Why Courage Is Vital To Resilience
- Brainz Magazine
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
Fabio da Silva Fernandes knows what it's like to stumble. In 2021, he left his long career in the fintech industry to start his own wellness practice focused on mindfulness and Reiki, and now he explores the complex topic of resilience on his inspiring podcast called The Stumbling Spirit.
Courage is an innate human quality that we access when we least expect it, often when we appear to be at our weakest. In a sudden crisis, it can rush in out of nowhere in the form of risking our own lives for others. Courage is the source of strength and valour linked to fabled stories, legendary battles, forbidden love, and time-honoured heroes. One can argue that without courage, we would not be able to move forward as a species, let alone confront our own challenges and attain our personal goals. When I reflect on the many guests that I have interviewed on my podcast, courage is at the root of their inspirational stories, ranging from navigating illness to surviving trauma, building self-worth to personal transformation, speaking the truth to seeking justice, and more. In this article, I will unpack the meaning and historical significance of courage and explain why it is essential to resilience.
What is courage?
According to Merriam-Webster, courage is “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”
It is interesting to note that other definitions of courage talk about the idea of controlling fear, or the absence of fear, as the driver of courage. However, I would argue that fear is the fuel of courage, with the caveat that it depends on how we process it. If we approach fear from the standpoint of compassion, curiosity, and hope, then it can become a positive force for change rather than something to resist. There are also overlapping characteristics, like selflessness and sacrifice, that I believe are central to courage.
As per Etlymonline, courage originates from the Old French corage, meaning “heart, innermost feelings, temper,” and “valour, quality of mind which enables one to meet danger and trouble without fear.” In Middle English, this word was linked to bravery and was used in various phrases, such as bold corage, meaning “brave heart.”
Braveheart might bring to mind the historically inaccurate film starring Mel Gibson. The main character of this 1995 movie was, in fact, a combination of two courageous historical figures from medieval Scotland, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. In the late 13th century, Wallace led rebellions against Edward I, then king of England. After his first successful revolt against the English, Wallace was knighted by the exiled Scottish king. However, a major defeat in a later battle forced him to flee to France. When Wallace returned in the early 14th century, he was tried and found guilty of treason and brutally executed as a warning against Scottish dissidents. Instead, Wallace became a martyr, galvanizing the Scottish people. Robert the Bruce was Wallace’s successor in leading the fight for Scottish independence, which occurred in 1314. Bruce was nicknamed Braveheart and crowned king of Scotland.
Courage in legend and battle
In Greek mythology, Hercules is the legendary demigod with superhuman strength who defeats menacing creatures from the underworld. Hercules draws upon his courage to face impossible challenges as part of his twelve labours, to atone for his sins and be redeemed.
This ancient myth might have inspired the Greeks to fight against the Persians in 480 BCE. King Leonidas led 300 Spartans into battle against invading Persian forces who far outnumbered them. For three days, these brave Spartan warriors fought to the death to protect a narrow pass, buying time for Greek forces to regroup and plan their defence. Although these Spartan soldiers were ultimately defeated and killed, this legendary battle is an example of selfless courage against insurmountable odds.
Today, all nations across the globe honour their fallen soldiers in one form or another. Marking the end of WWI, November 11th is set aside annually as Remembrance Day or Poppy Day in Commonwealth nations like the UK and Canada, Armistice Day in France and Belgium, and Veterans Day in the United States. This sombre occasion not only commemorates the sacrifices made by Allied Forces in the Great War, but also recognizes the bravery of all casualties and veterans of wars and conflicts since then.
Courage in adversity
Revered in the United States as a courageous abolitionist, Harriet Tubman is also known internationally as a symbol of freedom in the face of racial oppression. Born into slavery in the 19th century, Tubman risked her own life by escaping bondage and becoming a key figure in the coordination of the Underground Railroad, a term coined to represent the secret network established to help enslaved African Americans escape northward to Free States like Pennsylvania and Ohio, and also cross the border into Canada. As a Union Army nurse in the American Civil War, Tubman’s efforts also freed hundreds of slaves.
Authoritarian governments have been known to target average citizens as enemies of the state, as in the case of Apartheid South Africa, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for decades. Mandela advocated on behalf of his people against white supremacy and systemic oppression, which included racism, segregation, and injustice. His protest was one of peace for a united and equitable South Africa, but it cost him 27 years in jail before his release in 1990. Mandela’s freedom movement garnered international attention and support, and he eventually became the country’s first Black president under a liberated South Africa.
