This quote by Mukta yet again describes the turmoil and the troubling challenges that one has to face at work places these days. With discriminations and segregations exploiting the differences of age and color, as well as of ethnicity and race, no wonder employees feel claustrophobic and suffocated, and shouting with loud voice or with mute silence, the most famous slogan of the day, ‘I can’t breathe’. Individuals with varying personalities, whether meek introverts as well as courageous extroverts realize that is not always easy to voice one’s concerns or opinions freely and frankly. It always required courage for anyone to speak out one’s mind without fear of ridicule or reprimand. With extremely polarizing circumstances that are progressively developing today in society and at work places, the very existence on the job as well as sustaining the performance has become an herculean task requiring extraordinary courage to take risks by opening one’s mouth to question or by making suggestions or even by expressing legitimate concerns. One feels not only deprived but isolated as well. When one dares to break the shackles, others mutely watch the agony of legendary sacrificial lamb.
This brings me to the subject of friends. Henry Nouwen has so aptly defined a friend, as not only a friend in need but a friend who cares and shares, stays with you through thick and thin, and fills the space created by harrowing isolation. This not only boosts your morale but also makes you feel that you are not alone. It gives you the courage to overcome your fears, to open up and speak your mind. A friend helps create space as well as fills the vacuum.
The word freedom does not mean the removal of restrictions only, it also means the availability of space for the body, the mind, and the spirit to grow. However, this space has no value unless one feels safe and secure. This security comes from self-confidence, trust on friends and supporters and belief in destiny. It is true that one has to fight one’s battles alone. Still your courage gets a boost with the moral support from friends.
The concept of safety does not mean physical safety alone, it also includes the safety of mind and spirit. Mental and spiritual insults can hurt even more. Being ignored or ridiculed even when one is right is equally hurting. Mahatma Gandhi had described this as passive violence. He was able to cultivate courage to face this kind of violence alone, but he too could not have sustained it without the physical, moral, and spiritual support of his friends and followers.
Basically, I am a timid person. For me living courageously means bypassing the harms way, and when confronted, by relying on my self-confidence and my faith. As implied in most of the holy scriptures, courage and faith are linked together. According to the Hindu religion, bravery and courage are in the blood of all. According to the authentic Indian scripture, The Gita, Krishna preaches to have faith in Karma and destiny, and to face all adversities with courage derived from such faith. The Holy Bible also refers to the link between faith and courage.
‘Courage is the ability to do something that frightens us. There is a direct link between faith and courage. If our faith is strong, we'll be strong and courageous. But if our faith is weak, we'll lack the courage we need to stand strong as God's children’.
-Faith and Courage. Bible study on faith and courage.
Well penned Mukta. Loved it.
This quote by Mukta yet again describes the turmoil and the troubling challenges that one has to face at work places these days. With discriminations and segregations exploiting the differences of age and color, as well as of ethnicity and race, no wonder employees feel claustrophobic and suffocated, and shouting with loud voice or with mute silence, the most famous slogan of the day, ‘I can’t breathe’. Individuals with varying personalities, whether meek introverts as well as courageous extroverts realize that is not always easy to voice one’s concerns or opinions freely and frankly. It always required courage for anyone to speak out one’s mind without fear of ridicule or reprimand. With extremely polarizing circumstances that are progressively developing today in society and at work places, the very existence on the job as well as sustaining the performance has become an herculean task requiring extraordinary courage to take risks by opening one’s mouth to question or by making suggestions or even by expressing legitimate concerns. One feels not only deprived but isolated as well. When one dares to break the shackles, others mutely watch the agony of legendary sacrificial lamb.
This brings me to the subject of friends. Henry Nouwen has so aptly defined a friend, as not only a friend in need but a friend who cares and shares, stays with you through thick and thin, and fills the space created by harrowing isolation. This not only boosts your morale but also makes you feel that you are not alone. It gives you the courage to overcome your fears, to open up and speak your mind. A friend helps create space as well as fills the vacuum.
The word freedom does not mean the removal of restrictions only, it also means the availability of space for the body, the mind, and the spirit to grow. However, this space has no value unless one feels safe and secure. This security comes from self-confidence, trust on friends and supporters and belief in destiny. It is true that one has to fight one’s battles alone. Still your courage gets a boost with the moral support from friends.
The concept of safety does not mean physical safety alone, it also includes the safety of mind and spirit. Mental and spiritual insults can hurt even more. Being ignored or ridiculed even when one is right is equally hurting. Mahatma Gandhi had described this as passive violence. He was able to cultivate courage to face this kind of violence alone, but he too could not have sustained it without the physical, moral, and spiritual support of his friends and followers.
Basically, I am a timid person. For me living courageously means bypassing the harms way, and when confronted, by relying on my self-confidence and my faith. As implied in most of the holy scriptures, courage and faith are linked together. According to the Hindu religion, bravery and courage are in the blood of all. According to the authentic Indian scripture, The Gita, Krishna preaches to have faith in Karma and destiny, and to face all adversities with courage derived from such faith. The Holy Bible also refers to the link between faith and courage.
‘Courage is the ability to do something that frightens us. There is a direct link between faith and courage. If our faith is strong, we'll be strong and courageous. But if our faith is weak, we'll lack the courage we need to stand strong as God's children’.
-Faith and Courage. Bible study on faith and courage.
[biblestudyguide.org/articles/faith/faith-and-courage.htm]
Such reminders are very important in times of stress and strain, of turmoil and troubles. They restore our faith and boost our courage.
My courage too comes from my faith, my self-confidence, and my trust in destiny.