Finding “the Courage to Be”

Being a truly authentic, open, honest person, willing to be exposed and vulnerable, indeed demands courage. Consider this:

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena – who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” – Teddy Roosevelt

That’s a quote I’ve given to the singing actors I’ve taught, fully realizing the fears they face every time they step onto a stage – putting themselves on the line before an audience that may number from a few to thousands.

In addition to finding personal authenticity by knowing ourselves, moving beyond illusion and self-deception, there is another very important step to take as we seek to join the human community. That is finding the courage to be that newly discovered authentic self, and to enter into relationships and community as that being. That’s where the above quote by Teddy Roosevelt gives us inspiration. It takes courage – real existential courage – to enter into relational and communal life as one’s real, honest, open and undefended self.

So, finding personal authenticity by knowing myself, and having the courage to move, to act, AS my authentic self is an important way of being in the world.