#if something explores the reality and consequences of their actions and the impact on the victims without downplaying it or ignoring it

[ilynpilled]

it frankly pisses me off that what is essentially “rapists and abusers should be depicted as monstrous caricatures because humanizing them is inappropriate” is considered a very moral and enlightened position to have on art by so many people. a rapist can feel pain, have moments of vulnerability, be amiable and charming, express remorse and compassion at times, be a victim themselves, and so on in real life. they are even capable of doing good things. they can have different sides to them and have individuals in their lives that they are kind to or have a decent relationship with. they will be a human being, and that fact encompasses a lot. conflating that with the claim that they are entitled to and deserve forgiveness or absolution is an issue. nurturing a mindset that believes they need to be one note and uncomplicated to be a correct and tasteful depiction of a rapist inadvertently falls in line with the logic of “how could they have possibly raped you? they are so normal and kind to me. they did all these good things here and there.” ok that doesn’t change that they are a rapist.

[imastoryteller]

20 Plot Twist Ideas That Will Shock Your Audience

One of the most effective tools in a storyteller's arsenal is the plot twist. A well-executed plot twist can leave your audience reeling, questioning everything they thought they knew about your story. It can turn a good story into a great one, leaving a lasting impact on your readers or viewers. In this post, we'll explore 20 plot twist ideas that will shock your audience and elevate your storytelling game to new heights.

1. The Unlikely Hero:

Turn the tables by revealing an unexpected character as the true hero. This can be someone seemingly insignificant or even an antagonist who redeems themselves at a crucial moment.

2. The Double Agent:

Introduce a character who initially appears loyal to the protagonist but is secretly working against them, only to later reveal their true intentions.

3. The Long-Lost Sibling:

Uncover a secret sibling, separated from the main character in their early years, and use their sudden appearance to shift the narrative.

4. Time Travel Paradox:

Play with time travel to create a paradox that forces the characters to confront alternate timelines or unforeseen consequences of their actions.

5. The Mastermind:

The story's villain is revealed to be a puppet in a larger scheme, controlled by a mastermind who has been operating behind the scenes.

6. The Supernatural Twist:

Introduce a supernatural element, like ghosts or mythical creatures, that the characters and audience believed were mere myths.

7. The Doppelgänger:

A character's doppelgänger appears, causing confusion and chaos as they try to determine who is the real one.

8. The Reversal of Roles:

Switch the roles of the protagonist and antagonist halfway through the story, making the audience question their allegiances.

9. The Untouchable Hero:

Create a seemingly invincible hero who unexpectedly meets their match, forcing them to reevaluate their abilities and tactics.

10. The Forgotten Past:

Unearth a character's forgotten or repressed memories, leading to a shocking revelation about their true identity or past actions.

11. The Betrayal Within:

One of the protagonist's closest allies betrays them, throwing their entire mission into disarray.

12. The Hidden Identity:

A character is not who they claim to be, and their true identity is revealed, impacting the story's direction.

13. The Inception Twist:

Blur the lines between reality and illusion, leaving the audience guessing what's real and what's a dream or illusion.

14. The Time Loop:

Trap your characters in a time loop where they're forced to relive the same events repeatedly until they can break free.

15. The Shapeshifter:

Introduce a character with the ability to change their appearance, creating doubt and suspicion within the group.

16. The Truth About the Mentor:

The mentor figure, who initially seems wise and benevolent, is unveiled as the story's true antagonist.

17. The Lost Artifact:

The much sought-after artifact or treasure turns out to be a fake, and the real item is something entirely unexpected.

18. The Pseudo-Death:

Fake a character's death to shock the audience and later reveal they were alive all along.

19. The Prophecy Reversed:

Subvert the traditional hero's journey by defying a prophesized destiny and taking the story in a different direction.

20. The Unreliable Narrator:

Reveal that the narrator has been lying or misrepresenting events, casting doubt on the entire story's accuracy.

Conclusion:

These 20 plot twist ideas are just the beginning, and by incorporating them into your narratives, you can leave your audience stunned, shocked, and eager for more. Remember that the key to a successful plot twist lies in its execution, so take your time and craft a twist that seamlessly integrates into your story, making it an unforgettable experience for your readers or viewers.

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[unboundprompts]

hey! i was wondering if you had any advice for writing a "bully" tough guy character with a hidden heart of gold that will be redeemed later on in the story? i wanted to have their motivation being seeing their bullying as making people stronger (for maybe a reason like from being bullied for being weak themselves) but idk how i would begin to write this

How to Write a Bully with Opportunity for a Redemption

Establish a Compelling Backstory

Bullying History: Flesh out the character's past. Perhaps they were bullied themselves, leading them to believe that by bullying others, they can instill strength and resilience. This creates a cycle of pain that they think they're breaking.

Family Dynamics: Consider their family situation. Maybe they have a tough home life that forces them to adopt a hard exterior, believing vulnerability is a weakness.

Defensive Mechanism: Make it clear that their bullying is a defense mechanism. They may fear being seen as weak or unworthy, so they project toughness to avoid being hurt again.

Create Layers of Personality

Contradictions: Show moments where the tough guy’s softer side shines through, such as helping someone in a subtle way or expressing empathy toward a friend. This builds intrigue and hints at their hidden depth.

Hobbies or Interests: Give them a passion that contrasts with their tough exterior, such as caring for animals, art, or even an interest in literature. This helps humanize them and shows they have more to offer than just their bullying behavior.

Develop Strong Relationships

Friendships: Explore the dynamics of their friendships. Do they have a best friend who sees through their tough exterior? This friend can be a source of support and also push the character toward redemption.

Conflict with Others: Show how their bullying impacts their relationships with other characters. This can create tension and give other characters a reason to want them to change.

Establish Their Motivation for Bullying

Internal Monologue: Use the bully’s thoughts to explain their perspective. Allow them to rationalize their behavior with phrases like “I’m just toughening them up” or “They’ll thank me later.” This internal justification provides insight into their mindset and shows that they genuinely believe in their method.

Dialogue with Others: Show conversations where the bully explains their philosophy to friends or peers. They might say something like, “You have to be tough to survive. I’m just giving them a reality check,” or “Weakness only gets you hurt.” This can illustrate their conviction that they’re helping rather than harming.

Interactions with Victims: When the bully interacts with their victims, allow moments where they express a twisted sense of encouragement. For instance, they might say something like, “You’ll thank me when you’re stronger,” or give unsolicited advice on how to handle being bullied, further solidifying their misguided belief.

In-Scene Justification: As the bully corners a victim, they might say, “You think this is tough? You should’ve seen what I went through. I’m making you stronger. You’ll thank me when you can stand up to people like me.”

Aftermath Reflection: After an intense encounter, the bully reflects, “Maybe I pushed them too hard. But if they break now, they’ll never survive out there. I can’t let them be weak.”

Confrontation with a Mentor: In a scene with a mentor or friend, the bully might insist, “I’m not a bad guy. I’m doing this for them. They need to be ready for the real world. They’ll understand one day.”

Build Moments of Realization

Catalyst for Change: Identify key moments that can serve as turning points for the character. Perhaps they witness the consequences of their actions firsthand, such as a target of their bullying breaking down.

Moment of Kindness: Have them perform a small act of kindness that contradicts their tough persona. This could be something like defending someone who’s being bullied or comforting a classmate in distress.

Craft a Redemption Arc

Struggle with Self-Perception: As they start to recognize their wrongs, explore their internal conflict. They might grapple with feelings of guilt or shame, unsure how to change.

Facing the Consequences: Introduce scenarios where they face the repercussions of their past actions. This can lead to a moment of humility, where they apologize or make amends.

Support from Others: Allow other characters to help guide their transformation. Perhaps someone who was bullied approaches them and expresses that they see potential in them, encouraging a new path.

Highlight the Heart of Gold

Acts of Courage: In the climax, have them step up to protect those they’ve bullied, showcasing their newfound understanding of strength and vulnerability.

Positive Impact: Illustrate how their change positively affects others. This can be through friendships, mentorships, or even inspiring other characters to change as well.

End on a Hopeful Note

New Identity: Conclude the character's arc by showing them embracing their softer side while still retaining the tough-guy persona, proving that they can be both strong and kind.

Forgiveness: Allow for forgiveness from those they’ve wronged, reinforcing the theme of redemption and growth.

Example Character Arc:

Initial Setup: Jake is known as the school’s tough guy, bullying anyone he deems weak, believing it will make them stronger.

Backstory Reveal: Through flashbacks, we see Jake bullied mercilessly for being small and weak, leading him to adopt his aggressive persona.

Turning Point: After witnessing the severe impact of his bullying on a classmate, Jake begins to reflect on his actions.

Redemption Moment: In a climactic scene, Jake defends the same classmate from a new bully, proving he’s changed.

Resolution: By the end, he’s mentoring younger students, using his experiences to help others find their strength rather than tear them down.

[mywitchyblog]

The Importance of Spiritual Hygiene in Reality Shifting.

Introduction :

Reality shifting, the practice of consciously transferring one's awareness to an alternate reality or desired reality, has gained significant attention in recent years. As more individuals explore this metaphysical concept, the importance of spiritual hygiene represents a crucial factor in order to shift succesfully. This essay delves into the often overlooked aspect of maintaining spiritual cleanliness and its profound impact on a shifters journey.

