And, that courage can show us what being is, and being can show us what courage is. This may seem very complicated. However, if we apply the question of courage to our daily lives, we can clearly see many instances where courage or the lack of courage defines who we are. Each time that I have taken a stand and told the truth in a manner that can be heard by others, I affirm myself and add to the reservoir of my ethics where courage resides. I lack courage and must take responsibility for my actions.
Spiritualists know that the answer is to learn and grow individually and collectively.
The courage to be and affirm oneself is not necessarily an easy thing to do. Especially, if we grow up in a family where self-affirmation is not supported and the denigration of self and others is the rule. Children are born courageous, pure and innocent. They do not need to try to affirm themselves, they just are, and in being present in the moment are models for self-actualization. As we grow older, we become cultured into the behaviour of our families and sometimes the essential self begins to disappear in favour of needing the approval and sustenance of our families.