YOU Have a Set Of SUPER POWERS.. DO You Even KNOW What THEY Are...?!

 

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David Dunn: I wanted to ask you a question. It's gonna sound a little strange, just think about it for a second, okay? 

Audrey Dunn: Okay. 

David Dunn: When's the last time I was sick? Do you remember? 

Audrey Dunn: Um, I don't know. It's been a while. 

David Dunn: I haven't been sick this year, I know that. 

Audrey Dunn: Okay. 

David Dunn: Do you remember me getting sick? 

Audrey Dunn: Um... not a specific day. What - what's this about? 

David Dunn: Audrey, do you remember me ever getting sick? In the three years we lived in this house? In the old apartment? Before Joseph was born? Before we ever got married? 

Audrey Dunn: I - I can't remember. 

David Dunn: Don't you think that's kind of weird, not remembering one cold or a fever or a sore throat? What do you think it means?

~~  From the film UNBREAKABLE

Back in the year 2000,  director M. Night Shyamalan followed up his massively popular first foray into filmmaking, ‘The Sixth Sense’, with another movie that continues to gain its well earned fanatical fans.  This second film is called ‘Unbreakable’ and it may have been a little too ahead of its time during its initial release over 20 years ago.  But in our current pop culture fascination with the mythology surrounding superheroes and their arch villains, it's easy to understand why a film that was often subtly dismissed as ‘Sixth Sense-Part Two’ continues to build its rabid fan base.

For the uninitiated, ‘Unbreakable’ stars Samuel L. Jackson and Bruce Willis and weaves a slow burning, yet riveting tale of a real life superhero whose powers are unearthed by the horrific tragedies  spun by the mind of a sociopathic madman.  Director and writer Shyamalan infuses the script with several opportunities to explore some hefty spiritual themes, such as broken love, the bonds between fathers and sons, and the tragedy of an unexamined life.  

And of course since I am a New Age Nerd, I am incredibly drawn to the manner in which the film portray's its central character's Superhero's Journey.  It takes us on a man's path toward REBIRTH and understanding the unequalled power in finding your purpose.   “Do you know what the scariest thing is?  To not know your place in this world, to not know why you are here. That's...that's just an awful feeling,” says Samuel L Jackson's character

Mr. Glass.  In this rare twist in the genre, the villain actually supports the hero in finding out who he really is as displayed when he espouses, “It's hard for many people to believe that there are extraordinary things inside themselves, as well as others.  I hope you can keep an open mind.”

I was powerfully reminded of this film during a recent coaching session with a client.  She was facing a serious dilemma that stemmed from her deep fear of flying.  Her husband was heading to Italy for a huge business affair and desperately wanted her to join him for the occasion.  Plus, how can you pass up an all expenses paid trip to ITALY?! Right!  

During our session, I found out she was a trained yoga instructor who was obviously incredibly passionate and proud of her profession. And it became the perfect way for me to assist her in tapping into her own SUPERPOWERS to over come her phobia of flying. As she was explaining to me how terrific and powerful she felt whenever standing in front of her students, teaching them core yoga principles, keeping them calm and focused, I knew it was the perfect time to jump in with a suggestion!  

“What would it look like, if you reframed this flight to Italy as a yoga job assignment.  What if you pretended that the airline was hiring you to be the superhero called YOGA WOMAN.  And it was your job to hold a space of peace and serenity for ALL the people on board the plane, ” I asked.

After several seconds of silence, she spoke up.  “Oh my gosh, Jeff.  That shifted everything for me.  I really think I could do that.  And I am even going to make a YOGA WOMAN costume with a big Y on my chest and everything.”

It may seem too easy (and trust me, not all coaching sessions flow like this) but that subtle shift in her own perspective flipped a mental switch that gave her the courage to take that flight and share a once in a lifetime experience!  It's a bird, it's a plane......no it's YOGA WOMAN keepin' everyone safe and sane!  LOL

Just as one of the messages in ‘UNBREAKABLE’, we all have a unique set of gifts and talents. Many of which lie dormant for the majority, if not ALL of our lives. And it's a damn shame! It's our duty to share our SUPER POWERS with the world. That's why we are here!

So I ask, how much time have you spent trying to uncover the amazing parts of your rare talents and gifts? They are there.  WITHIN YOU.  Do you have the courage to search for them?  Although none of us are 'Unbreakable,' we are all blessed with special abilities worthy of any superhero!

BE SUPER HEROIC!

LOVE-SERVE-INSPIRE

Nerdmaste,

Jeffrey Louis Martinez