Just as we maintain physical hygiene for our bodily health, spiritual hygiene is essential for our energetic and mental well-being, particularly when engaging in practices that involve altering our state of consciousness. By examining the foundations of spiritual hygiene, exploring effective practices, and understanding the consequences of neglecting this vital aspect, we can make our shifting journey smoother and easier.

In the following sections, we will explore the intricate relationship between spiritual hygiene and reality shifting, providing insights and practical guidance for those seeking to optimize their shifting journey.

Disclaimer : Read Post entirely if you didnt understand something tell me and i'l clarify it for you.

Masterlist

I. Foundations of Spiritual Hygiene in Reality Shifting

A. Defining spiritual hygiene

Spiritual hygiene, in the context of reality shifting, refers to the practice of maintaining a clean, balanced, and harmonious energetic state of being. It encompasses various techniques and habits that aim to purify one's spiritual, mental, and emotional bodies/states. Just as physical hygiene involves cleansing and caring for our physical bodies, spiritual hygiene focuses on cleansing and nurturing our non-physical aspects.

At its core, spiritual hygiene is about cultivating a state of inner clarity, positivity, and alignment with one's higher self. This involves:

Energetic cleansing: Regularly clearing one's aura/energy/chakras of negative and stagnant energies that may accumulate from daily interactions, stress, or environmental factors.

Mental clarity: Maintaining a clear and focused mind, free from excessive worry, doubt, or negative thought patterns.

Emotional balance: Processing and releasing emotions in a healthy manner, avoiding emotional stagnation or overwhelming states.

Intentional living: Aligning one's thoughts, actions, and intentions with their highest values and spiritual goals.

Spiritual connection: Nurturing a connection with one's inner guidance, higher self, or preferred spiritual entities.

Energetic boundaries: Establishing and maintaining healthy energetic boundaries to protect oneself from external negative influences.

Vibrational upliftment: Consistently raising one's vibrational frequency through positive practices, thoughts, and experiences.

In the context of reality shifting, spiritual hygiene takes on additional significance as it directly influences one's ability to navigate between different states of consciousness and therefore realities.

B. Connection between spiritual cleanliness and successful shifting

The practice of reality shifting requires a high degree of mental focus, emotional stability, and energetic alignment. Spiritual hygiene plays a crucial role in facilitating these conditions, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful shifting attempts. The connection between spiritual cleanliness and successful shifting can be understood through several key aspects:

Vibrational alignment: Reality shifting often involves attuning oneself to the vibrational frequency of your desired reality. A spiritually clean state allows for easier alignment with higher vibrational frequencies, making it more feasible to connect with and shift to your intended/desired reality.

Mental clarity and focus: A cluttered or chaotic mind can hinder the concentration required for shifting. Regular spiritual hygiene practices help clear mental fog, reduce intrusive thoughts, and enhance the ability to visualize and focus on the desired reality.

Emotional stability: Intense or unprocessed emotions can create energetic blockages that interfere with shifting attempts. Maintaining emotional balance through spiritual hygiene practices allows for a more stable and conducive state for shifting.

Energetic purity: A clean energy field is more receptive to the subtle energies involved in reality shifting. It allows for clearer channeling of intentions and easier detachment from the current reality.

Spiritual protection: Good spiritual hygiene includes practices that protect one's energy field. This is crucial during shifting attempts, as it helps prevent interference from unwanted energies habits and so on...

Intuition and guidance: A spiritually clean state enhances one's connection to inner guidance and intuition. This can be invaluable during shifting, helping navigate the process and make decisions aligned with one's highest good.

Belief and intention amplification: Spiritual hygiene practices often involve affirmations, visualizations, and intention-setting. These reinforce the belief in one's ability to shift and amplify the power of intentions, both critical factors in successful shifts.

Energetic flexibility: Regular spiritual cleansing increases one's energetic flexibility, making it easier to adapt to the vibrations of different realities and facilitating smoother transitions during shifting attempts.

Subconscious alignment: Many spiritual hygiene practices work on a subconscious level, helping to align deeper parts of the psyche with the conscious desire to shift. This internal harmony can significantly enhance shifting success.

Resilience and perseverance: The discipline cultivated through consistent spiritual hygiene practices builds mental and emotional resilience. This is crucial for persevering through challenges or initial unsuccessful attempts in your reality shifting journey.It can help you fights against negatives habits ,thoughts and allow you to break through and not to give up.

In essence, spiritual hygiene creates an optimal internal environment for reality shifting. It clears obstacles, enhances necessary skills, and aligns one's entire being with the goal of shifting. By maintaining a high standard of spiritual cleanliness, practitioners of reality shifting can significantly increase their chances of success, enjoy more vivid and controlled experiences, and navigate the process with greater ease and safety.

Moreover, the benefits of spiritual hygiene extend beyond just facilitating successful shifts. It also helps in integrating shifting experiences, processing the insights gained from different realities, and maintaining overall well-being throughout one's shifting journey. As such, spiritual hygiene should be considered a fundamental and ongoing practice for anyone seriously engaged in reality shifting.

For exemple this is what happened in 2020. Rememeber when people told you to drink water clean your room take a shower etc... That was exemples of spiritual Hygiene .Theres tons of ways to do it but those where somme common exemples that people did you didnt have to follow them by the letters but it helped a lot of people.

II. Practices for Maintaining Spiritual Hygiene

A. Cleansing rituals and techniques

Maintaining spiritual hygiene requires regular cleansing practices to remove energetic debris, reset one's vibration, and create a clean slate for reality shifting. Here are some effective cleansing rituals and techniques:

Smudging: This ancient practice involves burning sacred herbs like sage , palo santo (White Sage and Palo Santo are cultural appropriation), or cedar to cleanse spaces and auras. The smoke is believed to attach to negative energies and carry them away as it dissipates.

Salt baths: Soaking in a bath with sea salt or Epsom salt can draw out and absorb negative energies and toxins from the body and aura. Adding essential oils can enhance the cleansing effect.

Visualization meditation: Imagine a bright white or golden light flowing through your body, cleansing every cell and your entire energy field. Visualize negative energies being washed away or transmuted into positive light.

Sound cleansing: Use singing bowls, bells, or specific frequencies (like 528 Hz) to cleanse your energy field. The vibrations help break up stagnant energies and realign your personal frequency.

Breathwork: Practices like holotropic breathwork can help clear energetic blockages and oxygenate the body, promoting a sense of lightness and clarity.

Crystal cleansing: Use crystals like clear quartz or black tourmaline to absorb negative energies. Pass them through your aura or place them on specific body parts to draw out unwanted energies.

Energy combing: Visualize or use your hands to "comb" through your aura, removing any stuck or tangled energies.

Grounding exercises: Connect with the earth's energy through barefoot walking, hugging trees, or visualizing roots growing from your feet into the earth.This will help you ground yourself which is key to prevent spiritual psychosis.

Chakra balancing: Focus on each chakra, visualizing it spinning cleanly and brightly, removing any blockages or imbalances.

Journaling and emotional release: Write out negative thoughts or emotions to acknowledge and release them from your energetic system.

Shadow Work : Arguably the best method of spiritual hygiene out there it invovles digging deep inside yourself in order to incover part of yourself that may cause issues or explain why you act the way that you act.If there is a question you feel like it makes you feel weird or that you are trying to dodge it that means that it is where you should dig.

B. Ongoing maintenance of spiritual purity

While periodic deep cleansing is important, maintaining spiritual hygiene requires consistent daily practices. Here are some techniques for ongoing maintenance:

Morning and evening rituals: Develop a routine that includes practices like meditation, affirmations, or energy clearing to start and end each day with a clean slate.

Mindfulness practice: Stay aware of your thoughts and emotions throughout the day, addressing any negativity promptly to prevent energetic buildup.

Energy shielding: Visualize a protective bubble or shield around your aura each morning to deflect negative energies throughout the day.

Regular meditation: Incorporate daily meditation to quiet the mind, release stress, and maintain a high vibrational state.

Gratitude practice: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude through journaling or mental acknowledgment, which naturally elevates your spiritual vibration.

Nature connection: Spend time in nature regularly to reset your energy and align with the earth's natural rhythms.

Healthy lifestyle choices: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to support overall energetic health.

Conscious consumption: Be mindful of the media, conversations, and environments you expose yourself to, avoiding those that lower your vibration.

Regular energy checks: Perform quick energy scans throughout the day, clearing any accumulated negativity.

Affirmations and positive self-talk: Use affirmations to maintain a positive mindset and high vibration.

Spiritual study: Engage in regular reading or learning about spiritual topics to keep your practice fresh and evolving.

Decluttering: Regularly clear your physical space, as this often corresponds to energetic clearing.

Sacred space maintenance: Keep a dedicated area for spiritual practices, regularly cleansing and energizing this space.

Intention setting: Start each day or week by setting clear, positive intentions for your spiritual hygiene and shifting practices.

Prayer : Prayer can be a form of spiritual hygiene where you pray and visualise or accept that whoever you pray to will grant you what you asked for.

Self Care: "As within,So without . As without So Within" this saying states whatever action taken in the physical or the spiritual will reflect on the other side.So taking care of yourself physically will also help you mentally. I know it is easier said then done but just trying even a litlle bit is enough and can help you tremendously. Things like brushing your teeth,doing skin care lisenting to music that makes you feel good is beneficial.

