If you’ve been reading my other posts, I’ll risk assuming that you already know of Superman’s Fortress of Solitude.
If not, here’s the quick origin story (the simplest of a few versions):
A small crystalline artifact was entrusted in the escape pod that bore the baby Superman away from his dying planet of Krypton to Earth.
Years later on Earth, the adult Superman activates this crystal artifact in the Arctic wastelands, and from it grows an entire crystalline fortress—becoming the secret base of operations for Superman.
Superman’s Fortress of SolitudeOk…and?
Besides being ridiculously awesome, what does this have to do with personal development, wellness and enlightened action?
The Fortress of Solitude is where Superman goes for sanctuary, for refuge, for rebalancing, for quiet reflection…in short, to meditate.
Because even the Man of Steel can get overwhelmed at times.
This is actually something I love about Superman—so often he comes across as reserved, introspective and even humbly cautious. He often appears more vulnerably human than us real humans do:
“I worry because everyone seems to look up to me and it’s making me a little uncomfortable. I can try but I can’t solve every problem. I don’t know if I can live up to this…myth they want me to be.”
~ Justice League of America, #6
Though I may not want to admit it, I do know that the Man of Tomorrow is not real [hangs head in sadness]. But, there is a powerful lesson here that we can learn from:
Think of the great men and women throughout history—the real world-changers and evolutionaries. If you know their personal stories, you know that they often sought or seek out meditative solitude to prepare for great challenge or when facing the unknown.
And as we heroes-in-training step into greater and greater adventures, so too grows the need to regularly withdraw and recharge.
Not just an empty ice abode…
Superman’s Memory CrystalsSuperman’s Fortress of Solitude is not only a place for inward reflection, in the comics and movies it was shown to house many “memory crystals.”
These crystals hold great stores of information, both about Superman’s origins, and about the mysteries of the universe. (You getting the analogy here?)
Superman accesses these crystals when he feels he is losing sight of his purpose, when he is in need of greater information, or when he feels unsure about an impending challenge.
Superman meditates! You can too!
Meditation is a super-power all its own, as it clears our minds, allows us different points of view, and gives us access to powerful and intuitive information crucial to our fulfillment and prosperity.
So, now comes the big reveal:
The Fortress of Solitude is not somewhere in the Arctic, it’s in you! (shocker, I know).
Even though there is no physical Fortress of Solitude out there, there is an even roomier and more amazing fortress inside of you.
So, how the heck do you find the door? First, let’s fully flesh out the fortress metaphor:
> First, you came to Earth with the potential to create your Fortress of Solitude
> Second, though you have this potential, you must choose to access it
> Third, your fortress is there for when you need sanctuary, refuge and quiet reflection
> Fourth, your fortress is not just a sanctuary, but also a great repository of memory and information for you to call on at need
> Fifth, as you continue to awaken into your superhero self—stretching into new levels of challenge and growth—you will need to utilize your fortress more effectively
Now it’s your turn.
Unleash the super within…So, what can you do today to start creating your personal Fortress of Solitude and have access to it? Learn to meditate, of course!
Basic meditation is way more simple than we often think (though not always easy), does not have to come along with religion or dogma, and has both immediate and long-term benefits.
Join me in the video below to experience your first superman-inspired guided meditation.
Now hero, go forth and be awesome!
Faster than a focused thought! More powerful than calm awareness! Able to soothe all stresses in a single breath! Look, into your mind! It’s a yogi! It’s a sage! It’s the real you! (as true as it is corny)
The invitation here is to weave meditation into your life: as a formal meditation practice, and as a meditative approach to your daily experience. Its benefits are uncountable and ever multiplying. In short, mindfulness improves every aspect of your life because it improves you as the central agent within your life.
And understand, when you are first creating a meditation practice, how regularly you practice is much more important than how long you practice for each time (generally speaking).
Post your experiences or questions below, and keep adventuring.
In sweet, spacious aliveness,
Eka, aka SuperSpark
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~
Editor: Kate Bartolotta
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