Can you remember times in your own life when you’ve found an inner strength or drive that perhaps you never knew you had?

Jungian Psychology, Mythology, classic fairy tales and myths from many cultures all suggest that we are each on a hero/ine’s journey in our own lives. These sources all speak of the human drama, central human dilemmas and of long journeys in search of truth, treasure’, and freedom. They also speak quite clearly of the challenges along the way. Our lives may seem less adventuresome in contrast with these stories or with real life legends. On closer inspection though, aren’t our lives filled with drama, intense emotion, seemingly impossible tests and spine tingling cliff hangers as we hang out in the not knowing zone’? It does seem that we could consider the notion that just living life requires enormous courage!

It takes courage to face ourselves, let ourselves be wrong, inspect our beliefs and to change. But by having the courage to do so, we free ourselves to live with less stress–from a place of deep inner freedom. This helps us to build an inner resiliency and connection with our authentic selves that nourishes and enlivens us from a deep internal core. That result is something that will never leave, fade with age or disappear when the markets crash!