The Fearless Collective

Courage \ˈkər-ij\ (noun)

1. Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

We must be grateful for all the women and men who have boldly and courageously stood up for what right. We must also do our part to pave the way for those who will come after us!

"I don't have to repress my emotions until they boil over."

Lovely artwork by Deepa Gopal Sunil.

"‘Girls at dhabas’ sounds like an anomaly, but some rad women in Karachi are claiming spaces for women." - Shubhra Dixit

“We need to redefine our understanding of violence in relation to public space—to see not sexual assault, but the denial of access to public space as the worst possible outcome for women. What we might demand then is that women’s right to be in public space be unquestioned.” – Why Loiter? Women and Risk on Mumbai Streets

"Her carefully documented journey can serve as a guide for future women adventurers, who dare to destroy gender stereotypes of Pakistan’s society and embrace the freedom of soul." - Nudrrat Khawaja

“With my motorcycle adventures, I aim to elevate and encourage them (women) to embrace their passions and goals, with open arms.” - Zenith Irfan

Fearless mural featured and Shilo Shiv Suleman profiled among the leading street artists in India. 

One day, All of a sudden We opened the small lids covering our innocent eyes We saw shapes, colors and unfamiliar things We heard strange music and sounds We experienced temperatures on our bare skins We gasped for air and filled up our lungs Had our first taste of oxygen Under the sun

One day, We woke up We rose We had life We were brought into the light

Years later we began to walk Years later we began to talk Years later we noticed we were of a certain kind Years later we learned we would bleed in order to bring life

Soon after that we would begin to be taught What we could and couldn’t do What we should and shouldn’t do How a girl, a lady, and a woman should behave How our voices, our choices, and our rights Were not necessarily ours to claim We were taught fear, prejudice and shame We were taught to limit ourselves for the sake of our name

Voices of our grandmothers, mothers, and friends Would echo the same message “Darling, it isn’t easy to be a woman” As we grew up We began to understand That having a uterus Involved a whole lot more to deal with Than the life of an average man

One day, We woke up We rose We had life We were brought into the light

We did not choose to be born a woman We did not decide the gender of our sex We did not wish to carry the burden Of having some believe we can be oppressed

But how wrong are those who think that certain way We were born woman Because we have resiliency, determination and courage We were born woman Because we have and immeasurable amount of strength

Be proud to be a woman Let the battles and the hardships That in sisterhood we face Only be an affirmation of your inner warrior

You are a channel of unconditional love A creature of divine power

From woman to woman And from man to man From man to woman And from woman to man

Let’s wake up Let’s rise Let’s make use of our lives Let’s bring all of our sisters into the light

When we come across the words 'fearlessness' and 'freedom', some of the terms we associate are:

Bravery, Boldness, Courage, Equality, Love, Trust, and Respect

Those are only a few of ALL of the things fearlessness and freedom encompass. What words come to YOU when you think about fearlessness and freedom?

We would love to hear YOUR voice... Join the conversation! :) 

As I go about my day As I move forward Through known and unkown paths As I feel ease and steadiness in my stride As I feel tension and uneasiness in my steps May I always remind myself of a simple set of words May I kindly, lovingly and confidently repeat to myself:

I will not let anyone, Nor anything, block me.

I am unstoppable, For I am Fearless!

I am MORE. YOU are MORE WE are MORE

Indeed, all women are.

She IS You ARE and

I AM.

- - -

When your body is weak And your worries are strong, When you breathe in the night Wondering if something will go wrong

Remember my child You are the stars, the moon and the sun

In the midst of your fear As you walk thru the streets, In the midst of your nervousness Searching for the path that you seek

Bathe your soul In the silver moonlight, Anoint your mind With clarity and peace

Come back to your breath As you steady your gaze, Take another firm step As you walk through the haze

When your body is weak And your worries are strong, When you breathe in the night Wondering if something will go wrong

Remember my child, You are the stars, the moon and the sun

Search for that place of stillness Deep in your soul, You can handle anything Audaciously and bold

Like the sun Rising in the horizon, Through your eyes You radiate light

For you know Love is all around you, There is nothing

To fear.

- - -

Lovely and all-encompassing artwork by Iva Dalmaso for The Fearless Collective.

Join, the conversation! What is your positive afirmation for this moment? ...This day, week, month, or year?

On this new day...

Rise, Above the roaring oceans, The blazing fires, The thounderous rains, The confusion, the doubt, and the fear, You sometimes find within your soul.

Rise, Above your own self, Above anything that wants to keep you down. My child, Always Rise.

Words ARE powerful. Your voice IS powerful. Don't let anything, or anyone convince you otherwise.

Transcript of Attention by Bindu Vaz:

“I saw fear and outstared him today I experienced fear and understood how shallow he is. I am not brave or courageous… But I saw fear today and did not run away or turn back. I stood my ground and faced fear To prove to myself… That I may not be a warrior or a hero, But I can stay and fight with fear and his companions He brought as friends, others I have met before. There was insecurity and doubt, negativity and diffidence, Others like meekness and obedience had pretended to be my friends even! I saw them today for who they are… My heart did beat faster, and my palms did feel clammy, But I saw fear and his companions and out stared them today. I had a few friends with me too… There was self-worth and resolve. Knowledge came along with conviction. But the two most formidable allies I had were – death and wisdom. Fear didn’t stand a chance… not today. I vanquished fear when I renounced my will at the altar today.”