By incorporating these cleansing rituals and maintenance practices into daily life, reality shifters can create and sustain an optimal energetic environment for their shifting attempts. This consistent attention to spiritual hygiene not only enhances the shifting experience but also contributes to overall well-being, clarity of mind, and spiritual growth. Remember, the key to effective spiritual hygiene is consistency and personalization – finding the practices that resonate most strongly with you and making them a regular part of your routine.

III. Consequences of Poor or Absent Spiritual Hygiene

A. Negative impacts on shifting attempts

Neglecting spiritual hygiene can significantly hinder reality shifting efforts and lead to various undesirable outcomes:

Difficulty in shifting: A cluttered energy field can create barriers to successfully transitioning between realities, making it harder to initiate or maintain a shift (as in grounding yourself in your DR).

Inconsistent or unstable shifts: Poor spiritual hygiene may result in shifts that are brief, unclear, or difficult to control, leading to fragmented or unsatisfying experiences.

Unintended destinations: Without proper energetic alignment, shifters might find themselves in realities that don't match their intentions, potentially leading to confusion or distress.

Increased vulnerability to intrusive thoughts: A lack of mental clarity can amplify doubts, fears, and negative thoughts during shifting attempts, sabotaging the process.

Energetic interference: An unprotected or "dirty" energy field may attract or allow interference from unwanted energies or "entities" (the whole entity thing cannot happen but some shifters claimed it to be so but you quickly realize that it is all in their head and they start going into spiritual psychosis) during shifting, potentially leading to disruptive or even frightening experiences.

Difficulty in maintaining focus: Poor spiritual hygiene can result in a scattered mind, making it challenging to concentrate on shifting intentions or visualizations.

Emotional instability during shifts: Unprocessed emotions or energetic imbalances may surface during shifting attempts, causing emotional turbulence that disrupts the experience.

Difficulty in returning or grounding: Poor spiritual hygiene may complicate the process of returning to the original reality or grounding oneself after a shift.

Increased skepticism and self-doubt: Repeated unsuccessful or unsatisfying shifting attempts due to poor spiritual hygiene may erode confidence in one's ability to shift, creating a negative feedback loop that could cause a snowball effect and scar you for life.

B. Potential risks to personal well-being and energy

Beyond impacting shifting attempts, neglecting spiritual hygiene can have broader consequences for one's overall well-being:

Energy depletion: Constant exposure to negative energies without proper cleansing can lead to chronic fatigue, low motivation, and a general sense of being drained.

Increased susceptibility to negative influences: A weakened energy field may make one more vulnerable to picking up others' negative emotions or thought patterns.

Emotional imbalance: Poor spiritual hygiene can result in mood swings, irritability, or persistent negative emotional states.

Mental fog and confusion: Accumulation of energetic debris can lead to difficulty in concentration, decision-making, and clarity of thought.

Physical manifestations: Prolonged energetic imbalances may eventually manifest as physical discomfort or health issues.

Spiritual disconnection: Neglecting spiritual hygiene can lead to a sense of disconnection from one's higher self, intuition, or spiritual guidance.

Relationship strain: An imbalanced energy field can negatively impact interactions with others, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.

Increased anxiety or paranoia: Poor energetic boundaries may result in feeling overwhelmed by external energies, leading to heightened anxiety or paranoid thoughts.

Stagnation in personal growth: Neglecting spiritual practices can hinder overall spiritual development and self-awareness.

Negative thought spirals: Without proper cleansing and maintenance, negative thought patterns can become entrenched, leading to a pessimistic outlook on life.

Blocked intuition: An unclear energy field can muffle intuitive signals, making it harder to make decisions aligned with one's highest good.

Increased sensitivity to environmental stressors: Poor spiritual hygiene can make one more susceptible to the negative effects of electromagnetic fields, crowd energies, or other environmental factors.

Difficulty in manifesting desires: Since reality shifting is closely related to manifestation, poor spiritual hygiene can obstruct one's ability to attract positive experiences or outcomes in any reality.

Karmic accumulation: Some believe that neglecting spiritual cleanliness can lead to the accumulation of negative karma, potentially affecting future experiences across realities.

Loss of energetic discernment: Without regular cleansing and maintenance, it may become increasingly difficult to distinguish between one's own energies and external influences.

In addition to the previously mentioned risks, it's crucial to highlight more severe consequences that have affected some shifters who neglected spiritual hygiene:

Mental health misinterpretations: Many individuals who attempted shifting without proper spiritual hygiene have experienced mental distress, leading them to mistakenly attribute these issues to shifting itself. This has resulted in some believing they developed psychosis or other mental health conditions, when in fact, these were consequences of poor energetic maintenance.

Physical and mental scars: Neglecting spiritual hygiene has left some shifters with lasting mental and physical scars. These may manifest as persistent anxiety, unexplained physical sensations, or a lingering sense of disconnection from their original reality.

Loss of faith in shifting: Due to negative experiences stemming from poor spiritual hygiene, some practitioners have erroneously concluded that shifting is "fake" or dangerous, abandoning the practice altogether.

Energetic attachments: Some shifters have reported feeling like they've brought back unwanted energetic attachments or entities from other realities, leading to persistent feelings of being watched or influenced by external forces.

Reality bleed-through: Poor boundaries between realities, caused by inadequate spiritual hygiene, have led to some shifters experiencing unsettling "bleed-through" effects, where elements of other realities intrude into their daily life.(These are nothing more than extreamly vivid hallucinations and at this point please seek help this is not normal at all).

Difficulty in maintaining a stable sense of self: Some practitioners have struggled with identity issues after shifting, finding it hard to reconcile their experiences across different realities. This is often exacerbated by poor spiritual hygiene practices.

Chronic fatigue and energy depletion: Many shifters have reported feeling constantly drained, unable to shake off fatigue even with adequate physical rest, due to energetic imbalances.(and again you are not suppoised to feel exhausted or tired when you shift back to your CR/OR considering that it is not that version of you who did all those things but your DR self not your OR self by logic it shoudnt and cannot happen)

Increased sensitivity to negative energies: Some individuals have developed hypersensitivity to energies around them, finding it overwhelming to be in crowded places or around certain individuals.

Nightmares and sleep disturbances: Poor spiritual hygiene has led to some shifters experiencing persistent nightmares or feeling like they're involuntarily shifting during sleep, disrupting their rest and daily functioning.

Difficulty in grounding: Some practitioners have found it challenging to fully "return" to their CR (current reality) or feel grounded in daily life, leading to a persistent feeling of dissociation.

It's important to emphasize that these negative experiences are not inherent to the practice of reality shifting itself, but rather consequences of neglecting proper spiritual hygiene. Shifting, being a spiritual practice, requires the same level of care and maintenance as any other spiritual or energetic work. Just as a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind, maintaining spiritual hygiene is vital for a healthy shifting practice and overall well-being.

By understanding these potential risks and the importance of spiritual hygiene, practitioners can approach reality shifting more responsibly and safely. This awareness can help prevent negative experiences and misconceptions about shifting, allowing individuals to explore this practice in a balanced and beneficial manner.

If you do not beleive me do it yourself. As in do the research look at the articles testimonies and story time from "ex-shifters". You will soon realize that it all stems for a poor or non existant spiritual hygiene that's what fucked them up.Not Shifting, they shot themselves in the foot.

Conlcusion :

Reality shifting, a practice of consciously transferring awareness to alternate realities, relies heavily on proper spiritual hygiene. This concept encompasses techniques for maintaining energetic cleanliness and balance, which are crucial for successful shifting experiences and overall well-being.

Spiritual hygiene in shifting involves regular cleansing rituals, such as smudging, meditation, and energy work, as well as ongoing practices like mindfulness, grounding, and energy protection. These techniques create an optimal internal environment for shifting by clearing energetic debris, enhancing focus, and aligning one's vibration with desired realities.

Neglecting spiritual hygiene can lead to significant challenges, including difficulty in shifting, unstable experiences, and potential risks to mental and physical health. Some practitioners have mistakenly attributed negative effects of poor spiritual hygiene to shifting itself, leading to misconceptions about the practice. By understanding and prioritizing spiritual hygiene, shifters can enhance their experiences, prevent negative outcomes, and foster holistic well-being across all realities they encounter.

In essence, spiritual hygiene is not just a supplementary aspect of reality shifting, but a fundamental component that ensures safe, enriching, and transformative experiences. As the practice of reality shifting continues to evolve, emphasizing the importance of spiritual hygiene will be crucial in creating a responsible and rewarding approach to this profound spiritual journey.

[howtofightwrite]

Hello! I know yall have talked about how overusing violence in a story makes it less impactful especially if it doesn’t cause lasting impacts for the characters. In my story this lack of impact slowly clues the mc in that something is Wrong with [them/reality, they’re not sure] because hey, these things *should* be having some effects, healing in this setting may be magic but it’s not *miracles*, but I’m not sure how to differentiate it from the typical outcomes of violence in fiction that the reader will simply be used to seeing, outside just the mc’s thoughts on the matter. What are some things yall would want to see acknowledged and/or explored when treating violent encounters this way intentionally? Would someone become more violent (or more willing to do awful things to others when engaged in violence) over time when it didn’t have lasting consequences? Thanks!

