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Thread: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

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    United States Avalon Member Mike's Avatar
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    Default Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    I've been thinking about this concept lately, and I think it holds enormous value.

    Why?

    Answer: Relativity.

    For example: say you did 10 years in a federal prison. Upon release, you would be so thrilled to be free that any sort of trouble - both big and small - would fail to spoil your enthusiasm.

    Relative to prison, debt isn't that bad. Divorce. An inconvenient car payment. A broken down car. A wonky internet connection. Unemployment. You name it. Even things like chronic illness.

    Comforts only beget a desire for more comforts. They make us soft! Over time, the smart phone you have that offers near miraculous conveniences will be a source of frustration because it doesn't offer the same services as the new model. That computer that served you so well last year moves too slowly now. That gaming system doesn't quite cut it anymore. And so on.

    Any sort of satisfaction you feel for something dwindles quicker and quicker, and you find yourself wanting more more more, faster faster faster. There is an insatiable appetite that can never be met. Our patience evaporates. Our expectations become unreasonable. We expect the earth. We become entitled.

    It's a trip to mental and emotional and spiritual oblivion, with ever increasing speed. And along the way we shed all the things we used to think were important, like patience, reading, exercising, a connection to nature, a connection to each other, the very basic joy of a walk on a nice day, the basic joy of freedom, the satisfaction of building something...or perhaps the satisfaction that comes with hunting your own food.

    I've been watching these youtube vids on this guy called Wes Watson. Wes spent 10 years in gladiator style prisons. He's out now, and has completely turned his life around.

    One thing he said that really made an impression on me is, there is no such thing as "anxiety disorder" in prison. No "depression". No "social phobia", or any of the other so-called disorders we've come to expect in the world today. They're indulgences of the modern world.

    In other words, in these types of prisons, it's all about survival. That's the baseline. The disorders of modernity are all associated with expectation and entitlement. We expect to survive and be comfortable. We can't imagine a world in which we don't, and as a result we're all mentally distorted.

    In other words, we are detached from our shadows (see: Jung) Our shadows are places where we acknowledge malevolence, in both ourselves and others, and are therefore more prepared to deal with it when it unexpectedly arrives.

    In prison, there is literally no time for that sh!t. There is no time to indulge depression or anxiety...those things fall away in the face of your most pressing need: survival.

    Of course, this survival game causes some uncomfortable mental states of its own, but they're not the variety that arise from having gotten soft and arriving at a place of entitlement...entitlement to comfort and safety and modern conveniences. There is a huge difference there!

    So the solution to this modern insanity may just be the stripping away of things. Not just the stripping away of modern conveniences, but also the stripping away of expectation and entitlement.

    I understand very few people will actually get rid of their computers and air conditioning and so forth. No one is going to volunteer to enter prison. So the next best thing is to expose yourself to malevolence on a daily basis, or at least some form of discomfort....even if it's just an icy cold shower in the morning. It might just give you some sense of relativity.

    This is what shadow work is, according to me anyway.
    Last edited by Mike; 11th August 2019 at 21:21.

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    United States Avalon Member Mike's Avatar
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Part of my practice of exposing myself to malevolence is watching prison docs, or interviews of people who have been in prison. Stuff like that.

    I do that because that's one of my greatest fears: being in some gladiator style prison and being in fear of rape or stabbings or death 24/7.

    This guy Wes Watson, as I said in my previous post, talks extensively about his prison experiences in these short youtube vids. After watching these, I can't help but be thankful for everything I have...and any sort of bitchy whining I'm doing only makes me feel ashamed.

    caution: lots of swearing and descriptions of violence.
    Last edited by Mike; 11th August 2019 at 17:48.

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    Avalon Member meeradas's Avatar
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    do mind what you focus on...

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    United States Moderator Sue (Ayt)'s Avatar
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    I can relate to this concept, Mike, as in retrospect, I actually would not change my most trying lessons from my past. I realized this when I truly examined my past traumas, and recognized that overall I am actually grateful for them. (In Retospect, though!)


