Bravery vs. Bravado
What is the nature of courage? In these polarized and polarizing times, it can be difficult to distinguish bravery from bravado. Social media has replaced faces with avatars and more people than ever seem secure enough to state their opinions both confidently and loudly. But is voicing an opinion more noisily an act of courage?
Or does bravery reveal itself more subtly, in quiet acts meant to lift up those who have been ground down? In a willingness to brush yourself off and stand up one more time? In a commitment to engage with those who don't share all of your opinions and ideas? True bravery might include speaking up and speaking out, but it can also include listening more intently, feeling more deeply, holding firm to your values when there is a cost to doing so.
One of the most impactful displays of bravery I have ever witnessed came in a series of CMH Board Meetings when members of the Momentum Center stood up and shared their stories of struggle and survival. Even when they found themselves surrounded by judgement and disapproval, they stood, claiming their truth and sharing their stories. Their courage was beyond inspiring.
So often we think of bravery expressing itself in grand, heroic gestures. But that perspective creates expectations that can defeat us before we even begin. Instead, Cleo Wade reminds us in her TED Talk that we all have the capacity to make a difference. That bravery begins with the simple act of deciding to care.
Namaste,
Barbara Lee VanHorssen
Experi-Mentor
barbara@momentumcentergh.org
