I found this quote by Herman Hesse this morning, tucked into an essay by the wonderful Maria Popova of Brain Pickings. I read it aloud and thought ... yes, that's its then. That's it.

These words of Herman Hesse so accurately describe the heart-felt sentiment, the inspirational objective, underlying the Superhero Unfolding project. It is amazing that I had not found this quote, these words, before in all my research for the project. Perhaps, I just needed to discover their power, truth and beauty today. When my heart was ready to receive their message.

I believe in the inevitability of enlightenment for all beings over time. And, that finding the superhero unfolding inside of us, the god within, IS the adventure of our lives. So, godspeed to you, Superhero Unfolding, may your path be filled with peace, love and courage.

I wish you a day of spectacular encounters with greatness.

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

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A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith
in their mission can alter the course of history.
- Mahatma Gandhi

This quote reveals the power of intention when focused on a common goal. It can be considered as both a source for inspiration, and a warning against single-minded pursuits.

It is important to check in with our intentions before committing ourselves completely to a cause. To discern, the underlying attraction it holds for us. And, question whether we are acting out of fear and intolerance, or from a sense of empathy and support.

Wishing you a day full of endless beauty.

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo by Boba Jaglicic on Unsplash

Today is about living as you...

“I often warn people, somewhere along the way, someone is going to tell you, '
There is no 'i' in team.' What you should tell them is,
'Maybe not—but there is an 'i' in independence, individuality, and integrity.'”
― George Carlin

Independent thought is not encouraged in our culture, unless it translates directly to material gain. Those who think differently often find themselves marginalized, their ideas largely ignored or discredited. Making them, easy and convenient targets for discrimination and violence.

Individuality is weakened through memes, fears and social pressures. Feeling threatened by stressful and uncertain events, the public often adopts a herd mentality. Extolling the virtues of political dogma breeds conformity. Making angry and fearful individuals feel safer, insulated in like-minded groups.

Integrity is undeniably the most endangered trait of our species. Undermined by messages from our culture, it is easy to push aside our integrity for personal gain; or to look the other way to avoid upsetting the status quo; or to support deplorable actions by embracing the idea that the ends justify the horrendous means.

Attempting to live life with integrity as an independent individual in western culture is a superhuman task. It requires discipline and grace. Both of which, come in your original packaging, and can be expanded with use.

Wishing you a day of superb splendor!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo courtesy of http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com

“All great and precious things are lonely.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

We all face loneliness at some point in our lives. Loneliness is to some extent, a natural and normal condition of life. Since, we live as separate beings in a vast and interconnected universe.

There are many ways we may experience loneliness, yet relatively few causes for it. Most forms of loneliness are a result of feeling misunderstood, unappreciated, alienated and unheard. These feeling can spark a cycle of negative mind chatter, leading us to perceive ourselves as insufficient, broken and unsupported by life.

Loneliness can lead to more loneliness. Especially, if we choose to believe that our loneliness is justified by an inherent personal defect; or, if it is perceived as a rejection, of us, by the world around us.

There is only one sure cure for loneliness. It is to know that you are never alone. Never. You don't need to fit in with any particular "community" or "tribe". You are already living in community with EVERYTHING.

A first step out of loneliness is to appreciate yourself as you are... a unique, and sometimes quirky individual. The second step is to muster up the courage to follow your own heart... to truly become who you are becoming. The third step is to realize that no matter what you choose to do, you are essential to the world.

Wishing you a day of high-stepping chaotic merriment.

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on.

Photo by Musab Al Rawahi on Unsplash

“Loving ourselves works miracles in our lives.”
– Louise Hay

Indeed it does.

Louise Hay was an American motivational author and healer. A fascinating caring individual who believed in the transformative power of thought. Her best selling book, "You Can Heal Your Life," is a must read for anyone struggling with health issues.

Loving ourselves is the key to happiness. It can help us overcome obstacles large and small, by realizing that our self worth is not tied to the outcome of any particular situation, opinion or judgement.

We are perfect as we are right now, whether we choose to believe this or not. We are always the best version of ourselves possible, in our present conditions and at our present level of consciousnesses. That is the nature of life.