    ¤=[Post Update]=¤

    Quote Posted by meeradas (here)
    do mind what you focus on...
    Agreed - We do need to be mindful to guard our gates and passages.
    "We're all bozos on this bus"

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Mike I really understand what you are saying. I lived a version of lack and staying in the moment, i.e. survival and for some reason, even to this day, the ability to stay in the moment and not complain has remained fairly stable.

    I have my moments. But, I'm always aware now of just how petty those "moments" of being disgruntled can be. And I am quickly able to check myself.

    The situation which taught me equilibrium lasted a long time and it was pure survival with no distractions. No money, no frills, nothing but me, heart and mind. It was an incredible test of will but the lessons learned have stuck with me, at the ripe old age of 57.

    I have a hard head so it took a long time.
    Last edited by Valerie Villars; 11th August 2019 at 20:48.
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    United States Avalon Member Mike's Avatar
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Quote Posted by meeradas (here)
    do mind what you focus on...

    Sure, I hear you. I do.

    But also be aware of what you're not focusing on.

    Evil is out there. Malevolence is out there. Getting accustomed to that is prudent. Ignore it at your own peril.

    Because if you do, it will catch you off guard and it will steam roll you.
    Last edited by Mike; 11th August 2019 at 21:12.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    No, Sir. I didn't make myself clear. Evil was a huge part of it. Make no mistake. It's real. Time to toughen up.

    Evil and malevolence made sure I knew it was very real and even tried to get me to destroy myself.
    "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone when we are uncool." From the movie "Almost Famous""l "Let yourself stand cool and composed before a million universes." Walt Whitman

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Phyllis Schlemmer:

    “The Source have stated that, while other planets do have choice, the consciousness is collective. Only on Earth can a soul experience individual choice.” From her book The Only Planet of Choice

    And each time we make a choice of what to focus on we send a signal the universe about what we wish our future to be.
    Even if we focus on evil, we signal that we are either fascinated by it, or that we wish to see it purged.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

     

    I like to entertain all alternative thoughts - one of which I spent some time on was the concept that no growth occurs without the contrast between suffering and pain and the lack thereof. Without pain and suffering, humanity would have no growth, the soul would have no soul learning ...

    Of course this is a very objective perspective and not meant to belittle anyone's suffering, but how could it be any other way? The real problem may well be that we just don't know how to learn from our experiences, hence the suffering we allow ourselves to go through ... again, and again ...

    Its never about "winning' but only about finding from within, the peace that passes understanding, whatever is going on in the world of appearances.
    Last edited by DeDukshyn; 11th August 2019 at 23:53.
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Purged please.
    "The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone when we are uncool." From the movie "Almost Famous""l "Let yourself stand cool and composed before a million universes." Walt Whitman

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Hey Mike, the things you said are very important ones.

    I have many doubts where to start more better, so I will select what I find most " technically " relevant, according my modest understanding.

    Balance of Energies -- Assimilation & Dissimilation - all the time, whether physically, emotionally or mentally, we as living beings, process and use energies that flow from all sides and various ways. This (tech) concept is mandatory, so that, we can better talk about the quality and quantity of these [In-Out flow] energies, ie, be aware about Balance, Equilibrium, Harmony, etc ..

    Everything is Relative - of course, whe can judge about good and bad, benevolent or malevolent, but this is a secondary matter from the point of view of Balance of Energies. The Energy never are good or bad, because they are Energy and no more else. But the ways in which energy is processed and used can be so vast and different, that as a matter of reference, has become a custom to assess whether this (whole) process is satisfactory or not. But this can be viewed a secondary matter of relative judgment.

    all this bla-bla-bla leads us to conclude that energy can be modified, transformed, harnessed and discarded anywhere in the process it's going through. I will not go into the energy creation merit here.

    then, for example -- you eat a delicious and nutritious dinner (assimile), but there was an ingredient in it that makes you sick the next day. You discover that this ingredient is a bacteria your body can't tolerate, and you need to get rid of it as soon as possible (dissimilate). To do this, you need to take a medicine that is neither tasty nor nutritious -- Is this Malevolent ? YES it are -- Ingesting a horrible substance that does not nourish the body is Evil. (lol)

    Everything is Relative ...