Okay, so there's three separate things going on, and two of these intersect normally, but we usually approach them separately.

The first is the diminishing returns on violence; the simplest explanation would be that the less violence you have in your story, the more impactful (or potent) it will be. For example, looking at a pair of films from Tarantino's career. The violence is Reservoir Dogs hits much harder than the violence in Kill Bill. For example, if you've seen the former and I mention, “the ear scene,” you know exactly what I'm talking about. Yes, it's a somewhat gruesome scene, but it sticks with you, even decades later, potentially even to the point that you can't listen to Stuck in the Middle With You, without thinking of that scene. Now, how many people were decapitated in Kill Bill? It's a bit of an honest question, because I genuinely don't remember. While Tarantino has a well deserved reputation for violence, the violence in Reservoir Dogs is far more memorable, because there's far less of it, and the violence that occurs serves very deliberate story purposes. None of it is gratuitous for the purpose of, “here's a fight.” Where Kill Bill basically posits the question of, “how much can you cut out of an action film, while keeping the fight scenes, without the narrative completely collapsing?” As a result, there's a lot of violence, but none of it sticks with you. None of it has any particular impact. Even the moments that are supposed to be meaningful (such as the wedding) blend together.

Managing consequences of violence is more about preserving narrative tension. If that violence poses a real threat to your characters, then putting them in situations where they could be seriously injured or killed does have tension. But there are multiple points of potential failure with this thought process, and the more violence you engage in, the more risk you'll accidentally vent tension when you didn't intend to.

A major issue that can undermine your tension is when your characters, inexplicably, avoid harm. This is frequently an issue with non-powered superheroes, where throwing mountains of cannon fodder at them doesn't result in any meaningful wear and tear on the character.

Ironically, being too cavalier about violence can have a similar effect. Kill off too many characters, and your audience just won't care anymore about the survivors.

There are ways to manage this. A lot of the time a better option is to tie your characters' “fail state” to something other than your characters being hurt or killed. In fact, a lot of superhero narratives have to find other ways to maintain tension, because the protagonist is functionally immune to harm.

For example: The danger that a superhero will become completely ethically detached from their humanity. I hate to break it to you, but that's not a strictly new concept. The classic example of that is probably Dr. Manhattan from Watchmen, though The Comedian from the same is probably a better affirmative answer to your question. Could someone become completely debased when they're insulated from the consequences of their actions? Yeah. You don't even need fictional examples. Whoever Fights Monsters by Robert Ressler is a pretty decent, introductory, look into serial killer pathology, and the process of escalation they go through. Lack of adverse consequences can lead someone down a path to becoming their worst version of themselves.

Specifically talking about superheroes, Watchman casts a long shadow, and one of the issues that a lot of imitators suffered from was to pawn off a superhero's psychological problems into far more mundane causes, like abusive childhoods. (If you're wondering, this is why I'm not recommending things like The Boys, Irredeemable, or Invincible, it's because the only one of those that's even peripherally applicable is Invincible.) If you really want another example, Planetary comes to mind, though it won't be immediately apparent why that's relevant.

Something that's probably worth saying is, it's not about what I, or anyone else, wants to see from your work. This is about you finding the tools to do the best you can with your idea. So, I'm not really sitting her as an arbiter about what you can, can't, should, or shouldn't do. Rather, I'm mostly sitting here observing that, “this is how these things tend to work,” in a story. So, ultimately the decision is what you want to see in your work.

It's also worth remembering that hyperviolent media does exist. The violence doesn't have the same impact as in a more constrained narrative, but that doesn't make one story better than the other. I'm sure there are people who will argue that out of Tarantino's career, Kill Bill is the better film than Reservoir Dogs, (even if I'm not one to make that specific argument.) The point I don't often draw attention to, within the diminishing returns is, if you're going to use a lot of violence, it becomes difficult to pull out an individual violent moment and say, “no, this one's different; this one means more.” You can write an absolute gore-fest, but the individual moments of violence won't have the same kind of weight, and if you want one of those to carry more emotional weight, it's going to require a lot more care in how you structure your events.

A lot of the times with writing advice, it's not about, “right or wrong,” it's about identifying what works and what will take a bit more finesse to get working.

-Starke

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[allaboutthemoonlight]

Understanding the Difference Between Hard Work and Workaholism, and Self-Care Strategies for Avoiding Burnout

Hi friends,

In today’s post, I want to talk about the idea of hard-work vs workaholism and the resulting consequence of burnout. It’s a longer post today because I believe this is something that many people are dealing with, especially in this space.

In the self-improvement and personal development bubble, there’s a constant culture of ambition and striving for improvement. While the intention behind this can be rewarding, it can sometimes fall into toxic territory with constant encouragement of and sentiments such as “just work harder” or “you‘re not disciplined enough”, often leading people to exhaust and overwork themselves.

Due to this, I'd like to discuss the significance of distinguishing between hard work and workaholism — both for productivity and well-being. While hard work can indeed lead to success and fulfillment, workaholism can result in burnout and physical and mental health issues. Recognizing the distinction between these two and equipping oneself with self-care strategies is essential for leading a balanced, healthy life.

What is hard work?

Hard work can vary from person to person, and it’s the same for everyone. Generally, hard work can be described as dedicated and focused effort towards achieving a specific goal. This can mean anything from daily runs to train for a marathon to watching numerous youtube tutorials to learn how to code.

The point here is that, although hard work involves a certain level of persistence, discipline, and strong work ethic, there’s often rewarding outcomes as you know you’re making progress towards something you want to achieve.

Understanding if you’re a hard worker or someone suffering from workaholism dictates a high level of self-reflection and introspection. In my experience, hard workers are those who:

Have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve

Are action oriented and know the purpose behind their efforts

Have the ability to achieve a work/life balance

Are either intrinsically motivated and have a high level of identified motivation

Maintain an internal locus of control

Know when to take breaks

Being a hard worker is a significant skill, one that can lead to personal development, growth, and multiple career opportunities, these are facts that can’t be denied. However, in our current environment where an individuals worth is often determined by their accomplishments and successes, the line between working hard and being a workaholic has been blurred.

Understanding workaholism

Now that we’ve talked about what exactly makes a hard-worker, I want to uncover the other reality: workaholism.

Workaholism is an uncontrollable and compulsive need to work constantly. It comes from feelings of from anxiety, perfectionism, or a desire to escape personal issues. This includes:

Obsessively thinking about work

Struggling to relax or unwind outside of work

Ignoring personal relationships and self-care

Feeling physically drained with fatigue and insomnia

Multiple studies have explored the mental and physical impacts of workaholism, revealing impacts such as high levels of chronic stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, cardiovascular issues, among others. It’s truly an exhaustive list of consequences, all of which can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Beyond mental and physical health risks, the effects of workaholism can include professional issues. It’s ironic that overworking oneself can have a negative impact on your career, yet there’s a higher likelihood of decreased job performance and strained professional relationships as a result.

I think Jordan Peterson said it best: “You don’t want to do so much work that the amount of you do interferes with the amount of work you could still do”.

Here are some of the key differences between hard work and workaholism to keep in mind:

Purpose and Motivation: Hard work is driven by intentional goals and motivation, while workaholism tends to be more compulsive.

Work-Life Balance: Hard workers manage to balance their professional and personal lives, while workaholics often neglect their personal life and self-care.

Sustainability: Hard work is sustainable over time with breaks for rest and recovery, whereas workaholism leads to burnout due to its unsustainable nature.

Control Over Work: Hard workers can regulate their work habits and take breaks when needed, while workaholics often feel out of control and struggle to stop working.

Stress Levels: Hard work can be stressful but usually within healthy limits, while workaholism leads to chronic stress and health problems.

What is burnout and how can we prevent it

With all that being said, I want to move on to clearly defining burnout and how we can avoid it. Burnout is a work-related state of exhaustion where you feel extreme fatigue, have a hard time concentrating, suffer from emotional dysregulation and poor cognitive function, and mentally distance yourself from the people around you.

Burnout doesn't happen all at once; it's a gradual process that builds up over time, often linked to workaholism. When you’re constantly in a mental state of go-go-go or feel the need to work excessively, you’ll start feeling stressed out from trying to meet all these demands. Over time, if you don’t find ways to take breaks and rest to recharge, you’ll lose energy and find yourself in a state of burnout.

This all happens because burnout leads to emotional exhaustion, detachment from work and others in your life, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment and motivation.

So how can we prevent this?

There are 5 domains in our lives that we can pay more attention to for preventing burnout: physical, mental/emotional, social, work, and personal/leisure.

Physical Well-being:

Find a form of physical activity you enjoy and do it regularly

Take short breaks during work sessions to stretch and move around

Maintain a balanced diet to sustain energy levels

Get enough each night to support brain function during the day

Mental and Emotional Well-being:

Practice mindfulness techniques and meditation to reduce stress

Practice gratitude daily to adopt a positive mindset

Use deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body.

