The Art of Healing – Part 5 Courage

Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty comes from the latin coer – heart

One of the greatest challenges I faced while training for the Boston Marathon was running outside in the cold weather. A symptom of post polio syndrome is intolerance to cold. Before training for the Boston Marathon, I would limit the time I spent outdoors in winter going from a heated car, to a heated office, and back to a heated house. I shivered and shook, was terrified of falling for fear I’d break a bone and then have a very complicated and tortuous recovery as a polio survivor. While I tried to create a safe world for myself, (and I love and honor myself for the choices I made with the knowledge I had at the time) I missed out on the glories of winter. I wrote the poem, “Courage” after doing a long training run around Jamaica Pond in Boston.

Courage – January 5, 2009
The fear of ice and snow and slush embedded in my soul
A training run in winter – the path to Being whole.

A winter scene – Jamaica Pond – a feast for eyes delight
To witness nature’s splendor and behold this glorious sight.

A leaf-a tiny dancer-skating free without a sound
God’s breath directs her movements, as She guides her twirling ’round.

Families of ducks decide – to walk or take a dip
A comedy of errors into icy water slip.

The branches now bejeweled with ice bend with loving Grace
Sparkling diamonds’ anchor water’s surface hold in place.

God’s hand a glove of glistening snow hugs rocks along the wall.
Their heads peek out reminding me I’m answering God’s call.

A scene I’d never witness if I let my fear take hold
Courage triumphed, steppin’ out with footsteps sure and bold.

Knowing that the pain subsides and Spirit can prevail
The Marathon is beckoning – through these miles I shall sail.

Mary McManus
www.newworldgreetings.com
www.firstgiving.com/teammcmanus