Courage and compassion are two dancers, perfectly paired to support each other to the rhythm and melody of loving kindness. It is a fiercely courageous heart that can withstand the many hindrances that arise when opening the heart to tenderness and compassion in the face of adversity.
The first of the Four Establishings of Mindfulness - Mindfulness of the Body - is taught extensively in the Pali Canon. With various contemplations, the Buddha taught us to use the physical body and breathing as a vehicle for samatha (tranquillity) and vipassana (insight), all the way to complete liberation.