Social Support and Relationships:

Seek help when needed through therapy, counseling, or support groups

Make time to connect with family and friends outside of work

Set boundaries for maintaining balance by defining working hours and learn to say no

Workplace Strategies:

Try to opt for projects or tasks in your work that align with personal goals and preferences

Try to schedule meetings to obtain feedback from your higher ups so that you have clear measures on your performance can identity areas for improvement

Find ways to make your work fun to sustain motivation and satisfaction in your work

Leisure and Relaxation:

Schedule leisure activities throughout your day to recharge

Dedicate time to hobbies and interests outside of work

Spend time in nature to connect with the environment and reduce mental fatigue

Thank’s for tuning in.

As always,

L <3

[ana-snz]

More thoughts on the recent snzblr discourse. I will try my best to be understanding and levelheaded about this, but this topic is very personal to me so forgive me if I’m not entirely able to.

I will start by saying that it is not “purity culture” or “moral panic” to say that having this kink does not excuse intentionally infecting unconsenting individuals with illness. There is a MASSIVE difference between enjoying a kink in a consensual setting or fantasizing about it (no one is saying you can’t do these things, you are not being shamed for your fantasies / desires!) and actually involving unwilling individuals in your kink.

Consent is the #1 most important thing in all kink spaces. Like yes we are all here for the same reason, and there may be a propensity to feel defensive if you feel you are being kink-shamed in what is supposed to be a space for us all to be as open and loud and unabashed about our desires as we want, but it is still absolutely crucial to delineate between what is fantasy and what is reality, and understand that our real life actions can and do have consequences. We are not living inside a sickfic, the ways in which we choose to engage in our kink MUST be consensual, respectful, responsible, and safe. It is the bare minimum for this, or any kink space.

It is not kink-shaming to say that non-consensual engagement is wrong and unethical, ESPECIALLY when it comes to something as potentially dangerous as illness. It’s also worth acknowledging that the dynamic of our community has been greatly impacted by COVID, just by the nature of what the kink entails, and that this sucks and is worth mourning, but just like with many other things the pandemic has impacted, we cannot hang on to this old way of being when it no longer is safe or realistic to do so. This is the way things are now, and it sucks, but we can still find SO much enjoyment and gratification and pleasure in the way things are now.

If you are feeling discomfort, if the points disabled people are bringing up around this topic are making you question yourself and your actions, that is likely something for you sit with and explore yourself, rather than trying to debate with disabled people on whether or not their reaction to inflammatory, ableist content is “moral panic”. Understand that this conversation is part of a much, much larger picture and that it is not isolated to just our community, but rather a reflection of a larger systemic response in which disabled people have been disbelieved, undermined, and discarded when it comes to our rights and safety during an ongoing pandemic.

If you didn’t read as much into *that* post as some of us did, great. You likely don’t have to be on hyper alert for this kind of content, but we see it all the time, everywhere. The casual downplaying of COVID and the flippancy about its risks are things we are all too familiar with, and tone policing marginalized folks when we get upset about harmful content is not the move. Listen to us, learn from us, be in solidarity with us. It may seem counterintuitive to you to care about these things in what many of us may see as just a place to escape and have a little fun, but respect is the backbone of kink spaces and we’d all fare well if we could remember that.

This was longer than I planned on it being, oops. I also blocked some people so I don’t even know who will see this but just wanted to add my piece. Love y’all bbs, stay safe ❤️

[lostinstem]

Let's talk about Ruvik fanon and the amount of unnecessary hate Jiménez receives

Tw: poor english lmao

Something that I have seen too much during the five years I have been in this unfortunately dead fandom is that some people believe Ruvik became purely evil due to the incident he suffered. In reality, it is not at all like that. It generates a certain rejection in me that he was seen as a poor victim who only wanted to get his sister back.

It is essential to recognize that Ruvik possessed an exceptional mind from an early age, exhibiting traits of psychopathy due to his lack of empathy towards the animals he killed. His intelligence, along with his ability to understand and manipulate complex concepts, distinguished him from the rest, as well as isolated him. From a young age, his intellectual brilliance not only allowed him to excel in various fields of knowledge but also pushed him into a state of loneliness and emotional distancing.

This emotional distancing is a characteristic feature of psychopathy, a condition that often manifests in childhood and worsens over time. Throughout his childhood, Ruvik demonstrated a lack of empathy towards others, even his own family. His reactions to the suffering of others were cold and indifferent, indicating a significant emotional disconnection. This disturbing behavior became evident in his cruelty towards animals and his inability to relate emotionally to other human beings, showing an early inclination towards manipulation and control.

He was aware of his actions even though he was a child. He grew up in an environment of high social status and traditional morality, where values and standards of conduct were instilled. His sensitivity allowed him to discern between good and evil, understanding the ethical implications of his actions from an early age. Although he was just a child, his psychopathic traits and formidable intellect made him an individual dangerously obsessed with control and experimentation, foreshadowing what he would eventually become

All of these characteristics are evident prior to the fire. It should be mentioned that Ruvik's traumas acted as catalysts that exacerbated his internal psychopathic tendencies. His childhood manifested signs of a disturbed mind where traumatic events served to trigger his complete instability and even push him to his full limit.

Marcelo Jiménez

It's not his fault that Ruvik is so fucked up lol

I would like to introduce this character because, in addition to being important, many solidify the distorted fanon vision of Ruvik due to the impact of Jiménez's actions on him and why he ends up unfairly being one of the most hated characters in the game.

The main game presents Jiménez from a perspective that highlights the dire consequences of his experiments, leading to a negative and superficial perception of his character. However, when explored further in the DLC, a more complex and empathetic dimension of Jiménez, often overlooked, is revealed.

Jiménez is constantly blamed for Ruvik's death and the theft of his research, but it is crucial to analyze what is truly behind this. The dilemma Jiménez faced was complex. On the one hand, he felt loyalty and respect toward Ruvik, his colleague and friend. On the other hand, there was immense pressure from Mobius. The decision to steal Ruvik's research was not a simple betrayal but a desperate act to save his career and maintain access to the resources necessary to continue the research. Although morally questionable, this action is best understood in the context of constant coercion and threat.

Mobius's threats were clear: if Jiménez did not provide more information and progress on the stem project, he would be replaced. This threat was not trivial. The loss of his position at Beacon Psychiatric Hospital involved more than just dismissal; it meant the end of his career and the loss of access to resources essential for his research. Furthermore, these threats suggested a potential risk to his life, given Mobius's power to remove obstacles from his path.

It is obviously not justified that he stole Ruvik's research without permission, but he had an understandable reason.

Regarding the murder of Ruvik, it is essential to underline a very important point: Jiménez did not kill him; Mobius did. Jiménez only intervened when Ruvik had managed to make the stem system work solely with his brain waves, and was gradually withdrawing from the project to the point of almost never visiting the laboratory.

In entry #201, Jiménez expresses his deep fear of what Mobius could do to Ruvik. This entry reflects Jiménez’s fear of possible reprisals from Mobius and his concern about the situation, considering both the threats and Ruvik's refusal to participate in the laboratory. Technically, it was Jiménez's only option to force him (without knowing that Mobius intended to kill him).

Clear proof of the remorse Jiménez feels is found in entry #209, where, in addition to expressing disbelief at having been part of such an atrocity, he shows a visible decline in his way of recounting it. Jiménez demonstrates respect for Ruvik's work rather than mere greed, while Mobius pursued his own goals with ruthless determination, focusing primarily on large-scale control and manipulation. The stem project, in which Ruvik was deeply involved, had immense potential for mind control and the creation of alternate realities, something Mobius viewed as a tool to consolidate his power. The organization did not value Ruvik's scientific discoveries and advances for their intrinsic merit but solely for how they could be exploited for its own purposes.

It remains to be mentioned that Jiménez integrated Ruvik into Mobius because they had found out about his existence, he wanted to provide him with better facilities along with support to avoid his morbid inclinations (entry #120)

It's okay if you don't like the character, but I feel like most of the hate he gets is due to a lack of understanding.

[ovwechoes]

OVW Mains and Horror Books (Recommendations) This is completely self indulgent I'm so normal about the horror genre, especially novels, and if I don't assign some I've really enjoyed these past few months I think I might go a little insane (btw if you send me a rqst asking for some for ur own mains I'll cry in happiness) TW/CWs are labelled with each book, please read them and take them into consideration before reading anything recommended below - enjoy! Characters: Ana, Ashe, Sombra, and Zarya.

If you main Ana, you might enjoy… A Collapse of Horses by Brian Evenson! This is an anthology series with a plethora of short stories intertwined with themes of perception vs. reality, dependence on the known and surrealism into each one, connecting them all unanimously. Each story is different, offering a new setting with characters you can't help but feel something for, which I really loved. I think Ana would enjoy this novel simply because she doesn't need to dedicate too much time to each short story, finding that they serve her well with how short they can be. As well, each one leaves with open ended questions left in the reader's mind that Ana would enjoy considering and discussing with others. It's a good read if you're wanting to take a step back, enjoy something not entirely focused on a complicated, long plotline and have a taste for horror. TW/CWs include: violence and gore, mental illness and psychological distress, death and suicide, existential dread and nihilism, body horror and disfigurement, child endangerment and death, and isolation and despair.