Several South American countries experienced dictatorships in the 1970s, including Chile under Pinochet. Victor Jara was a singer-songwriter, and political activist who was a key figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena, or New Chilean Song movement. Jara’s protest music and iconic status made him a symbol of courage and resistance. He was a supporter of Salvador Allende, a democratic socialist who was elected president of Chile in 1970. Unfortunately, the military coup of 1973 resulted in Jara’s capture, torture, and murder. This is an example of how artistic expression can threaten autocratic rule. Jara’s legacy lives on as one of the peaceful freedom fighters of the twentieth century.
Malala Yousafzai’s journey as an equal rights advocate for the education of girls began in her native Pakistan. Despite threats from the Taliban, she courageously continued her protest for equality. This led to a failed assassination attempt in 2012 that left her scarred for life. Despite her injuries and painful recovery, she took her activism to the world stage and became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Some might view Tony Robbins as the king of self-help and personal development. However, his success story had humble beginnings. Robbins’s childhood was marred by family dysfunction and abuse. Despite being kicked out of his home at seventeen years old, he worked a low-wage janitorial job and slowly climbed his way out of poverty. He attributes his successful career and financial abundance to his courage, discipline, and positive mindset. Robbins has written many books and coached millions of people around the world to help them achieve similar outcomes.
Related article: The Best Myth - Why Bestness is the Death of Excellence?
Courage in love
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is regarded as the Bard’s most famous play about courageous love and sacrifice. Although woefully misguided, the hapless protagonists are defiant against their disapproving families, yet cannot escape their tragic fate as star-crossed lovers. This timeless tale is similar to The Butterfly Lovers, a classic Chinese legend about an ill-fated romance, which also ends in death. In the final scene, the unfortunate couple transforms into a pair of butterflies, symbolizing their eternal love.
Thankfully, love doesn’t always have to end tragically as in the true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams of Bechuanaland Protectorate, now Botswana. Their interracial marriage was scandalous in the 1940s, when it was socially and politically dangerous in the formerly British-occupied African territory. This strong couple was labelled outcasts. However, their enduring love broke down racial barriers and contributed to Botswana’s independence, after which Seretse Khama became its first president.
Courage in illness
In general, fundraising for cancer research dates back to the early 20th century, but the explosion in public consciousness did not take hold until the 1980s. This is partly due to some high-profile cases like Terry Fox, a Canadian teen who, despite having lost a leg to osteogenic sarcoma, attempted to run across Canada in a courageous campaign to raise awareness and funds for cancer research. His “Marathon of Hope” captured the imagination of an entire nation that cheered for him every step of the way. Unfortunately, Fox’s run was cut short because of the return of his rare and fatal bone cancer. Terry Fox died in 1981, but his dream lives on. Since 1980, the Terry Fox Foundation has raised over 950 million dollars in an effort to find better treatments and cures for cancer. Terry Fox is not only a Canadian hero, but an international inspiration.
There are millions of people around the world who are currently undergoing their own adversities through all kinds of illnesses and conditions, whose journeys are shared only with family and friends. With every milestone, setback, and breakthrough, they exemplify the meaning of courage in their efforts to restore themselves to optimal health and wellness.
Related article: The Miracles That Power Resilience
Stories of courage
Below are fine examples of fascinating people from my podcast who embody courage in steering through the challenges in their lives.
1. Deeper than bottomline
During the COVID pandemic, many businesses struggled due to mandatory restrictions and drastic shifts in consumer buying habits. Some retailers pivoted quickly to online sales, while others permanently shuttered their doors. Toronto shopkeeper Regina Sheung not only navigated her way through economic uncertainty, but also underwent her own transformation that inspired her to remodel her downtown boutique into a collaborative community wellness space.
2. Nest worth
Merel van der Wouden is a negotiation and transformation coach who helps women advocate for better salaries and realize their dreams. Merel has coached hundreds of women and now, as a public speaker and author, has reached a wider audience. In our conversation, Merel talks about her own transformational journey and explains how she is helping to narrow the pay gap and improve the lives of women.
3. Crowning innocence
Canadian author Debra Williams stands by the importance of representation in children’s literature. In her trailblazing and beautifully illustrated book, Church Hat, Debra bravely tackles the topics of identity, personal expression, and affection between a parent and child. She also opens up about the cultural relevance of Church Hat, which is now being developed into a short film.
