Principles: Courage

The following cards (#13-30) are additional spiritual principles and practices that can be essential in recovery.

Petunia growing up through a crack in concrete

          Fear can arise when we face loss, opposition or physical injury/death. Courage can be an anchor when anxiety tries to override our ability to take prudent action. But how do we find inner strength when it feels as if we have none? First, consider whether assumptions or expectations that have no concrete basis are creating unnecessary worry. Sort out the factual evidence from fiction. Second, examine the motivation behind the intended action. Is its importance greater and more far-reaching than what underlies the fear? What are the costs of inaction versus the benefits of action? Third, ask trusted friends and advisors for their support. It is likely they have stories of how they overcame challenges that could be an inspiration. Finally, commit to taking a small step toward your goal. Sometimes just showing up can be a good start. Each time we are willing to confront uncertainty, risk or suffering by acting with purpose, we develop courage and plant seeds for courageous action in the future.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.

~ James Niel Hollingworth

For more information on courage, see this post.