If you main Ashe, you might enjoy… The Rats by James Herbert! People might expect Elizabeth to be enamoured with the wild west, consuming nothing but that genre. However, I like to think that she enjoys monster stories, especially ones based in reality with how the creatures causing havoc came to be. ‘Rats’ satisfies that for her, serving as a novel where you follow a school teacher tasked with helping overcome the swarm of rats unlike any other that've affected London before - their bite can kill, and they have a lust for flesh that can't be contained. It was one of the first books I read after a reading slump, and it reignited my love for horror novels completely. I think that Elizabeth would enjoy the action in the book, whilst finding the bloody details enjoyable to read. TW/CWs include: violence and gore, animal cruelty, themes of fear and paranoia, body horror, mental illness, death and injury, and unsettling depictions of survival and despair.

If you main Sombra, you might enjoy… Rabbits by Terry Miles! This novel explores a reality where Rabbits is a secretive, underground and dangerous game with a high reward for it's players - you're reading as one of them, as you uncover exactly what that reward is. Sombra might enjoy the book because of it's themes of obsession, the nature of reality, and the consequences of playing a game that has real-life impacts. The tension mixed with the mystery makes this novel all the more enjoyable, and I feel like Olivia would appreciate the reminder to remove herself from online spaces and take a moment in reality. It's hard for her to remain focused on novels, especially longer horror ones, but she thoroughly would enjoy this one. TW/CWs include: graphic violence, themes of obsession and paranoia, mental illness, death and injury, existential dread, and unsettling situations involving survival and the unknown.

If you main Zarya, you might enjoy… Piercing by Ryu Murakami! I think that Aleksandra would be squeamish to horror, not enjoying it visually because of jump scares and reading because of the way they can settle under her skin and make her feel uncomfortable. However, one she would probably enjoy is this one as it's much more mild with it's themes compared to others in this post. You follow a young man who's tackling his trauma-driven, obsessive thoughts about harming his new born child (he doesn't don't worry), and how he's going to enact it on a prostitute. It has a beautifully written plot exploring the way trauma can impact behaviour and mindset, and would definitely make Aleksandra consider how her own has changed her. It's not necessarily long, so if you wanted to, you could finish it in one sitting, just like I and Aleksandra did/would. But, it's one that really sticks with you and makes you feel as though it's stained on your mind with it's vivid details. TW/CWs include: graphic violence and gore, themes of sexual violence, mental illness, disturbing psychological content, and depictions of obsession and trauma.

[theficdealer]

While Peter, MJ, and Ned are saying their goodbyes as Dr. Strange is completing his spell, a final rift opens up right in front of them. To their shock, they are hit by a small, green meteor that immediately sucks them into a vortex.

Unable to control their wild ride through history, the vortex collapses, violently expelling them into the unknown. The trio finds themselves in New York City, 2009 and learn their original future is gone.

Choosing to change this new reality for the better, they turn to an unlikely ally - Jarvis, Tony Stark's highly advanced AI assistant. Peter, MJ, Ned and their artificial allies must confront not just the threats of this altered present, but the rippling consequences their actions could have across the multiverse itself.

In an epic adventure that spans realities and timelines, this unlikely squad of heroes must embrace their second chance and rewrite the future, navigating a universe of infinite possibilities where every choice they make massively impacts the world as they know it.

—Summary of Spider-Man: Time to Go Home by Kythara on ao3

Is it just me or have the time travel fix-it fics been awesome lately, because I’m following like seven fantastic ones right now and t h r i v i n g.

I’m not sure I’ve ever read a fic that was so simultaneously conscious of character’s strengths and weaknesses and toed the line of making people brilliant but not infallible so well.

Peter, Ned, and MJ, for example, while geniuses, are still portrayed as teenagers in possibly the most reasonable way they could have been. They each have unique strengths and weaknesses that balance out well and give them each something unique to bring to the table, which makes them feel more even ground than the way they’re generally portrayed as Peter’s sidekick and long suffering girlfriend.

Tony, also, is a complex character with his faults and hang-ups, but can buckle down and focus when he needs to, and even if he doesn’t like something, is able to put aside those hang-ups and do what’s right.

Pepper too, actually. This fic, like with MJ, Ned, and Peter, puts her and Tony on much more equal footing than I see most of the time (though I am, admittedly, in and out of this fandom) and has her making her own decisions for SI that don’t necessarily go through Tony first, which, while it theoretically happens, isn’t often shown (in my experience) and generally if it is, it generally doesn’t include her perspective. To the same effect, Happy and Rhodey aren’t treated as accessories, but their own people.

Things I loved in Particular:

Ned learning magic!

MJ’s focus on the environment and how she goes about laying the groundwork for large scale, multi-faceted discussion on the topic (bamf shit, honestly)

Jarvis Plotting

TrioWeb0rs<3

The entire Stark Expo section

Rhodey’s meeting with the higher ups

Wong<3

The resolution of the Hulk Situation

Nick Fury having three (3) people he can trust and absolutely hating that one of them is Tony Goddamn Stark

Sassy The Slightly Unhinged But Very Fabulous Magical Sash which took one look at Ned and was like “that one’s mine now”

The application of the web formula the author came up with is actually fucking genius i love it

Ross’s sentence<3

General Blackwell<3

Isabella<3

Peter’s exploration of various martial arts

Just generally the sheer amount of research that must be going into this fic

Go read it or lose the toes<3

[passerine-parable]

A friend of mine said in her art-writing-fiction essay that metaphysics is the study of violence against the material world. As a beginner magician (one closer to occultism than to paganism, but respectful to both- Hail eris), I’ve found this lately to be true.

Magic is sometimes violent, even self-violent, as it is also constructive. I am in the process of recovering from a pair of rituals; both of which allege to have permanently changed how I walk through the physical world(s), and at least three days later the effects have been maintained so I suspect they will persist.

It is weird to admit that I am recovering from something which has no apparent physical impact (save for the black bracer I now wear upon my left arm; a piece of armor now required as consequence of my actions and also a proud raiment-reminder of the thing I have accomplished). What I have done in some ways created metaphysical wounds upon myself, even though the entire effect is overall worthwhile.

It is weird to wake up each morning and feel one’s soul, still stinging from stitching itself together, waking up in every universe as one, a layered many, this form now bearing a skeleton embroidered with every possible facet of who I could’ve been and could still be.

(I recognize this sounds like insanity- this is nevertheless where we are at- for further information this lecture by Grant Morrison explains this somewhat, and is overall an excellent lecture )

I think magic is also art, and I want to explore this. We can create memories, we can create literal realities. The people in fiction are in their own universes as real as we are, and we have a responsibility as their gods (whether creators or witnesses) to treat them gently.

I recognize that magic is generally not an accepted school of study- the objectivity of the institutional system generally excludes it as a possibility of truth- yet nevertheless I am intrigued, humbled, uncertain of its implications in terms of my responsibilities as an artist and reality-maker-experiencer.

[datinglife]

Navigating a Texting Relationship with a Married Man

In today’s digital age, communication often starts with a simple text message. For some, this can lead to complex emotional entanglements, particularly when one party is married. Engaging in a texting relationship with a married man can be fraught with challenges, moral dilemmas, and emotional turmoil. This article explores the intricacies of such a relationship, its potential consequences, and how to navigate it thoughtfully.

Understanding the Dynamics

A texting relationship with a married man often begins innocuously—perhaps as a friendship or professional connection. Text messages provide a convenient way to share thoughts, feelings, and even secrets. However, what may start as innocent communication can quickly evolve into a deeper emotional bond. The allure often lies in the excitement of a connection that feels clandestine and special.

It's essential to recognize the emotional stakes involved. Married men may seek out texting relationships for various reasons: dissatisfaction in their marriage, a desire for validation, or simply the thrill of the forbidden. For the person on the other end, it can be tempting to fill a void or find affirmation in the attention received. Understanding these motivations can help clarify the nature of the relationship.

The Emotional Impact

Engaging with a married man through text can lead to complicated feelings. Initially, the excitement of new interactions may feel exhilarating, but as time passes, reality often sets in. There may be feelings of guilt, confusion, or longing for a relationship that cannot fully materialize. The emotional rollercoaster can lead to significant distress, especially if the relationship develops into something deeper.

It’s crucial to assess how this texting relationship is affecting your emotional well-being. Are you investing more into the relationship than you’re receiving? Are you willing to accept being a second priority? Recognizing these feelings is essential for determining whether to continue or step back.

Ethical Considerations

Engaging in a texting relationship with a married man raises ethical questions. It’s vital to consider the implications of your actions—not just for yourself, but also for the married man and his spouse. Infidelity can cause significant harm, leading to broken trust and emotional pain for everyone involved. Reflecting on whether your involvement aligns with your values is crucial. Read More

[yeniasworld]

1. Delayed Response: I appreciate your email. With Vicente absent, I assumed he would update me upon his return, which is why my response has been delayed.

2. Defense Adjustment: Initially, I didn’t see option one as a viable choice, but I would like to proceed with it now. I want to adjust my defense to focus on Disability Discrimination, which will allow me to consult a psychiatrist regarding my mental health and its impact on my living situation. This is particularly important given my late rent payments stemming from L&Q's slow response to maintenance issues.

3. Open Communication: I’ll ensure my phone is always charged and close by, ready for your calls to discuss these options further. Thank you for your prompt updates regarding my case.

