Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Superheroes! 

A new time is upon us. I offer this mantra (probably best recited aloud in the presence of someone else or to yourself, in the mirror).  This creates legitimacy and personal accountability.

"Let my powers shine in 2021. 

I will be the one to do what is right, 

the one to risk a new change in routine, 

the one to take the first step in breaking down a barrier between myself and someone else, 

the one to take deep breaths before acting, 

the one to love unconditionally, 

the one to embrace the simple greatness of the ripple effect 

and, in little ways, 

the one to save the day… Everyday."

This is your year, your time. There's never been a better time to be "super."

- CS

The Dreams of Batkid!

Recently, I traveled to San Francisco for some adventuring during Thanksgiving. I did have many adventures, though encountered so many more things to be thankful for than I had expected. Namely, the Batkid! While I know that this story happened way back in November and is an event sure to be emblazoned on every citizen superhero's radar by now, I find myself reflecting on it daily. While in SF, I came across the various locations where the Batkid's valor had taken place. Though I had not been there a few days earlier to actually witness it, I was definitely moved by the story. While being a true superhero does not necessarily warrant a cape or mask, the desire to "save the day" is what resonates so deeply here for me. The Make-A-Wish Foundation and city of San Francisco have certainly created a heroic moment, joining forces to help make another's dream come true (something we should keep in mind for our own efforts.) But when I hear that "saving the day" is an actual dream for a child, like young Miles Scott (aka Batkid), I feel a little stronger, a little wiser and certainly thankful.

Our hero! Batkid saves the day in San Francisco

Entry: Smile Power!

So, I've decided that it is high time for me to start sharing my own Citizen Superhero adventures with you all.  The problem is choosing where to begin.  I learned very early in my life as a teacher that modeling for others and living my practice (not just teaching about it) are the most essential things I could implement on a daily basis.  So, perhaps, the best place to start my first personal entry is with a smile.

When I moved to Washington DC in 2007 (while still making my daily commute to my teaching gig in Maryland), it was the first time I had lived in a new place, let alone a city (I grew up in NYC) in a while.  I found the new environment to be somewhat disorienting- the faster pace, the noise, the people, and, of course, the politics.  I felt prejudices start to bubble up to the surface for me- some I never had experienced before and others I thought I had dealt with long ago through living a more "conscious lifestyle" and teaching children about being open-minded and kind.  Well, I quickly realized that I was becoming that person I had worked so hard to overcome.  In a place where everything is much closer together and people are walking everywhere, instead of driving, these feelings of fear and intolerance were certainly palpable. 

I decided I shouldn't drive myself nuts over it.  After all, wasn't it enough that I was conscious and aware of how I was feeling and reacting to my surroundings?!  It was good, perhaps, but not enough.  I needed to act, to be an agent of change for myself.  So, I thought I would start small.  Each day, I would walk in my neighborhood as much as possible- walk to the store, walk to the coffee shop, walk to my car to drive to work (parking was pretty bad, so sometimes I had to park blocks away from my house), walk to a restaurant (anyway, you get the point)- and say hello to every person that I passed on the street.  If they looked my way, I would also greet them with a big smile.  

Simple, I know.  Was it daring?  Perhaps not in general (but it was hard in the beginning for me.)  Was it worth it?  Completely!  In all honesty, friendly responses became suddenly abundant.  This new act became a personal mission of mine.  It was like I had opened up a friendly neighborhood floodgate of teeth that were just begging to be shown!  The smiles, the hellos, the random conversations and complements that ensued were unlike anything I had ever experienced before.   The pure strength in just acknowledging someone with kindness was overwhelming.  I also discovered that a smile and "hello" have the potential to disarm negative behaviors or intentions that someone else may have.  It seems to catch them off guard, as if they had been grappling with the very same prejudices that I had and somehow expected me to act in an entirely different way towards them.  Interestingly enough, I found that the best times to use my "smile power" were the very moments when my own prejudices were the most present and I felt the least safe.  To date, this is something I do wherever I go and the payoff is HUGE.  

Disclaimer:  Now, I am certainly not saying for someone to be reckless.  Our gut reactions for feeling unsafe deserve proper acknowledgement and care.  Certainly listen to yourself and trust your intuition but challenge your fear.  Ask yourself why is it there in the first place?  Prejudices, though at times deeply rooted for some, hold very little practical value.  Remember, often people just need a reason, an invitation to be kind.

Be safe, be aware and don't forget to smile :)

Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"There isn't much justice in this world. Perhaps that's why it's so satisfying -- to occasionally make some." - MARTIAN MANHUNTER

CS CHALLENGE:
In every day, superheroes, there are small moments of greatness.  Be aware of those small moments.  Often we allow them to be overshadowed by occasions of hardship or disappointment.  Dare to see the greatness in every day.  Open your eyes and remember to note the victories, no matter how small or momentary. 

Be well and strong,
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"You've just been witness to a great day! Look what a little focus can do... " - CROSSBONES

CS CHALLENGE:
Every moment, superheroes, awaits your decisions, your own actions and intentions.  Every little bit of clear attention you give counts.

Make it count,
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Those to whom no distant horizons beckon... for whom no challenges remain ... they possess only empty sand!" - SILVER SURFER

CS CHALLENGE:
Life is the journey, superheroes, the process.  For us, exploration must be constant.  For us, nothing is inevitable if we choose to live this life as one full of adventure, learning and change.  Be the one who longs for more and your rewards will be great.  So, fill your glass and forward on!

To saving the day...everyday
-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"Remember that sometimes even the most formidable walls -- like the walls we build around ourselves -- can be overcome...if someone is just willing to look at it...and wonder what's behind it."  -WONDER MAN

Be well, my fellow superheroes, and keep your minds and hearts open.

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"This is the voice of revolution speaking. The petty complacency of the sheeplike masses will no longer be tolerated. There is a new order to come." - GHOST RIDER

CS CHALLENGE:
Every once in a while, we catch ourselves, realizing that we have been "falling in line" with the rest, doing what is easy or responding only to what is asked of us, instead of following our dreams, speaking up about the things we cannot tolerate and seeking out the things that drive us.  You are your own revolution, superheroes.  It begins with you.  Pinch yourself, take a good look around, and get back to work... or simply...get started!

I am right there with you...

-Citizen Superhero

Superhero Wisdom of the Week

"C'mon. Let's do something insane like save the world." - IRON MAN

Check out this group of fellow citizen superheroes doing what they can to protect natural environments and save the world through music and by supporting local artists and progressive businesses.  See more about their efforts at www.conserfest.org

Have a powerful week, superheroes!
-Citizen Superhero