I have a great deal of admiration for all those good folks who live in big cities. I was in Toronto on business last week, and I couldn’t help but notice the people striding through the hustle and bustle of life – commuting, working, living, and staying healthy and happy. To me, that takes a lot of courage.
It also takes a lot of courage to stay continually connected to who you really are, to your authentic self. In any environment, this is one of life’s biggest challenges and rewards. Lately, I thought that the only way I could stay connected with myself was by having nature on my doorstep. While I did feel a little homesick for Mother Nature, as I walked down Yonge Street over the cement inhaling vehicle exhaust, I absolutely loved the intense, concentrated and powerful connection with humanity.
I was pleasantly surprised by the energy I enjoyed while dining with old friends, chatting with business buddies, and meeting new people in new places. Most of all, I gained so much from the privilege of assisting with a dynamic coaching program. I was allowed to observe so many amazing people find the courage to learn about themselves.
For me, this honored connection to who they ‘be’ reinforced the courage it takes to look deeply into our own lives, to risk sharing it with others, and to reflect and grow in the process. It reinforced the bravery that it takes to be human.
And to me, that is Natural Courage.
Congratulations to everyone who recently completed Week 2 … you know who you are! And thanks to my sister Val for her hospitality … apologies to Vickie for not connecting.
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- Poem: Courage (sandyseeber.wordpress.com)
February 19, 2012
Thank you, Carol, for sharing your authentic self with us in “The Big Smoke.” I don’t know that it takes any amount of bravery to be human – after all, we are all born that way, and we ultimately depart this world that way. Neither does it take courage to connect and be present with another. I think what it takes might be described as defiance: to be authentic sometimes means defying constructed expectations of unnaturally imposed contemporary social norms. Defiance in this sense sometimes means relearning the power of touch, of listening and hearing, of tasting completely and drinking fully. This can be done as easily in a city as it can in the country, I think, although it is often the case that an urban environment more strongly imposes norms and “inhuman” behavioural expectations.
It’s the little things that keep us human: the smile, the helping hand, the kind word, the appreciation. They all take little courage and can manifest anywhere, at anytime.
February 20, 2012
Yes, there is a certain energy on Yonge Street, and it can be invigorating! Everything in moderation, I guess. It was good to get caught up, and you are most welcome. Don’t be a stranger 🙂
February 21, 2012
Wow, for you the contrast between TO and Nature must be mind boggling and refreshing at the same time. Way to go.
Sue