Bottle. Moxie. Bravery. Courage.
We are in a season that calls for courage. The good news is this: we are already practicing it. Y’all know I like definitions. Here are some definitions of courage:
to accept this new reality we are living into
to go to work during a pandemic
to stay home during a pandemic for the sake of public health
to extend grace one to another
to engage in honest conversations
to pause or slow down long enough to be present to one’s emotions
to act anyway, even with difficult emotions, when it is appropriate
to hear what is true, even though it is uncomfortable
to let go of the fears we think will keep us safe
to shift one’s focus away from what seems threatening
to take in the goodness and kindness and beauty that is present
to hold on to hope in the midst of uncertainty
to reach out to neighbors, family, loved ones, friends
to extend compassion to ourselves and one another
to dare to embrace joy
to create something new
The word courage comes from the French couer, meaning heart.1 David Whyte writes, “Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work; a future.”2 In this new reality of living through a pandemic, we are invited to reconnect to the heart of things. To act out of what is most true, most valuable.
We are invited to practice simple, common actions and ways of being. We are invited to act from our truest hearts. We will do this inconsistently and imperfectly. Still, I believe, we will do this, and are already do this. Though it may not feel like courage. We may feel like we are barely managing to make it through each day.
It may be true that it is “only from the outside, and only looking back, does it look like courage.”3 Do not be discouraged. If you are having trouble seeing how your own bravery, ask someone who sees you clearly. You’ve got it.
Bottle. Moxie. Bravery. Courage. Heart.
May you connect with your heart this day. May you trust that you are strong and brave and full of courage.
Rachael
1 “Courage.” Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, G.C. Merriam Company, 1972.
2 Whyte, David. Consolations. p 39.
3 Whyte, David. Consolations. p 43.