4. Exploring Existence: I find myself reflecting on the nature of wizards, witches, and the concept of God. Is God within me, within the universe, or something beyond our understanding? In the entertainment industry, the "talented" often cast spells through their art and intentions. Language itself is a spell, and the real magic lies in our intentions.

5. Mainstream Influence: There’s a reason for mainstream success; it relies on the intentions of those who influence the masses. We often say that society is entrapped in a "Matrix," unable to think independently and create their own realities. Those who have mastered themselves can create art that reflects their truths, which in turn influences others.

6. Intentions Behind Art: The terms "wizards" and "witches" come into play when we consider how individuals manifest their realities. Communities often form around shared intentions, and these energies can be powerful. Religion, social media, and the arts all carry energetic intentions that shape our experiences.

7. Self-Discovery and Creation: The Bible's wisdom of "know thyself" rings true for me. We all possess the ability to create and manifest our desires. As I step into the spotlight, I remind myself that my journey is for me. Fame should not be about serving others but about honoring my own path.

8. Separating Art from the Artist: The question of whether we should separate an artist from their art is complex. It’s easier said than done, as the identity of an artist is often intertwined with their work. Yet, we must consider the consequences of their actions, especially when they misuse their power.

9. Historical Context: Reflecting on the darker aspects of history, such as colonization and exploitation, raises questions about accountability. Should we apply this same scrutiny to artists whose actions contradict societal values?

10. Personal Reflections on Relationships: My experiences with love and relationships have been transformative. I’ve learned from younger and older partners, each providing a different balance to my understanding of connection. Whether through youthful energy or mature wisdom, these experiences have shaped me.

11. Emotional Healing: I recognize that my journey towards healing has involved navigating vulnerability. As I open myself to love, I seek partnerships that reflect my growth and understanding. I’m grateful for those who have come into my life, teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

12. Cultural Shifts: The world is changing, and we must adapt our perspectives. Relationships across age gaps have long been a part of human history, yet we are now called to examine these dynamics critically.

13. Seeking Balance: Moving forward, I am committed to forming connections that align with my values and experiences. I want to engage with individuals closer to my age, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

14. Conclusion: Let's embrace this evolution in our understanding of relationships, art, and personal growth. I appreciate your willingness to explore these complex themes with me.

Best regards,

Sainey (Yenias) Kanteh

[jonathanbelleofficial]

Tragedy and Catharsis in Media

Tragedy and catharsis are integral aspects of storytelling, particularly when it comes to the theme of star-crossed lovers. Through renowned works such as "La La Land," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," the TV show "Normal People," let's explore the significance of tragedy and catharsis. But first let’s find out what tragedy and catharsis mean.

What Does Tragedy Mean?

Tragedy, in a literary and dramatic sense, refers to a genre characterized by serious and somber themes, often involving the downfall or suffering of the protagonist. These narratives typically explore profound human emotions such as sorrow, loss, and despair, and they frequently end in catastrophe or death. Tragedy often reflects on the complexities of the human condition, exploring universal themes such as fate, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.

Ancient Greek playwrights such as Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides are renowned for their contributions to the development of tragic drama. Their works, such as "Oedipus Rex" and "Medea," continue to be studied and performed today, influencing the broader literary tradition of tragedy across cultures and time periods.

What Does Catharsis Mean?

Catharsis refers to the process of releasing, purging, or cleansing emotions, particularly through experiencing or witnessing intense or overwhelming feelings. In psychological terms, catharsis involves the emotional release or purification that occurs when individuals confront and express their deep-seated emotions, often leading to a sense of relief or resolution.

To define catharsis succinctly: Catharsis is the emotional release or purification that occurs when individuals confront and express their deep-seated emotions, often leading to a sense of relief or resolution.

Exploring Tragic Love Stories

Now that we have a clear definition of tragedy and catharsis, let’s view some examples in media.

La La Land

In the film "La La Land," the captivating love story of Mia and Sebastian takes center stage. Both aspiring artists with their own passions and dreams, they find themselves entangled in a romance that dances between joy and heartbreak. As their relationship unfolds, the stark reality of their divergent ambitions becomes apparent. Mia strives to become a successful actor, while Sebastian dreams of opening his own jazz club.

Their inability to reconcile their individual aspirations with the demands of their relationship ultimately leads to a poignant and bittersweet climax. The sacrifices they must make become increasingly evident, forcing them to make choices that pull them apart rather than bring them closer together. This exploration of the complexities of love and the inevitable trade-offs involved evokes a powerful sense of catharsis within viewers.

Through Mia and Sebastian's journey, the film delves deep into the universal theme of pursuing personal dreams and the sacrifices that come with it. It invites us to reflect on the delicate balance between love and ambition, highlighting the painful choices individuals sometimes face in order to pursue their passions. The emotional impact of the story resonates with audiences, as it captures the poignancy of letting go of something beautiful in order to pursue personal fulfillment.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

In the thought-provoking film "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," the audience is immersed in the tumultuous love story of Joel and Clementine. After a painful breakup, both Joel and Clementine undergo a groundbreaking memory-erasing procedure in an attempt to erase all traces of their relationship from their minds. As the process unfolds, Joel, in his subconscious state, begins to relive the memories of their love, rekindling the emotional connection he had with Clementine.

Through this journey of rediscovery, the film delves into the profound complexities of human connections and the indelible impact of past experiences on our lives. As Joel revisits the memories he shared with Clementine, he realizes that erasing those memories cannot completely erase the emotions and connections he felt. The narrative explores the notion that our past experiences shape who we are, and even if we try to erase them, they leave an indelible imprint on our psyche.

As viewers accompany Joel and Clementine on their journey, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences of love, loss, and the profound impact of memories. The emotional release experienced through catharsis allows the audience to confront their own emotions and gain a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of human connections. It reminds us that our experiences, both positive and negative, contribute to our growth and shape our future relationships.

Normal People

In the compelling TV show "Normal People," adapted from Sally Rooney's novel, the narrative delves into the intricacies of the relationship between Marianne and Connell. Their connection is profound and intense, fueled by a deep love for each other. However, the circumstances surrounding them seem determined to keep them apart.

Throughout the series, Marianne and Connell's relationship is marred by external pressures, societal expectations, and personal insecurities. They navigate a tumultuous journey, characterized by moments of deep intimacy and heartbreaking distance. Despite their mutual desire to be together, they tragically agree to part ways, recognizing that their separation is a necessary sacrifice for their individual growth.

Through catharsis, viewers are prompted to reflect on the intricacies and challenges of relationships. The emotional release offered by the narrative allows them to confront the pain and heartache associated with choices that prioritize personal growth over immediate gratification. It forces us to examine the complexities of love, timing, and the ways in which external forces shape our lives and relationships.

The Essential Role of Catharsis:

Catharsis plays a vital role in our lives by allowing us to process and release emotions that may otherwise accumulate and impact our mental well-being. It serves as a coping mechanism for difficult experiences or emotions, promoting emotional healing and personal growth. Engaging with tragic narratives provides a cathartic experience through which we can experience intense emotions vicariously, gaining clarity, perspective, and a sense of relief.

Ultimately, tragedy and catharsis intertwine, illuminating the profound complexities of the human experience. As we navigate these narratives, we are reminded of the enduring power of storytelling to evoke deep emotions and offer transformative insights. Through the shared journey of tragic love stories, we discover solace, growth, and a deeper connection to our own hearts and the world around us.

[prince-entrepreneurial-mind]

Introduction to Entrepreneurial Mind

Discover the fascinating world of the entrepreneurial mind today. This fascinating topic explores successful entrepreneurs' unique traits, skills, and perspectives. Exploring their inner workings and what drives them is impressive. Let's discover the entrepreneurial mind together. In today's fast-paced world, some individuals have a distinct mindset. These individuals excel at identifying opportunities and making strategic decisions that lead to success. They are creative enough to find novel solutions to their travel problems. Watching these individuals navigate life with clarity and determination is fascinating. They stand out and leave a lasting impact due to their powerful mindset that propels them forward and helps them achieve their goals.

Specific individuals in the business world have a distinct entrepreneurial mindset. These individuals are driven by a strong desire for autonomy, independence, and the chance to create something extraordinary. The entrepreneurial mindset drives these people to take risks and follow their dreams. This mindset emphasizes personal control, independence from business, and unique qualities that set individuals apart. Entrepreneurs are driven by a desire for success and willing to take risks to achieve their goals. They have a natural ability to think creatively and solve problems others may not see. They always look ahead, seeking new opportunities to grow their businesses. This combination of traits makes entrepreneurs a powerful force in the industry. Being creative is needed in today's fast-paced world. A person needs a strong vision and unwavering motivation to turn ideas into reality. This person is powerful and driven to make a difference. With their eyes on the future, they refuse mediocrity. They know that thoughts aren't enough—action separates dreamers from doers. This person wants to execute their grand plans. They navigate inevitable challenges with their vision like a beacon.