4. Justice in light
Donna Armstrong’s first memory was seeing her mother taken away to a psychiatric hospital. This distressing scene contributed to Donna’s dysfunctional and lonely childhood, which included neglect, sexual abuse, and silence. Donna broke her silence with her gut-wrenching and courageous memoir, Getting Here from There: The First 10 Years. This raw account is an exploration of her trauma, heartache, and rise as a successful Crown attorney. Donna discusses her powerful book and explains what justice means to her.
5. The queer alchemist
Based in Australia, Belinda Bannerman is a trauma recovery trainer and practitioner who works with queer survivors of Intimate Partner Violence. With 15 years of experience, Belinda talks about the realities faced by LGBTQIA+ people worldwide in accessing the services and support they need. Belinda opens up about their efforts to help queer people recover from domestic and sexual violence through somatic therapies.
6. Model men
At fourteen, Anthony Patrick Manieri purchased his first camera. What started off as a hobby of taking pictures soon became a profession. With a successful career in media spanning more than three decades, Anthony’s sought after shots have graced the pages of the world’s most popular magazines. In recent years, Anthony focused his lens on a passion project to showcase the beauty and diversity of men’s bodies. Anthony opens up about his work and the importance of men’s body positivity.
7. Seeing colour again
Born predisposed to cancer-causing genes, Andy Campbell saw his mother and all three of his aunts die of breast cancer before he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. A few years into his chemotherapy treatment, Andy’s youngest son tragically ended his life. Despite his heartbreak, Andy’s faith in God helped him persevere with his family by his side. Andy talks about the impact of suicide, his personal journey through cancer, and explains how to transform life’s challenges into opportunities.
8. Change with compassion
As an empowerment coach, Sharleen Beaumont works with her clients to reframe limiting belief systems, reimagine their lives, and create action plans to become the best version of themselves. Sharleen helps her clients improve their emotional literacy and step into their personal power after divorce and career changes. In our conversation, she gives tips on letting go, dealing with our messiness, and cultivating a courageous path forward.
9. Breaking barriers
Emily Gong is the co-founder of Asian Arts and Culture Trust, a Toronto-based organization whose mission is to provide a platform for Asian immigrants to tell their newcomer stories through art. In our conversation, Emily explains how creative expression can bring people together and help break down systemic barriers.
10. Soul flow, brand power
Mike Power is a brand strategist who helps companies around the world successfully launch new products, resolve planning challenges, and innovate. Mike opens up about his personal journey through addiction and cancer, offers tips on unlocking our ultimate potential and flow state, and gives a masterclass on the soul of a brand.
The fire behind resilience
As this year draws to a close, take some time to mindfully reflect on how you have courageously shown up for yourself in the different areas of your life over the last twelve months. Read over your list and acknowledge yourself for having successfully accomplished goals and tackled challenges in your life up to now. Since this is a self-reflection exercise, there is no requirement for you to share your thoughts on social media.
Make a point of individually thanking the people who have supported you along the way. The practice of gratitude is so important in appreciating the goodwill of others, and recognizing that our personal progress, successes and triumphs are rarely achieved in isolation.
Then jot down your intentions of how to better inhabit courage in the coming year. This is your opportunity to free write and put on paper whatever comes to mind, including your aspirations. Read over your list and put it away for safekeeping. There is no need to go back over it on a regular basis. Trust that you have already set your intentions in motion. Perhaps review your list a couple of times during the year to see if you are still aligned with your intentions, but avoid approaching it as a checklist. It is okay to change your mind and reset.
This exercise is about embodiment more than anything else. It is a good way to cultivate courage and move yourself into uncharted territory. If this practice feels a little uncomfortable, then you are doing it right.
Where would we be without courage?
Courage is a vital component of resilience which uses both fear and compassion as its fuel source. The recipe of resilience is a lot more complex but courage is key to achieving new heights, brave feats and honourable deeds.
To learn more, book me for a talk and consultation today. To listen to The Stumbling Spirit Podcast, click here, or find the show on your favourite podcast streaming platform.
Read more from Fabio da Silva Fernandes
Fabio da Silva Fernandes, Resilience, Mindfulness, and Reiki Enthusiast
For most of his professional career, Fabio da Silva Fernandes worked in the tech industry as a customer support leader. About a decade ago, Fabio began his mindfulness journey, incorporating the practice of presence into his life on a regular basis. In his pursuit of personal wellness, Fabio attained several mindfulness certifications and, in 2018, delved into the world of energy work and started his Reiki training. Fabio is now a certified Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher. In 2021, Fabio left his career in fintech to launch his own wellness business called Resting Bell Wellness Inc., which is now branded under the name of his resilience podcast, The Stumbling Spirit.
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