Knowing this, it becomes more difficult to find fault with oneself. It also becomes much easier to accept and love ourselves completely, as is, right now. Which, is the jumping off point to the miraculous.

Wishing you a day of sweet surrender to the moment.

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash

“I live my life in widening circles that reach out across the world.”
- Rainer Maria Rilke

So few of us realize that effect that we have upon others. Like a ripple caused by a single drop into still water, our attitudes and actions radiate out from us in all directions.

We live in an interconnected universe. We change with every action we take, however subtle. Every decision we make, sends us in a new direction. Everything that we do has an effect on something, or someone, else. Most of the time, we are too preoccupied to realize this
.
Today, take a few moments to notice how your thoughts, emotions or actions effect your environment and others around you. Ask yourself... What am I sending out across the world? and... Is this really what I want to do for myself and others?

Wishing you a day of fantastic fortune and festivity!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo by Snappy Shutters on Unsplash

"The Buddha said that nothing survives without food, including love. If you don't know how to nourish and feed your love, it will die. If we know how to feed our love every day, it will stay for a long time.

One way we nourish our love is by being conscious of what we consume. Many of us think of our daily nourishment in terms of what we eat. But in fact, there are four kinds of food we consume each day.

They are edible food (what we put in our mouths to nourish our bodies), sensory food (what we smell, hear, taste, feel and touch), volition (the motivation and intention that fuels us) and consciousness (this includes our individual consciousness, the collective consciousness and our environment.)"

- Thich Nhat Hahn

Becoming conscious of what we take in, is a great discipline to develop. It can be helpful in many ways and on many levels.

On the biological level, it can help us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Mentally, it can help sharpen our discrimination. On an emotional level, it can help us to navigate intense and stressful situations. Spiritually, it can lead us to contentment through integration within ourselves.

Wish you a day of ferocious nourishment!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!

Photo by Tamas Pap on Unsplash

"For me, every hour is grace.
And I feel gratitude in my heart each time I can meet someone and look at his or her smile."
- Elie Wiesel

How often do we take being alive for granted, dismissing as ordinary, the amazing opportunities life presents us with. And, our ability to learn, to grow, to create and to connect with ourselves and others.

Sometimes it is helpful to take a moment and remember that life is teeming within us, and all around us.

Wishing you a day of enjoyable pursuits!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Today is about listening...

“When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know.
But if you listen, you may learn something new.”
- Dalai Lama

“Deep listening is the kind of listening that can help relieve the suffering of another person.
You can call it compassionate listening.
You listen with only one purpose: to help him or her to empty his heart.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh

We all hear. Hearing is passive, our ears perceive sound and hearing simply happens. Listening is something we choose to do which requires presence, openness and acceptance.

Listening is caring. It is being willing to allow others to be who they are, say what they think, and feel what they feel without the immediate need to convert them to our point of view.

Listening is an art. Until we master it, most of us will listen with an intent to reply, rather than an intent to understand. We will spend our listening time thinking of things to say, rather than focusing on the content of what is actually being said. And, who is saying it.

Listening is being vulnerable. It is approaching conversations with an open heart and an open mind, curious to discover what the situation holds for everyone.

Wishing you a day of dazzling sights and sounds!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!


Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

Today is about simple pleasures ...

"Simplicity is the essence of happiness"
- Cedric Bledsoe

Happiness found in simple pleasures should be savored. The refreshing quality of a cool drink on a hot day, or the surrender into ease in a warm bath are opportunities to embrace and enjoy life. And, to sink completely into experiencing it.

These moments of delight are beneficial in restoring a us to a state of calm peacefulness. Tuning into simple pleasures disrupts habitual thought patterns, bringing us out of our heads and into our bodies. Silencing our chattering minds, while allowing our bodies to experience ease.

Simple pleasures abound. When we slow down, we discover that the world around us is teeming with new sites, sounds, scents, tastes and tactile experiences. It can be stimulating to see which we are drawn to, and indulge ourselves for a moment, or more.

Wishing you a day of day of willowy pleasures!

Fly on, Superhero.
Fly on!


Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash