The process for becoming aware requires an ownership of certain qualities. Commonly termed as our sense of values, the greatest which lies at the centre of them all is courage.

 

To have the courage of our convictions is to be prepared for conflict. We may have courage to speak our mind but we must be prepared to accept the consequences if we do.  How our determined resolution can avert conflict or fuel it can be dependant on reaction. It is therefore worthy of our consideration that if we must offer our opinion it might be better to prepare it, as to prepare ourselves.

 

In the Black Book of Carmarthen, Gwyddno Garranhir, describes Gwyn ap Nudd as a Bull of Conflict. As the ancients made sacred connections with birds and animals in their titles, Gwyddno's metaphor is an honourable reference to Gwyn's excellence in battle. By drawing on the myth of the bull and its association with the divine, Gwyn is presented as a thorough warrior as he is resolute in all of his roles. He can resolve issues on and off the battlefield because he of his commitment to both life and death.

 

As we can all have issues in our lives that need resolving, we may benefit from having courage of our convictions. If our respectful argument can initiate an honourable exchange, the outcome may assist in a strengthening of relationships.

 

As you proceed with this part of the Gwynvyd Method you will work with Gwyn, The Warrior, to encourage your own ability to respond with courage. To begin, you will:

 

1.    complete a task with no assistance.

2.    answer a series of questions honestly.

 

As the work you do is personal to your development it must be undertaken personally. The questions that are asked of you must therefore be asked of yourself.  

 

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The Task:

 

The preparing of your conviction - There may be situation at home, at work, or in the political arena of what is going on outside your front door that you do not agree with. You are going to write a letter (or email) that phrases all your concerns and rationally presents your arguments. Begin with:

 

To Whom it May Concern:

 

 What is the issue you believe could be resolved?

 Why do you feel so strongly about it?

 How do you suggest it could be resolved?

 Do you have evidence or knowledge of a case history which might support your theory?

 What would be the consequence of ignoring the issue?

 Should any issue be ignored?

 Is there a moral consequence to turning a blind eye?

 Because something may be costly to sort is that a good reason to not sort it?

 What might be gained from resolving the issue?

 Do you think an issue resolved might affect encouragement in others?

 

Allow yourself time to think about the above. When you are ready to continue, ask yourself one of the following five questions and then become conscious of your answer:

 

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The Questions:

 

1. Am I fearless?

       

Do you associate courage with being fearless? Do you think there is nothing you should worry about?  

 

We may consider that having courage is being free of fear, however as we cannot live without fear it may be that real courage is found in learning how to live with it. Could you consider why it is that what worries others doesn’t worry you? Could you reflect on your past and consider if you have always been unafraid?

 

The eye that is better kept open is the one of a closed mind.

 

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 2. Am I bothered?

 

Do you turn a blind eye to trouble? Do you think others should always sort things out?

 

When we choose to ignore what we know is wrong we are compromising our sense of values. Our overall standards may fall and our sense of courage can diminish. Alternatively, if we choose to act carefully, we can locate our courage. Could you deal with an unlawful situation in a safe and rational way? Could you deal with your fear and put your courage before it?

 

What is not in our back yard may still remain in our conscience.

 

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3.  Am I holding back?

 

Do you resist doing things that might change your life? Do you think it is always others who stop you from growing?

 

We may make excuses for our fears and hold others or circumstances responsible for our inaction, but if what we are denying is really our responsibility, we may be losing an opportunity to know our own courage. Could you own your sense of fear and see how it imprisons you? Could you make your fear less credible by taking charge of your life?

 

A life that is hesitant is absent of moments.

 

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4.  Am I challenging?

 

Do you carry out your convictions? Do you act for yourself or the interest of others?

 

When we are committed to our beliefs we may find it difficult to compromise them with our fears. That which has confused and imprisoned us can be replaced by a deeper understanding that can help us feel in control. Could you be encouraged by the positive acts of others? Could you work for what you want in life knowing it may alter what you have?

 

If we honour ourselves when we face our fears we may become greatly rewarded.

 

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5. Am I affected by others?

 

Do you let others influence you? Do you take the blame for what others suggested?

 

Our experience of fear is that we allow ourselves to be negatively influenced. We generally believe what may have become accepted truths and without questioning there legitimacy we can make them our own. Could you challenge the influence of others and decide what you believe? Could you commit yourself to courage and let it influence your life?

 

If we always do what has been done we may still be doing what is no longer necessary.

 

Well done! You may continue to phrase your own questions or if you wish, return to this area again later. Alternatively, you can enter another area of the Gwynvyd Method.

  

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