You will face setbacks on the righteous path and will need constancy of effort powered by courage. Courage doesn’t decimate fear; courage acts despite the fear. The courage that David showed against Goliath and the cowardly lion against the wicked witch (in The Wizard of Oz) has sound scientific underpinning. Research shows fear is hosted by almond-shaped nuclei in the brain called the amygdala. Courage activates the brain’s anterior cingulate cortex, which mentors and quiets the amygdala activity. Complete lack of fear isn’t desirable, as any parent of a two-year-old can tell you. Total fearlessness is actually pathological; it risks putting you in harm’s way. Further, we find the greatest joy and growth in overcoming fears, not in not having fears.

How does one find such courage? I have talked to thousands of folks about courageous people in their personal lives, asking them what they thought provided the courage. Three themes have emerged. Courageous people are often other-centric, finding great meaning in helping their fellow beings; they have good role models whose principles they imbibe; and many find great courage from their faith. A combination of these paths helps such people lead lives driven by passion and meaning rather than fear. These three themes are connected by the single principle that most people with an abundance of courage live by higher values. The values they protect power their courage.

The values of compassion and forgiveness, higher meaning and selflessness, patience and contentment, are timeless and powerful. They provide strength to anyone who lives to protect them. These values can’t be destroyed. If you become their temporary custodian, you become indestructible in the process.

May you feel strong and brave because of the values you protect.

Take care.
Amit