Courage - What is its greatest challenge?

Courage is seen as an attribute of good character and is respected. We equate it to a mighty warrior or someone who goes to battle. Yet courage is not just about physical bravery. Courage also means the ability to speak out against injustice, to take risks in the face of adversity, to open yourself to life's vulnerabilities, and to believe in your convictions even when met with mockery and contempt. Nothing in life is ever accomplished without a dose of courage. That’s because courage is the engine of ingenuity. Attempt something new and above the mediocracy of everyday life, and you will be met with opposition, criticism, and ridicule. Rise above this, soldier onward, and you will discover the treasure of courage. It takes courage to forgive, to be humble, and to be respectful and compassionate in a world that equates courage with brute force and domination. It takes courage to speak your mind and be true to yourself when faced with conformity. It takes courage to love and be open to vulnerability. Courage, therefore, is the ability to remain strong within yourself even when the outside world is nebulous and moving. But the greatest challenge of courage is to overcome dis-couragement. Courage is the only antidote for failure and disappointment. To develop the capacity to endure suffering and hardships requires both faith and courage. END: It takes courage to forgive, to be humble, and to be respectful and compassionate in a world that equates courage with brute force and domination. It takes courage to speak your mind and be true to yourself when faced with conformity. It takes courage to love and be open to vulnerability. Nothing in life is accomplished without a dose of courage. It is truly a great gift when used to overcome failure and combat fear. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Our fiercest enemy is the ego. It is a mighty force and not easy to control. That is because it takes courage to look within and find the strength to successfully manage the challenges of life. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender to your soul. Courage requires nothing more than letting go of fear while holding on to unfathomable, unshakable faith and believing in yourself. Remove fear, and the warrior within you will stand courageous rather than as a hapless victim. Thus, the warrior with courage conquers all. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the conquest of it. WILLIAM DANFORTH (1870-1955) Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn