Coeur (A Sweet Repeat)

Coeur

"Coeur" - mixed media on cradled wood panel, 36" x 24" x 1.25". Ready to hang (back has been wired for hanging).  Available here and at Artfinder.

Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor [French "coeur"] - the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart." Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But ... this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences -- good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as "ordinary courage.” - BRENE BROWN

This strong lady returned to the studio today after a long visit to an art rental collector.  I haven't seen her for ages, and when she was unwrapped and hanging on the studio wall, I was taken aback for a minute.  Her message for me is stronger than ever, and the timing of her return feels like a nod from the universe - yes, Lola, yes.  Keep telling all of your heart. That's what being brave is.

And so, as I learn to listen, soften and slow, I knew this piece was worth repeating here.

We live in a world where we "tell all" (what we had for dinner, what our pets are doing, what our neighbors are up to) but where our hearts are seldom spoken.  And if we do speak them, we don't speak them all.  

When I speak all of my heart, it is terrifying to do so.  I feel so vulnerable, so exposed.  I cannot help but tremble and be tearful when I speak like this, open-heartedly.  Recently, in sharing a dream of mine, I learned it was entirely out of my reach, and I nearly wished I had not spoken my heart's desire.   And yet....as the days pass I feel the love I have given myself by speaking it, and the deep trust of the other in my sharing of it.  And I have the courage to do it again.  Courage, it seems, grows with the practice of it.

​ Thank you, dear reader, for welcoming my words into your own heart.  You encourage me to keep speaking them. xo