Courage and Its Power
When I think of a symbol of courage I think of a lion.
A lion is fierce and powerful!
A lion is willing to protect their cubs and at the same time provide a safe space with warmth.
Courage can be about making the decisions that are not the most popular ones. It is about staying true to your values. Your mind say "I'm afraid this might not be the right move."
1) What animal or symbol to you reflects courage and why?
2) What other qualities for you do exist with courage, reflecting on how you applied this to your life?
3) Can you think of time you were courageous? What were the sensations before you experienced in your mind before being courageous and after being courageous? Did you feel better or did you regret it?
I feel that courage takes risks and spontaneity in action! For example, you notice someone is not standing up for themselves when someone is speaking negatively about them. Because you know them well you might support them because you see them as a friend.
Stepping in too often can be something a rescuer does, which drama triangle theory explains.
@GoldenRuleJG
The common Ant is my symbol of courage..
They will attack things a 100 times bigger than them. Even though they are tiny they join forces to accomplish great and courageous tasks..🌲
@AsherTree What a brilliant metaphor, thank you Ash!
@GoldenRuleJG
Take a dive into Greek Mythology. From the ashes comes The Phoenix; a powerful symbol of overcoming adversity and starting anew.
@caringShoulder1357 <3 <3 Shoulder, I like that answer!
a symbol of courage to me is a elephant, they protect their herd and are fierce against those trying to hurt them, they demonstrate collective courage in a way that is admirable
@Emily1040 Aww Emily - sense of community is so strong with elephants!
@GoldenRuleJG
To answer your first question, I believe a dog is an ideal example of an animal of courage.
Goodreads.com referenced Nelson Mandela's statement on this topic as, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear."
So when I think of a dog facing opposing canines, thieves and other aggressors, they will growl, bark and attack to alert, warn and protect their pups, owners or the community, while being afraid. In some instances, there are dogs that will stand their grounds while wetting themselves in fear but they will keep barking (granted their are 'exceptions' as some dogs quit and run below cars and behind their owners).
@ABoxofChocolates26 Thank you too for your meaningful answer - dogs oh aren’t they loyal? ✨🩵
@GoldenRuleJG
a ratel
@GoldenRuleJG A butterfly because it represents the courage to grow and change.
@goldenFlamingo9717 fly on, fly on! Butterfly 🦋
❤️🦋✨Fantastic Jz! I am happy you did the right thing
@GoldenRuleJG
I really like the way you connected courage with staying true to your values, especially when the easier choice might be to stay silent. It also made me think about the IDG skill Courage, and how courage doesn’t always have to look like a big or dramatic action. Sometimes it can be pausing, becoming aware of what we’re feeling, and then choosing to act in a way that aligns with our values.
I also found your point about the rescuer role interesting. Being courageous doesn’t necessarily mean stepping in every time; sometimes it means being mindful enough to recognize when our support is actually helpful and when we might be taking away someone else’s opportunity to speak for themselves. I think that kind of awareness makes courage more thoughtful rather than impulsive.
Thank you Fraz
I believe that a persons skills won’t really developing if you take too much of a passive role when it comes to conflict.
Too much restraint and saying too much of what’s on your mind - neither is good!
@GoldenRuleJG
I love this beautiful comparison! 🤍 A lion really is such a perfect symbol—brave, strong, and calm even in the face of anything. Courage isn’t about having no fear at all, but moving forward anyway—just like a lion. Thank you for this lovely reminder! 💛
All the best! ✨❤️