    The example about physic body It is analogous to the psyche(emotions-desires) and mental body(mind and thoughts). Psy sick its disturbances and mental sick its insanity, for contextual references.

    What all they have in common is Energy. (that can be modified, transformed, harnessed and discarded anywhere in the process it's going through)

    forgive me about rude english, if need be, I improve - I accept criticism and suggestions.
    There is a lot of good stuff in your thread that can be discussed, congratulations. I just approached One of them.
    Last edited by RogeRio; 12th August 2019 at 01:06. Reason: bad english & clarity

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    I think credit is due to people who do not commit criminal acts and go to prison. There is a choice.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Mike,

    You made a thread a few months back of a similar nature; something about how much guilt you felt for those who came before and how you had to do some kind of penance. Suffering was definitely involved.

    When I think of people in prison I feel pity and compassion. A hope that if deserved, they get out as soon as possible.

    I don't know how old you are Mike, about forty I'd guess. When you get a little older than that you feel far less need to wrestle with these things. We all suffer, sure, too much, even those who look comfortable. Time is short. Why suffer needlessly? That's going to help you? Anyone else?

    Joy is there for us, even if we can't see it. I don't know why one would choose its opposite, for too long anyway.
    Last edited by Caliban; 12th August 2019 at 01:56.

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    United States Avalon Member Mike's Avatar
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    thanks for all the thoughtful replies.

    to clarify: i don't mean to suggest one should be consumed with evil. but i think one should be keenly aware of it.

    ignoring the robber sneaking in the backdoor of your house is hardly useful. being consumed with the idea of being robbed is hardly useful either. but being aware of the possibility of it happening and preparing accordingly is wisdom.

    looking back on past tragedies, like the holocaust for example, people tend to think they would have been one of the good guys and rebelled and stubbornly refused nazi orders. but the chances are much more likely that you would have been a nazi guard, accepting orders like a good soldier.

    there is malevolence in all of us, dormant maybe, but just waiting to be accessed under the right circumstances. ignoring it is akin to suppression. anything that is suppressed long enough will explode. exploding violence and/or malevolence is certainly not desirable.

    being aware of the malevolence on the other hand and exploring its machinations allows us to understand it better. with better understanding, we learn how to channel it harmlessly into the gutter.

    there are malevolent people everywhere, evil people even. to understand how they think you must explore the evil in yourself. otherwise you will be getting taken advantage of (or worse) throughout your entire life.

    "the solution to tragedy and malevolence is the willingness to face them" - Jordan Peterson
    Last edited by Mike; 12th August 2019 at 02:48.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Now, you know how mind works, I can say:

    Caliban give (benevolent) energy to that people, without getting involved
    Mike is more involved and need to be more careful, because its dangerous
    Mike see the problem with benevolence, so be aware its crucial to prevent

    Quote Posted by Mike (here)

    .. the chances are much more likely that you would have been a nazi guard, accepting orders like a good soldier.
    good cacth - you address a serious ethical problem accurately
    You just didn't write the name, but you got it right - betrayal

    cheating on yourself is something no reasonable judgment applies,

    Quote Posted by Mike (here)

    .. you must explore the evil in yourself.
    or, in other words, on the unconscious mind of the group you are part, starting with you.

    In yourself, there are a Big coletive unconscious, but your individuality is only part of that big.
    (not everything in there is your problem) and You are taking care as you should ! .. no doubt !

    look at evil the way you're doing seems me legitimate, because it can't stand up if being watched
    take all care with yourself, and go ahead, myfriend
    Last edited by RogeRio; 12th August 2019 at 05:36.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Mike, it is commendable how keenly aware you are of the dark side. I feel I know where some of that comes from.

