Courage for the current times

Latter day heroes conjure up very clear archetypes of dragon slaying, evil beating, world saving on a vast scale.?

Romantic, seemingly invincible and invariably male, these heroes were the very epitome of courage and strong values.?

The courage needed in leadership today is no less great, but my sense is that its nature is quite different. If we recall the etymology of the word courage, we are called back to the qualities of the heart...we might say we are in the age of the heart.?

Instead of iron swords, trusty steeds or Batmobiles our leadership courage needs new superpowers that start in the heart. For example it takes incredible compassion to see our world today, the world we have created and remain balanced and centred. My sense is that for courage to be applied to seemingly impossible situations we must first start from a place of equilibrium and wide and curious vision...compassion enables this.?

Another quality of the heart that feels important is openness. A closed heart creates bitterness, hatefulness, anger and pain. If we can stay open hearted we can find new solutions to the complex and, it seems at times, devastating actions being taken by some world Leaders.?

Whilst there are many other qualities I could mention, the third one I want to highlight for now is the quality of will to good. In all the best courageous heroes we see this quality in abundance. A deep heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place for everyone...a selfless act on behalf of the whole.?

In today's world, courage defined by these three qualities, compassion, openness, will to good, expressed through the practice of conscious leadership would lead us forward. Forward toward a culture of peace, a deep acceptance of the diversity that exists and a celebration of the beauty it brings and daily, micro acts of kindness which bit by bit create a fabric of Goodwill.?

Why associate courage with these qualities? Because each of them demands the courage from each and every one of us to let go of selfishness, separateness, and the need to affirm our own worldview. The courage to put others first, to not know, to see with new eyes and listening with new ears...the eyes and ears of the heart.?

Speaking personally I find this a daily workout. Just as latter-day heroes had to practice their sword skills or the modern Marvels hone their superpowers so we must find the will and the discipline to practice living through the power of the heart. It takes resilience to keep picking ourselves up and trying again when we fall over on trying to live this softer but even more impactful expression of courage.?

I find it fascinating to imagine how this form of courage could play out in the scenarios we are facing today. No less will is needed. No less vision. But the courage to embrace our collective world mess and lead ourselves out of it with grace, compassion, love and openness.?

Could be a very creative and uplifting form of superhero?