What is courage, really?

Lately I’ve found myself curious over conversations about courage: the lack of - developing the muscle of - mustering up enough….

When people say that they lack the courage to… then one would have to strongly consider that getting some would be the means to a desired end.

But is it?

I continue to get clearer on the spiritual truth that the ways and means to everything we will ever need rests within.  Quite simply, we are enough.  We are designed with ultimate intelligence and the ability to thrive.  And if we are not experiencing that, it isn’t that these qualities do not exist or that they are reserved for an elite few, it’s that you and I are not using them to their greater potential.

Feeling the need for courage fosters a belief that on some fundamental level, we’re not enough or that we don’t have what it takes.

You need courage to walk into that interview?  No, you need to know that you are enough.

You need courage to stand up for yourself in a family or work situation?  No, you need to remember that you are enough and that the greater truth will always rise to the top.  Your only job is to remain true to your integrity.

You need courage to face a diagnosis?  No, you need to remember that you are enough.  There is an intelligence inside you that welcomes recognition.  There is a beauty inside you that welcomes recognition.  There is a divine order inside you that welcomes recognition.  Recognize it now.

You need courage to face the aftermath of a natural disaster? No, you have an opportunity to remember that even in the midst of apparent chaos, there is an undeniable order that looks forward to displaying itself in the days, months and years to come.  You are divinely cared for.

Well, then I need courage to know that I am enough.  No, you are enough period.

You see, the quest for courage feels comparative to a quest for a band-aid for the wound of our illusional thinking.  The wound is only as real as we give it power to be. Stop the perception that you are damaged or lacking and the need to fix those defects also stops.  It’s illusions that we buy into - the “not-enoughness” - that makes a market for the buying and selling of courage.

The more credence we give these illusions of dualism, the more important that commodity of courage seems to be.

Disassociate from the fear of not being enough and you can kiss the need for a quest for courage goodbye.

It’s time to wake up.

Wake up to the truth that the qualities of God are our qualities because we are made in the likeness and image of that which is the Creator - Infinite Intelligence.  Just as a single drop of ocean water possesses all the same elements and properties that are found in the ocean as a whole, so, too, do you and I possess all the perfection of that which created worlds.

Yes, we carry around that much potential.  We are a part of the One Mind.

Feeling this need to go after courage means that we have fallen asleep to the reality of who we are.

Do you think that Spirit, God, Infinite Intelligence ever feels the need for more courage? Of course not.  That divine energy is unfailingly aware of its abilities.

My home was recently broken into and laptops and jewelry were taken.  There was also minor property damage and a couple of really scared golden retrievers left in the wake of the intrusion.

Initially I was stunned.  This was my first experience of being robbed and I could not seem to shake the feeling of being violated - my sanctuary spoiled.  Others in my household were also visibly shaken.  And so this scenario seems like the perfect launch for all of us to gather up our courage and move forward.   No, it’s an opportunity to remember that we are enough - we are divinely protected regarding the things that are of real importance and that nothing of spiritual value can ever be taken away by another.

What each one in my family is given the opportunity to remember is that the items taken are stuff.  “Stuff” can be replaced.  Insurance forms can be filled out.  Upgrades in our home can be made.  What was not and can never be taken is our ability to think.  I started reciting one of my favorite affirmations, “This too is good. This too is of God.  And I demand to see the blessing in it.”

The blessings are showing up and in the days that unfold, I continue to have the choice to remember that since it is all God, that something spectacular is wanting to enter our lives if we but allow it.  Getting caught up in the story and attempting to muster up courage to move forward only stalls the flow of the wonderful revelations that this event has to offer.

As Christopher Robin said to Pooh, “Promise me you’ll always remember:  You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”

Yes - always remember that.

Self Doubt – I tell you good-bye. I know that your presence within me has caused my intuition to have to sleep on the couch. Doesn’t work anymore. Intuition is moving into the suite in which you somehow were mistakenly assigned. I need you to pack your things now and leave. Be sure and take every shred of second guessing with you cause we won’t be using it.

Lack – I know you’ve held one of the prime rooms with a view in my world but we are now in the process of extensively remodeling and your beliefs no longer fit into the new décor. I have to let you go. Resilience, unlimited possibility and the experience of thriving have all teamed up to do my Extreme Soul Makeover. On your way out, please don’t forget to take any and all unworthiness with you because it doesn’t go with any of the new choices.

Blame – Gosh, it’s been fun not taking responsibility and all but you know, that is just so last paradigm. I’ve really discovered that the light in others and in the world does exist. It’s just that with you, the drapes were always drawn. Personal responsibility and owning my projections have given me the vitality I had as a child. I really need room for them to grow now and get reacquainted with their original surroundings. Part of me would like to keep in touch but I feel it’s best to make a clean break. Ciao.

Illness – You’ve been so faithful, showing up season after season – the only one who could really get me to stop. But now, I think I’ve found a better companion to spend my time with – Balance. I adore the permission you gave me to slow down - but I’m ready to try it without all the congestion, diagnosis and emotional despair. I believe Balance is healthier for me and I feel like I’m ready for a long term commitment.

Disappointment – Ah, you and I, well, we’ve certainly been around and back. You were the one who tried to first protect me from how awful the world can be and how undependable people are. It was you who sat while I had my first good cry. Yet, I have to say, I’m just not feeling it anymore with you. Since you pal around with Blame and Self Doubt so much, I don’t see how we can continue seeing each other. How do I know you won’t try to bring them along? Besides, I hear there’s a new world out there – one that gives you what you focus on and I’d like to go exploring with a new friend named Fulfillment. Auf Wiedersehen.

Shame – What are you doing here? I told you to get out years ago. Well, aren’t you the sneaky little devil. Security!!!!

Resentment – Gosh, can I be honest? You have GOT to go on a diet. You are simply too heavy for me to tote around – especially when you want to hang out in my heart. I’m impressed by all the names, dates and events that you have meticulously catalogued inside of you but it’s simply getting to be too much. I hear Forgiveness is in – light, breezy, almost Zen-like and it just seems to appeal more to my new found sensibilities.

Despair – We’re sorry. You have reached an attitude that is no longer in service. Please check the owner of the attitude and try again. We’re sorry. You have reached an attitude that is no longer in service. Please check the owner of the attitude and try again. We’re sorry…..

© 2006  Rev. David Ault