Courage

I was using my animal totem cards recently.

The way it works is that you meditate while using the cards in the hope they will clarify your mind to the qualities you may most need in the coming days.

That particular day, I drew the Lion, representing Courage.

The reading stirred up some mixed feelings, because it was all around having the courage to ask clearly for what you want. I’m not very good at that. I’ve always thought of courage in a defending the weak kind of way, or as physical courage. (Come to think of it, I’m not very good at those, either!)

I found my reaction interesting, because clearly I was “allowing” myself the possibility of altruistic courage, but selfish courage was a little bit of a step too far. And yet I would not exactly think of myself as an unselfish person.

Some of the words from the reading were:

First, ask yourself what it is that you want, whether something simple like a request to pass the salt, or something more daring and complex, like a hug or a kind word from a loved one or a friend. The more personal your desire, the harder it can be to ask, but really, what’s at risk? That someone will say no? That you’ll be shamed or scorned? It’s going to take courage. Not fearlessness but courage.

For me, I think the first hard task is knowing what it is that I genuinely want. (When you get beyond the salt sort of thing.) So I’m going to spend some time this week really listening to those inner voices and taking note of what they say.

What about you, what are you going to need courage or self-knowledge for this week?