What is Heroic?

On Monday morning, I shared this post on The Noble Song Within.  It was a long and winding exploration of the song The Sound of Silence and its noble message; it's call to arise. 

Today, I heard this news of Gord Downie.  Upon hearing, I realized that I needed no better definition and understanding of the virtue that is Nobility.  It is our highest calling.  It is our humanity.

I have never been a fan(atic) of The Tragically Hip, but I have enjoyed the songs with which I am familiar.  Indeed, while not my favorite band, I was always impressed with the epic tone and feel of their music.  The songs were and are truly different... epically hip.  Still, and even more so, I was and am impressed with what Gord Downie brought and brings as a vocalist and performer.  He felt it.  I mean, he felt "it"; that undeniable sense of the music.  Clearly, he still does.

His decision to take one final tour is epic, because it is noble.  To answer the call is Nobility at its most pure.  To rise above is born of our access to this powerful and beautiful virtue.  Gord, while I do not know him personally, is manifesting it before our very eyes and ears... and will do so on the road, living his music.

This is epic.  This is real.  This is Nobility in deeds.  Our heroes are epic because they are noble.  They rise above.  We all have our challenges of spirit, but recognizing our Nobility moves us beyond them.

Who are your heroes?  Mine are too many to mention.  Pictured above are some.  But whether fictional or real, super hero or ordinary folk, one thing is in common.  Nobility of spirit. 

I find it interesting when someone who has inspired us with their spirit passes on.  We understandably mourn the loss of their presence and wish they were still here.  We often times wonder "the sense" of the loss.  Maybe the real sense is to be inspired by them, even and especially after their passing.  Maybe we are to best honor them by living their example; letting deeds, not words be our adorning.  Therein lies Nobility; to rise... to arise unto that for which we were intended.  Gord Downie is already a legend musically.  His courageous, honest and noble act of living his music as long as he can is a lesson for us all.  That lesson asks "How will you live your best life at work, at school, in community?" 

Well, there is a question.

If you are an educator, how can you live Nobility in the classroom?  If you are a lawyer, doctor, engineer, scientist, care giver, social worker or anyone charged with the virtue of Service for others... how can you practice and access the strength of character we call Nobility?  If you are an entrepreneur, leader, manager or representative of the people, how can you practice it?  If you are a student or volunteer, how about you?  Applying it involves no judgement or blame or shifting of responsibility.  It calls to each of us, if we but listen; if we but listen and answer the call.  It calls us to be responsible for the one true responsibility for which we all have control... manifesting our Nobility.

It is not for the movies or make believe.  It calls to us in this very real world, and the ones who respond we call heroes.  Heroes are those who answer the call, and we are all called.  To pick up the call, we need only welcome in Nobility.  It will lift us to new heights where we can truly make a difference in the world or our corner of it.

So, in advance of the final post on Nobility this week... where we will explore specific actions that can manifest and practice this strength as leaders from the front to the top lines, I humbly suggest you reflect on the virtues card for Nobility and answer one question.

How can you be a noble hero at school, work, community or life?

Gord knows.

Peace, passion and prosperity.

Barry Lewis Green, aka The Unity Guy?

PS

Courage by Gord and The Tragically Hip

PPS

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