We live in a world of constant change and challenge. These pressures may come from our global environment, the political issues that can sometimes divide families and friends, financial concerns in our homes and communities, threats from AI taking over jobs and our lifestyle, or personal fears that trouble our lives and relationships. Even listing these threats to our peace of mind and peace of our world, can be stressful. Current research and historic perspectives provide some understanding of where we are and how we might proceed.
The Center for Institutional Courage (2026) has amassed a review of over 500 articles focused on what is causing a crisis in courage and how we might navigate this situation. One of the articles focuses on how we might prevent burnout (Lind & Adams-Clark) during a zeitgeist of fear from aggression. The focus of the research provides a roadmap through the many diverse challenges facing all of us in the world today. The goal is to understand and honor the pain individuals and organizations are experiencing.
Older voices have also held messages to provide a way through when life seems most challenging. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the Hebrew word “Chazak”describes the need for people to be strong, firm, and courageous in times of great challenge. “Omet” is a Hebrew term representing the need for us to have inner strength and resilience. Both terms speak to our need to stand up to face whatever comes before us. These words are represented by several verses indicating we should “Be strong and of good courage.” We need to stand up to whatever it is that seems overwhelming.
Other ancient wisdom comes from Hindu and Buddhist thought. The term “Abhaya Mudra or Abhayamudra” combines the message that we need to be reassured we are safe and that we can be fearless. Dispelling fears communicates good intentions even when threatened. The raised hand and outward facing palm, accompanying this word, show the world we hold peace even in the midst of possible danger.
All of these messages reflect our need to recognize the challenges that are upon us. Rather than avoiding reading the news, hiding from the conflicts that may threaten us, ignoring the differences that divide us, we should seek to understand what is happening and face the growing divides. Fear is the enemy and courage holds the promise to address any threats.
Brené Brown, a psychologist and speaker, says that it helps if we can assert, “Today I chose courage over comfort.” Only by choosing courage can we have hope for a better world.
Courage Brief (2026, April) Center for Institutional Courage https://www.institutionalcourage.org/the-courage-brief-april-2026
Patterson, A & Tobias, O. (2026, April) Mapping the field: 527 Articles, new frontiers, and a litmap. Center for Institutional Courage https://www.institutionalcourage.org/the-courage-brief-april-2026