Entrepreneurship is unique in business. Their extraordinary self-confidence distinguishes them from others. Their self-confidence and unwavering belief in their abilities drive their entrepreneurial journey. As you can see, entrepreneurs are unique. Their belief in their greatness is deep. Their strong self-belief and unwavering faith in potential motivate them to take risks and pursue their dreams. Gaining confidence requires effort. Success requires hard work, perseverance, and stepping outside your comfort zone. A unique trait among individuals in today's fast-paced world is their willingness to take calculated risks and embrace uncertainty. These people are comfortable breaking out of their comfort zones and exploring new experiences. To achieve greatness, one must embrace challenges and push the limits of what is possible. Risk-takers are distinguished by their ability to weigh the consequences of their actions. They realize that in today's fast-paced world, it's easy to think obstacles are just roadblocks to success. We often see them as obstacles to our goals and dreams. Consider rethinking obstacles as chances for personal growth and knowledge. Imagine a world where challenges are opportunities to grow, learn, and improve ourselves. We would embrace challenges because they could make us stronger and wiser. By viewing challenges as opportunities, we can find the positive in every situation.

Entrepreneurs have extraordinary innovation and risk-taking skills. These qualities distinguish them, fueling innovative ideas and businesses. Entrepreneurs are fearless in challenging the status quo and thinking creatively. They love challenging themselves and finding new solutions. Their relentless pursuit of innovation drives their success and growth. Entrepreneurs take calculated risks in addition to having great ideas. They know that without risk, there is no reward. In today's fast-paced world, businesses seek innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and meet the needs of their target market. They constantly seek creative solutions and strategies to stay ahead of the competition. Adaptability is essential in this changing world. Companies know their customers' needs change and must be ready to meet them. Businesses strive to find optimal solutions through innovative technology, creative thinking, or a combination of both. Innovation is essential, not a trend. Companies must be open to new ideas and push boundaries to succeed in today's competitive market. This mindset drives them to find innovative solutions that make a difference. More than a quick fix is needed. Companies know true innovation requires a deep understanding. Successful entrepreneurs can spot market opportunities in today's fast-paced, ever-changing business environment. These intelligent individuals excel at identifying gaps and unmet needs, enabling them to develop innovative solutions. A keen eye for market trends and opportunities gives entrepreneurs an edge. Their natural curiosity and consumer behavior knowledge help them stay ahead. They can spot a market gap for a new product or service, a trend that needs to be capitalized on, or an untapped niche that others may miss. When an opportunity is identified, entrepreneurs save time in action. Their drive to implement their observations is unwavering. The innovative mindset drove them to create solutions that not only.

One key trait in entrepreneurship is proactivity. This distinguishes successful entrepreneurs. It drives their ability to spot opportunities, take calculated risks, and act. Proactivity involves taking charge and exploring new options. Don't wait for things to happen; make them happen. Entrepreneurs are characterized by their proactive approach and decisiveness. These people have a distinct drive and determination. They embrace risk-taking and seek new opportunities. They anticipate customer needs due to their proactive approach. Entrepreneurs are always ready to take risks, whether launching a new product or making a strategic business move. The way they make quick, informed decisions sets them apart. While waiting for opportunities seems familiar, some defy the norm. They are passionate individuals who actively pursue their dreams and create opportunities. No more sitting around waiting for luck. These people know success is earned. They know they must get what they want. They persevere through life's curveballs, searching for the next big break. If doors don't open, they kick them down. Their mindset is proactive. They know waiting is a trap. Entrepreneurs and business owners seek new opportunities to grow their businesses in the ever-changing business world. They know that growth is critical to long-term success, so they constantly improve and expand their businesses. These individuals are eager to make a mark in business by exploring new markets, introducing innovative products or services, or adopting cutting-edge technologies. They embrace change and recognize that stagnation is not an option.

In entrepreneurship, successful individuals share a relentless drive for achievement. These aspiring entrepreneurs know that achieving goals requires more than just wishful thinking. A solid commitment to time, effort, and dedication is necessary. Starting an entrepreneurship journey involves facing challenges and uncertainties. Not for the fainthearted. People who want to succeed in this field must be determined at all times. Entrepreneurship requires countless hours of hard work and dedication. Every aspect of the venture requires time and effort, so it requires sacrifices. These individuals recognize that success requires consistent action and no tolerance for mediocrity. Despite setbacks, successful entrepreneurs persevere. They see challenges as learning opportunities. Instead of giving up, they overcome challenges, believing each knock brings them closer to their goals. In addition to driving, successful entrepreneurs are committed. They know that achieving their dreams requires complete dedication to their craft. Some individuals excel in overcoming challenges and setbacks, demonstrating exceptional determination and adaptability. These people face life's challenges head-on with unwavering determination. Seeing their tenacity in overcoming obstacles is truly inspiring. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. Although the task may seem daunting, they persevere through challenges and obstacles. Their relentless spirit and unwavering determination drive them forward. They draw strength from adversity to overcome the impossible. These people know life isn't easy. This rollercoaster ride has unexpected twists and turns. Despite the uncertainty, they accept it.

The entrepreneurial mindset is a unique way of thinking that inspires people. This mindset drives them to fearlessly explore the unknown, push the limits of what is possible, and relentlessly pursue their dreams. This mindset values innovation and seeks better ways to do things. It is a mindset that aims for greatness and always takes time to lead. A strong desire for success drives individuals to achieve new heights and exceed expectations. The entrepreneurial mindset encourages risk-taking, innovation, initiative, and self-determined success. Entrepreneurs' unique traits and attitudes help them start and grow businesses. These traits distinguish them and contribute to their entrepreneurial success.

[gre7n]

Small Essay about Buddhism and What Makes a Religion Convincing

*written for class*

"How do the rituals at the Buddhist Temple relate to the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?"

Sometimes the things we do every day seem so obvious that we don’t even think about them. Whether it be going to the store, work, or a friend’s house, the reasons for these actions can sometimes fade into the seams of meaning through repetition. We may not even have a reason other than the fact that we were told to do so and that some vague concept of “consequences” will unfold if you do not keep these tasks alive. On top of this fact, if it is a habit of someone else that we do not personally possess, the underlying meaning can be even more obfuscated. This exact scenario is quite common when it comes to religious practice. This is why it is important to keep in touch with the reason people do things because they may be driven by things outside our scope of understanding, and through personal study one may actually reach a deeper knowledge not just of them but ourselves as well. One such powerful example is with Buddhism in modern America. Various rituals such as meditation, worship of the buddha, and the Sunday Thai food market all serve to point towards the Four Noble Truths that the Buddhists teach.

So, what are these so-called Four Noble Truths and how do these rituals point towards them? Well, the truths contained are so: life is suffering, suffering is caused by the self/ego, the suffering can pass like a car going down the road, and finally through living ethically and following the path of enlightenment can this be achieved.

Great, so now what?

Well, let's take a look back at the various rituals discussed earlier. Specifically, we can start with meditation. Meditation can take many forms but the basic essence is to calm the mind through attempting to achieve stillness. This is typically done by sitting still and focusing on breaths in order to become more in tune with the self. The idea is that after about 10 minutes of trying to still a (especially modern) mind, then we will quickly come to agree that life includes suffering. On top of this, because there are no external stimuli, we are forced to agree that the suffering is coming from within. The rest takes some convincing and dedication. The claim is that after enough disciplined practice you will come to an understanding based in nothing other than your own self on the nature of reality and the ways you can influence it. It's important that it comes from within because that is the only way we can ever possibly experience the universe in this lifetime. My experience is directly related to what I believe so the realization that my judgements on my experience is even slightly flawed forces me to completely reevaluate how I process information. This paradoxical realization stems from the clearest perspective which typically arises during mediation, thus, the implication is that through more meditation, more fundamental truths can be realized and is the clearest most default state of existence. Finally the solace is felt in the initial turmoil, and the final two truths can be felt and understood to be true.

Sounds fair enough, but what about worship of the Buddha? How could putting a worldly person so high on a pedestal possibly be a good idea? Well, the key is held in a few places. First, the pure history of the religion means that this story has permeated millions of lives and impacted them in some way or another. Many claim a wonderful life thanks to the teachings and it has withstood generations of scrutiny from many people who are eager to push it out for something else. This alone means that there is likely much to explore in the fundamental ideas that are taught to every person. And what is one of the most fundamental teachings? To meditate. Which, as we already discussed, is a perfect self-contained explanation of the Four Noble Truths. Because the core of the teachings is to think for one’s own self then clearly control of others was not on the mind of the buddha when spreading his ideas. Finally we can learn to respect the idea of the Buddha because even if he ends up one day not being perfect in action, we can at least agree that he was perfect enough for thousands of years of people worshiping him. Thus the worship ends up being an emphatic “yes!” said by the soul that sees great unity in his existence even if it's simply the idea of him. The Buddha is a dead “living” proof of the teachings and serves as a goal to obtain and reach (much like Jesus in Christianity).

Finally, a ritual that should be mentioned is actually more of a local one. At a Buddhist temple near where I live, Thai food is sold on a market along with group meditation exercises. The point of this, ultimately, is to bring the people together and give them an excuse to be around each other and share the collective culture (especially so many thousands of miles away from Thailand). How better to display the validity of fundamental truths by showing the world how happy you are, put simply. These people will happily engage with each other and talk about all sorts of things every single week (which can hardly even be said of christianity these days). These actions aren’t even done out of a desire to prove anything, rather, they prove themselves outwardly by simply focusing on what's important. Everything good and right such as community and love, are what arises naturally in these fertilized environments. It’s a subtle reminder that we’re all in this together and were given a human body just like everyone else. So what could really be so different from you and I?