“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences – good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as “ordinary courage.”
Brené Brown: I Thought It Was Just Me: Women Reclaiming Power and Courage in a Culture of Shame
We could all do with courage in this sense, however we self-describe in gender terms. This is the journey people make in therapy. Brené makes a strong link between this kind of courage, and those other inhabitants of the heart: empathy and compassion, for self and for others…. Authenticity, vulnerability, a willingness to be seen, empathy and compassion – all of which serve connection, within ourselves and in relationship.
Here’s the book link:-
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