I just saw the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight" and really have to say that it is one of the best movies of the genre that I have ever seen. No kidding.And Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker will have chills running down your spine... it feels that real sometimes.
Go see it. It's worth it.
Anyway, two of the ideas that kept coming back during the movie were those of having no rules and being adaptable to circumstances.
They tie in to each other so I'll treat them as one concept here.
First there's Batman.
Throughout the movie he has to adapt and evolve according to whatever circumstances arise. His main concern is to do what's best for Gotham City. And the Dark Knight is ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve it. He is ready to play whatever role he must play. To rise or fall with the tide of the times. To be perceived as the hero, or the villain. Why? Because it is what his path requires. He chose his life, now he does whatever is necessary, adapting and evolving as things change. Because he can handle it. He is strong enough. And because those who evolve constantly are those that survive. Those that resist change shrivel up, burn up and die. In all industries, notice who has been at the top for the longest and it will always be those who can evolve and adapt to the changing times. This is what Batman does.
Then there's the Joker.
To get to Batman, the Joker had to be infinitely creative. To get close to someone powerful if they don't want to see you is difficult, to say the least. For that, you have to think outside of the box, or cube, and allow your mind to expand. This is how you find your solutions. It also helps if you have fun doing it.
Now, the Joker, being obviously insane, has no trouble thinking out of the box because he never even enters the box, he just tosses it around and plays with it... enjoying seeing the pain and horror in others. So this is a perfect example of how you can learn good things from anyone... even the freakiest of them all (disclaimer: learn from everyone and everything but use it for good. Do not use what you learn to hurt others in any way).
Which brings me to my next point. Heath Ledger.
Here is an example of mastery in acting. He took on the role of the Joker so well, ingrained it so deeply in his cells that during his performances he wasn't acting as the Joker... he was the Joker. He saw the role he was meant to play and he became that character. He adapted to the circumstances and evolved/transformed himself into the role to best achieve his goal of a masterful performance. That's what true actors do. The key, however, is to be able to let go of previous roles as times change, to be able to take on new ones. Adaptation.
"That's great," you say, "but what do I care? I'm not an actor". My friend, I beg to differ.
All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.
- William Shakespeare's As You Like It, 1600
You see, as Shakespeare noted it long ago, the world we live in is a stage where we each play our parts, falling into and out of different roles throughout our lives. We all secretly hope for a chance at the spotlight before our light goes out after our brief experience on Earth.
So let me ask you: what roles do you currently play?
What roles are others asking you to play in their lives?
What roles are you asking others to play in your life?
If this life was a movie, what type of character would you want to play?
Ask yourself these questions now (go ahead, just for a minute) and be very honest. Is the part you are playing the part you want to be playing? If it is, are you playing it to the best of your ability? Are you being the best mom, architect, coach, son, grandpa, leader, artist, etc. that you can be? If not, how can you adapt and evolve into the greatest that you can be?
Are you flexible, moldable, adaptable, coachable?
Or do you refuse to take an honest look at yourself and find a way to change whatever's bothering you?
Can you surrender your fear and finally allow yourself to become what your soul actually knows you can be, instead of thinking about how hard it would be to try to change? Once you DECIDE to change to be more of the powerful and beautiful being that you really are, you'll find that things really aren't that hard to do... but you do have to DO them.
There are no rules as to who we can be or what we can achieve.
All that is needed is a vision for the desired end result and a commitment to learning, adapting and evolving ourselves and the roles we play according to the needs of the continually changing circumstances of the world around us.
Take a moment to remember that next time when you enjoy the experience of The Dark Knight and it's dark, adaptable characters.
From the deepest darkness of your soul can come the brightest light of evolutionary drive.
Reclaim your power.
CHB
Copyright © Charles Begin
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