Iron Man
It has been amazing in the last decade to see the proliferation of superhero movies. As a kid during the 70’s I was certainly a part of the comic book generation. So much so that I can discuss canon with those who take such matters very seriously. I know The Hulk’s history, at least through the early 90’s. This is true of all of the comic book greats all the way to eventually the game changing “Watchman” and “The Dark Knight.”
Even though “The Avengers” was a popular series and “Iron Man” was a popular stand alone series I would never have guessed the technology would be available to really make his suit really look and operate as it does, but I just would not have anticipated how popular the character would become. It is certainly about the Tony Stark character, with a complex and interesting backstory, but it is also very much about the suit itself.
The suit is a result of years of work and study. When he straps it on he has what is needed. He is adept with his knowledge of the suit, how to best make use of it, and ways to be careful. There are some things beyond its capability, and Stark knows the strengths and weaknesses of the tool.
To me the suit is the exoskeleton of discipline. I know for myself when I strap on the active focus of my practice, the study throughout the day, reciting maxims, different meditation techniques, Yoga and strength training, aerobics, walking, positive manifestation visualizations and practices as well as micro practices.
All of these and more and I make use of most every day. I track what I do and study very carefully, and gradually build my intention and attention. It is extremely important for me to not do my than my current level discipline can maintain. To do more than I really am capable of only damages me in my relationship to myself. I break through my edge and create contraction.
Some days I very consciously do not track the practices I do. I follow the Advaita Vedantic practice of focusing on “I AM.” This is also a Christian mystic practice. On these days I work just to be in the wonder of everyday moments. Butterflies. Children. The colors of a drop of oil in the street. Every day, every moment is our birthday. The birth moment.
It is a strong experience that the energy we give to the wonder of life it pays back in miracles. My iron man suit is not made of metal. It is the tensile strength of learning that we are not here to serve our emotions, but to enlist our thoughts and emotions in serving us. Our iron discipline does not make us rigid. This iron make us soft, strong. Strong enough to look at when we are wrong, and soft enough to forgive even when we do not forget.