30 Days of Courage

Do you wish you could find the courage to do what you really feel called to do?

Are you holding a dream or desire that feels too big or scary to act on?

Is fear getting in the way of you saying what you really want and need to say?

Do you watch other people publish books and wonder why it isn’t you?

Are you looking at problems in your community and wishing you had the courage to do something to make a difference?

Do the voices in your head tell you that you can’t do it because you are not ready, not qualified enough, not good enough?

This is for you.

30 Days of Courage: a guide to bravery in action

30 Days of Courage is for people who want to step out of their comfort zone, through the small acts of daily bravery that add up to a courageous life.

What qualifies me to teach about courage?

 

Marianne is a powerful, soulful teacher of courage.”

~ Amy Oscar, author of Sea of Miracles - amyoscar.com

I’ve been cultivating courage my whole life. In fact, the first thing most people ask me when they finish reading my book (or hearing about my life) is:

“Where did you find the courage?”

Moving to Afghanistan to investigate human rights violations strikes most people as a very brave thing to do. And it is. But what might look like one giant act of bravery is really a series of small courageous choices, the kinds of choices we all make every day.

Over the years I’ve learned how to cultivate the kind of compassionate courage that enables us to put our inherent bravery into action (because you are already brave, I guarantee it).

Because courage is not something you have to find outside of you.
It’s something you already possess, and can cultivate through small daily practices.

That’s what 30 Days of Courage is all about.

You will learn:

• how to build a stable foundation for your courageous life;
• practices to cultivate your innate inner courage;
• ways to use curiosity and experimentation to sneak past the guards at the gate to your comfort zone;
• how to find the small act of bravery that you can do right now;
• exercises to tone your courage muscles;
• practices to ensure your courage is also compassionate.

What you can expect:

30 emails from me with a daily dose of truth-telling, lessons, tips, tools, stories and questions to nurture the courage you already possess and help you put your innate bravery into action.

An audio guide to courage, in which some of my bravest friends (including Pace Smith, Susannah Conway, Chris Guillebeau, Danille LaPorte, Jen Louden) answer my questions about courage and fear.

A full transcript of the audio guide.

At the end of the 30 days you’ll get a beautifully designed workbook (including all the 30 lessons, questions and practices) for you to keep.

Can you imagine you are brave enough to do what you’ve always dreamed of doing?

When does it start? What does it cost?

It costs US$50.

Registration is now closed, look for the course to begin again mid-year 2013.

What people say about 30 Days of Courage:

I loved the Courage course and it surprised me in many ways, gave me strength in many ways I didn’t expect. It was rich in insights, refreshingly genuine, and felt quite personal.  I liked that each day had a small practice for us to try right away that usually didn’t take too long, although was deep enough for more thought if you liked.  It gave me concrete tools for putting into action important ideas like trusting yourself, being kind to yourself, and  meeting fears with an even gaze. I am so glad you offered it, shared your story, wrote your book, and I stumbled upon it. Heartfelt thanks. ~ Melissa Fu

I’m finding your 30 days of courage to be completely human – vulnerable, open, authentic, grounded and true – which also makes it transcendent. I love the tone and the exercises and feel so much gentle beauty and grace as I read your daily emails. ~ Kristin Herbster

I really enjoyed how Marianne gently guided me toward habits and tools that would foster courage. Since taking Marianne’s course, I’ve found myself being more aware and mindful of my own thoughts and behaviors. I don’t believe that I have any less fear, just a bit more courage and honesty with myself to be able to leave it behind. A peaceful and a honestly insightful course. No forcing me to face my courage, just a gentle nudge toward awareness. It isn’t just another “hippy dippy” course. It is an inspiring course, supported with scientific evidence. ~ Angelique

I want to tell you how valuable the Courage course has been.  It’s made me view my life in a different way; it’s given me fresh insight and has sparked a good few questions.  And, yes, I think it’s made me a little more courageous.  I’m so grateful. ~ Helen Agarwal

What I especially like about this course: daily emails that are inspiring to read and just the right length. Gentle encouragement with just the right amount of pep. The reminders to meditate. You sharing your own inspirational stories. Having us list the brave things we’ve done. I’ve done several brave things recently. I decided my new goal would be to write a kids’ book. And I’m training for a half marathon. ~ Susan

Marianne, this was a truly enlightening experience. I commend you for your candour, strength and commitment to the course. This is my first experience of an online course of this nature and I am impressed with the quality of material, resources and material. Interweaving your story into the ethos of the course was essential to me as I felt more connected to the process. Thank you!” – Courageous participant

Who am I?

I’m Marianne. I believe it is possible to do good and be well. I’ve spent my life learning how to do both and these days what lights me up is teaching other people to do the same.

My ‘do good’ credentials: I’m a human rights advocate and a writer. I served in the United Nations mission in Afghanistan with a focus on human rights and gender issues and worked as Policy Advisor for Oxfam. I’ve written a book about doing good and being well in Afghanistan (Zen Under Fire, 2012, Penguin NZ) and I write for the Huffington Post.

My ‘be well’ credentials: I’m a yoga teacher (Yoga Alliance 200RT) and I created the 30 Days of Yoga courses to help you start (or restart) your own yoga practice. I’m also the Regional Leader for Off the Mat, Into the World in New Zealand and Australia.”