    The contrast as you say, is relative. So, by your estimation my granddaughter would be best served by having terrible parents who would neglect her and treat her poorly. Then she could be properly prepared to remain constantly vigilant against the evil in our world and appreciate her troubled past, as that made her strong.

    Or maybe we should just send all pre-teens to juvenile detention for a month's stay - or perhaps longer? Then they can value their privileged position in our society.

    No, there is enough evil in the world - we do not need more of it we need less.

    It is best to protect and insulate the young from the very real travesties of our world - they will learn of those soon enough. Everyone deserves peace and respect - until they don't, but torture is never the way to teach of love.

    We are weak not because we have not had enough evil in our lives - we are weak because we do not know our enemy. We are weak because we do not know where to attack and where to defend. Our enemy is faceless, and the ongoing war is called peace - our efforts go towards hacking at branches and never the root.

    The evil hides in our good intentions and twists those to its service.
    Last edited by Ernie Nemeth; 12th August 2019 at 14:27.
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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Quote Posted by Mike (here)
    there are malevolent people everywhere, evil people even. to understand how they think you must explore the evil in yourself. otherwise you will be getting taken advantage of (or worse) throughout your entire life.

    "the solution to tragedy and malevolence is the willingness to face them" - Jordan Peterson
    Beautiful Mike!

    Indeed the willingness to face evil is important, but we're also going to need physical resistance to keep from vomiting.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Sombre and grim, the story of Jesus doesn't spare the macabre details, and it's more sombre and grim than our day to day life. A friend of mine, when he was mid teens he stood up to an adult bully, and accidentally killed him with a court ruling of something like accidental death. He has had to carry that through life, he knows his shadow. And a frictions, difficult person by all accounts. And yet he was taken by surprise by his natural monstrous nature, and learned one of the hardest ways.

    I don't know if it's healthy to focus on this, because to become aware of ones shadow does compromise us. To see the truth of it is to loose innocents. I choose to be aware of as much of my shadow as possible, and Jesus thinking helps me figure it out, incidentally, same is true for my friend

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    Quote Posted by YoYoYo (here)
    Sombre and grim, the story of Jesus doesn't spare the macabre details, and it's more sombre and grim than our day to day life. A friend of mine, when he was mid teens he stood up to an adult bully, and accidentally killed him with a court ruling of something like accidental death. He has had to carry that through life, he knows his shadow. And a frictions, difficult person by all accounts. And yet he was taken by surprise by his natural monstrous nature, and learned one of the hardest ways.

    I don't know if it's healthy to focus on this, because to become aware of ones shadow does compromise us. To see the truth of it is to loose innocents. I choose to be aware of as much of my shadow as possible, and Jesus thinking helps me figure it out, incidentally, same is true for my friend

    all beautifully expressed and thank you.

    shadow work does force us to lose some innocence, but i view that as a healthy thing. too much innocence equals naivete, and naivete isn't a productive state. you're simply serving yourself up for the wolves.

    on the other hand, if you realize your own potential to become a wolf, explore it, understand it, you're all the wiser. i'm not suggesting we become the wolf... and that's a very important distinction to make.

    the best of us are those that acknowledge their inner monster but do not let it manifest. that's the whole point.

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    Default Re: Exposing Yourself To Malevolence

    hi Ernie, no your granddaughter would not be best served by having terrible parents. that's a horrible idea and i'm not saying that at all.

    but on the flip side, it would be doing her an enormous disservice to tell her she's a princess till she's 18, that she can do no wrong, to allow her to avoid any kind of responsibility, and so on.

    shadow work for a young person might involve community service of some sort...maybe work in a soup kitchen. perhaps assisting the homeless somehow. all under the supervision of an adult, of course. it would cultivate a healthy awareness of the darker side of things in a productive way.

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