Thursday, June 20, 2019

Why do we love heroes?


image from youtube


We love watching them or reading about them.  We are fascinated with The Avengers, Superman, Batman, Spiderman.

Truth be told, most of these heroes are human like us.  They just have extra abilities.    

I figured, we like them because there is a part of us which resonates with them. 

Heroes are good

If we really look deep inside, whether we accept it or not, our core is good.  The folly lies in believing that we are just humans.  We forget that we are also beings (hence the term human beings).  And this is where our extra factor lies, much like the added capabilities of the heroes.  If we examine this being, this spirit, this psyche, this soul- we will find out that our original blueprint consists of the beautiful qualities of peace, power, purity, love, happiness, compassion, and truth.  If we talk, walk, and move while holding these qualities in our awareness, then our actions and interactions will be of a higher notch- of hero caliber even.

image from mikegoncalves.com

Heroes fight

Heroes fully understand that they will have to battle with different obstacles and villains.  In the same way, at this time in the world’s drama, no one can be exempt from defeat, sorrow, and difficulties.  These things will really come our way whether we like or not.  When we confront the chaos of our inner and outer worlds with the power of peace, inner strength, purity, love, happiness, compassion, and truth- we become our own heroes!

Heroes fight.  They fly or smash or jump or slash.  These are the very tactics we ought to use when facing our problems-  fly above it,  smash it into pieces,  jump towards it and slash it from behind.  Heroes do not hide in a nook and cry when the war is upon them.  They muster all the courage and strength they have and take on the enemies head on.

A confession

“There's a hero if you look inside your heart.  You don’t have to be afraid of what you are.”, says a popular song.

I completely agree with that.  For years, I have been afraid to show what I am really capable of.  You see, I was bullied for being different.  Sometimes, people around me couldn’t  accept that I’m bigger than the small box they put me in and so they push me down.  Often, I would stand out like a sore thumb when I step into my power that I felt excluded.

It's easier to blend in and follow the majority.  There’s more security in walking down the more travelled road or staying in my comfort zone.  There’s no drama if I don’t challenge the system or the status quo.     

Recently I asked a senior yogi, “Why do people push me down when I step into my power?”

She said, “Well, that is how it is in most parts of the world.  In the Philippines, you call it crab mentality.  In Australia and Poland, it’s called the tall poppy syndrome.”

“But you see, it shouldn’t dissuade you from living your truth”,  she encouraged.

She went on and recited this quote by Marianne Williamson to me.  

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. 
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? 
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
 Your playing small does not serve the world. 
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. 
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
 It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. 
And as we let our own light shine, 
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

image from sclance.com

“Do you know why I know this quote by heart?”,  she asked.

“It's because I have to repeat it to myself over and over again to keep me grounded.”,  she explained.  

I just nodded but in my head I was reciting, 

"Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do.”

Do you play small too?  Or have you decided to step into your power?
           
I think we love heroes because they remind us of our true nature. There is a hero spirit is in each one of us.  We just have to nudge it to come forward- despite our fears and insecurities.