The Top Ten Steps for Tapping into Courage

Aristotle believed that courage is the first of human virtues nbecause it makes the other virtues possible.

Courage is a muscle that can be strong and established nthrough exercise or it can grow flaccid through lack of use.
Here is an exercise to help you build your courage.

These steps will help you tap into the natural ncourage in you. Courage is defined as, "the quality of ncharacter which shows itself in facing danger undaunted or nin acting despite fear or lack of confidence." (Shorter
Oxford Dictionary)

1. Find a specific experience in your life when you nacted despite the fear, or when you went ahead and ndid something even when you felt a lack of nconfidence.

2. It is very helpful to identify a specific time this nhappened. For a moment, or as long as you like, re-nlive the moments of courage. Success or lack of nsuccess in the endeavor is not important. Your nmoments of courage are the points you are after and nto which you want to connect.

3. If you like, you can put your hand on the place in nyour body where the courage seems to originate.

4. Take a breath and feel the power of your own courage.

5. Think of a recent time when this courage might have nhelped you decide something or do something.

6. What possible outcomes may have been different if you nbrought forward your courage? (Remember, release any nanger, regrets or blame if they come up.)

7. Staying with the courage that is truly part of who nyou are, imagine a time in the near future where you nmay want to have more courage.

8. See yourself and your courage giving you the strength nto decide or to do that which you fear. How does it nfeel?

9. As you are feeling empowered and connected to your ncourage, notice how it will flow in so many more of nyour future actions. Notice how it is truly part of nwho you are and contributes to you living on purpose nas a fully alive, whole, authentic person.

10. Remember, this is part of who you are and is always navailable to you.

Take heart. Have courage.nn?2000, Robert Knowlton nnn