Holding Courage in Both Hands.

In his foreword to Courage in Both Hands, a collection of stories about non-violent heroes, Allan Hunter wrote:

“The highest and most important thing in us and in those we oppose is the capacity to see goodness and become part of it.”

He was speaking to the inherent generosity of the human spirit; that which has the capacity to transcend the limits of circumstance. It deepens our awareness to social injustices and suffering; urging us to take action even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.

It is this generosity of spirit which connects us, carrying forward understanding in the place of fear.
And yet, when faced with difficult situations, we instinctively react to the emotion of ‘past’ – past burden, past insecurity, and past pain.

It’s all this past which pulls us from the presence of ‘now’ – stealing away the one chance we may have to heal.

The Buddha once offered, “Greater in battle than the man who would conquer a thousand-thousand men, is he who would conquer just one—himself.” It’s the dilemma we face each and everyday, whether to respond in kind with like energy – or, rather to make those choices which soon become the legacy of our human spirit.

Do we continue to protect our ‘soft spot’, as Pema Chödrön might say. Or, do we take a leap of faith into the unknown? An ‘unarmored heart’ is a frightening proposition, indeed. But, it’s only when we are able to lay down those arms – that the true progress may finally begin.

Perhaps, to ‘take courage in both hands’ implies a much deeper meaning?

That is to say, to have courage enough for ‘me’ and well as another?

My loves, I’m often criticized for having too much of a ‘soft spot’, for placing others interests higher than my own. That in my actions to be of service to another, I’m actually causing a weakness to ‘me.’

Oh, but my darlings what they do not know – is the strength, purpose, and joy reflected back in the warmth of a smile.

In fact, my resolve is empowered through the blessing of knowing each of you.

Something I’d never have known, had I not accepted courage in both hands.

Just a little something to consider, my loves ~ this world and each of your experiences within it rely on that power of faith and of love.

Namaste ~ ❤️

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

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