Are You Clark Kent

by Sifu Nick Francis

I had a dream!

No, not that type of dream. It was nothing like the dream Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.¹

Unlike that dream, my dream was just that...

It was just a dream.

Those of you who know me, know that I have a very active REM cycle. Rather consistently, I wake at 4:00am recounting seemingly real experiences. Whether it ranges from hours to a mere matter of seconds, this I do not know. What I do know is that real learning, encouragement and inspiration arises out of that time of sleep.

Sometimes it's through conversations with others that take place in my subconscious. Sometimes, I just awake recounting Wing Chun insights, techniques and applications which of course, I immediately begin applying before falling back to sleep to finish my night.

Of all the subconscious experiences I can recall, on this occasion it was both inspirational and encouraging as well as a Wing Chun application to train and practice.

The Dream

For some reason or another, while I was out and about on a typical day, I found myself like I usually do, working at a local cafe. Per usual, it is not uncommon for me to be sitting by myself. Even when having the opportunity to connect and join in with others, the solace and reflection that comes from solitude is always a choice I welcome, especially during a busy day.

As I was sitting by myself, I noticed some old elementary school friends (whom by the way I have not seen nor talked to for over 40 years ... LOL!). The husband looking at me asked,

"Are you ok?"

Being the skeptic that I am, even in my dreams, I immediately thought this was such a strange question. After all, what would lead him to ask such thing. I guess my lack of a timely response, prompted him to ask again, so he did?

"Are you ok?"

This time, still without offering a reply, I took notice that the inquiry actually made me feel a bit provoked. After all I thought, who do they think they are to suppose something must be wrong just because I am sitting alone.

Then it happened!

Raising his finger, as if coming to a clever insight and observation, he seemed to finally notice me. He said,

"I know you. You're Clark Kent aren't you?"

It was at this moment, I awoke with clarity, appreciation and confidence in mind. I realized that the events that took place the day before had set this mindfulness in motion.

You see, the eve before, I was on the treadmill at Planet Fitness and certainly without a shred of judgment [it is the judgment free zone after all], I observed the natural culture of that environment.

Have you ever noticed how we all have an intrinsic need to belong? We all want to feel strong, confident, purposeful and successful. Even though we may not say that we have an immediate need to be recognized, we all have a need to be seen, accepted and validated. Sometimes, even unknowingly, we present ourselves in ways that we hope to be seen in the very way we project.

In a room full of weights, we may carry ourselves as to look strong. In environments where physical attributes are highly valued, we may try to look athletic, healthy, competent, or even attractive. Sometimes, when we are in an environment where we perceive that everyone seems to have it all together, we may also feel tempted to act like we have it together as well.

Here's my reflection?

We are all on a journey to discover who we truly are. No one wants to be remembered by their worst moments and we all want to live our best lives. To those who want to be seen as heroes, it is natural to want to wear a cape.

Clark Kent to me in this dream, was the hero without the cape.

Although the versions of this character's storytelling vary in perspective, on this night I felt the confidence that can arise from the inside out. In my rendition of the Kryptonian's story, I saw Clark Kent as one who is happy with who is. Cape or no cape, he is powerful and confident. All his value and worth has been recognized from the inside out.

He has no one to convince. He doesn't need to prove himself to anyone.

I feel the same way about what Wing Chun has to offer us. We may not be called upon day after day for a heroes task, but the hero remains in us none the less. Without a need to reveal the strength within, nor showcase our worth to the world, nor seek validation and appraisal from others around us...

We realize that we are enough, just as we are!

Do you know the hero within yourself?

... and have you concluded that you are already more than enough!

You dont need the world to validate you. When you are actively in the process of becoming the person you know you want to be, you are a hero everyday!

So the question is, "Are you Clark Kent?"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Have_a_Dream

"The Lancaster Wing Chun Association exists

to create a place where

people can learn traditional Ip Man Wing Chun

in a safe supportive environment."