Category Archives: Courage

Under the Cherry Blossoms

It was a fresh spring day 2020 when I read the sign on the garden gate that said “temporarily closed” due to COVID-19. The benches outside the garden had been taken away to encourage social distancing. It was the beginning of something that no one was able to define or categorize. We were heading intoContinue reading “Under the Cherry Blossoms”

A Ship Is Safe

 A ship is safe  in harbour, but that’s not what ships are for.” William G.T. Shedd It is easy to talk about courage when the sun is shining and you are surrounded by a support network that strengthens your resolve.  In fact, courage is often masked by “group think.”  We feel security within community.  AtContinue reading “A Ship Is Safe”

The Man in the Arena

A dialogue on courage would be incomplete without Teddy Roosevelt’s “The Man in the Arena.”  On April 23, 1910, Teddy Roosevelt gave a speech entitled, “Citizenship in a Republic,” at the Sorbonne, Paris. Thirty-five pages long, the unforgettable passage is found on the seventh page. Many years later, Nelson Mandela gave a copy of thisContinue reading “The Man in the Arena”

Creative Courage

A single feat of daring can alter the whole conception of what is possible.” Graham Greene, The Heart of the Matter The year was 1874.  The art world would witness the first independent presentation of Impressionist art. If only we had a time machine to take us back, we would be in the presence of Cézanne,Continue reading “Creative Courage”

Courage in a Tribe

“There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Traditional societies are generally divided into communities linked by social, economic, religious or blood tied.   We like toContinue reading “Courage in a Tribe”

Without Fear

Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway.” John Wayne Without fear, courage is meaningless. When we or, someone we love, is in danger or in pain, when our way of life is threatened, or when we experience loss and suffering, that is the moment everything changes.  There is an immediate awareness that theContinue reading “Without Fear”