04-02-2012, 02:53 AM
A few things up front:
1.This entire post is IMHO and based mostly upon my own experiences. In no way do I claim to have a monopoly on human experience.
2. The point of this thread it NOT to debate the validity or the danger of the negative polarity and those who have made a true commitment to follow it. No justifying or bashing the STS path. If you want to do that, please do it in one of the other 200 preexisting threads already discussing this topic.
That being said...
I'm sure it has become quite apparent to most that we are moving full into fourth density vibration on this planet. There is a huge shift in energy, resulting in changes on all levels. One of these changes that I have noticed in both myself and others is the obvious manifestation of the shadow self. There is a new level of truth permeating all life on this planet, and there are fewer and fewer places to hide self from self. The skeletons are pouring out of everyone's closets and everyone is becoming acquainted with the darkness they may not have realized existed inside of them. This is a natural part of the transition process.
Psychically sensitive people, such as empaths, will likely have an especially potentially difficult time with this transition, due to the fact that they take on the emotions and energies of those around them while often retaining an acute sense of alienation as well. It is a chaotic and confusing time- the storm that must be before peace. I know from experience that it is very easy to get caught up in the storm and find yourself giving in to feelings of anger, frustration and hopelessness when it all becomes absolutely overwhelming. It is easy to take the first steps on that downward spiral of depolarization and slip through the cracks.
I am NOT talking about the people who have actively dedicated themselves to the negative polarity- those fully aware of how and why they wish to pursue this path. This thread is not about them. This is about all of the genuinely positive people out there who happen to find themselves in the darkness and, in strange and unfamiliar territory, become easily confused and manipulated and find it harder and harder to climb back out. They may even think they belong in the darkness that surrounds them, though in their heart it feels unnatural and/or wrong. These are NOT, and I repeat, NOT bad or negative people. They are human beings doing what humans do, and we have ALL been there at some point.
For emotionally sensitive people...heck, for most people, reaching out for help in a situation like this can be extremely difficult, out of fear of criticism and reprimand, the jeopardizing of the reputation or simply due to ego issues and stubbornness (I'm pretty sure we've all been there, too). There may be the fear of placing a burden on other people, or of spreading perceived corruption to others. Just about all of the above were an issue for me during my sojourn through the darkness. It was like silently drowning, and I couldn't quite flail my arms hard enough to break the water's surface. As far as I know, only two people noticed the inner struggle and vocalized it in any way. And only one of those people made the effort to dive in after me and offer personal assistance. Without that person I likely wouldn't have made it out of the hole in this lifetime, at least not without some serious pain and suffering.
Now, if you haven't experienced any of this during your present lifetime, congratulations! You are in the perfect position to be the type of strong role models and counselors that can serve as lifelines to those in need. Because there are plenty of people struggling to make the adjustment right now. This does not make them weak, stupid or negatively inclined. It makes them growing, evolving beings presenting an opportunity to serve. The service I received was priceless, and in turn I seek to return to service- to be the hand for anyone who is silently drowning.
Be mindful of those around you. Do they seem withdrawn and depressed? Are they entertaining increasingly negative thoughts and hinging on nagging doubts and fears? Are they suddenly stopping dead on their path and looking around as if they don't know where they are? Have they seemed to have lost hope, given in to the frustration and been brought to their knees by a heavy burden? These are not warning signs of bad eggs. They are signs that a Lifeline might be needed, and anyone can be one. I would simply like to share what it was that brought me around...and perhaps teach others to be a Lifeline. We are all in this together, and if we don't support each other, we stand divided.
Firstly, a few things NOT to do (in my opinion, of course):
* Accuse the person of being STS (or demon-possessed, a heathen, a Sith Lord, etc.). Not only is this considered rude, insulting and offensive by the majority of people, but it promotes the type of aggressive, fear-based behavior that serves to deepen the hole. "They're all against me. Nobody understands." Would you walk up to someone who was about to take their own life and say "Wow, you are such a selfish bastard, you sinner!" Of course not. Spiritual self-harm follows the same principles.
*Lecture them and/or land-blast them with your own opinions. I have been on this side of the fence plenty of times, and I know the temptation to preach and/or unload all of one's thoughts and ideas out of the desire to help as quickly as possible is nigh overwhelming. However, at this point such behavior can simply overload the other person and cause them to shut down. Yes, the Lifeline most undoubtedly has wisdom to offer, and if the other person truly wants help then they will ask for it in time. There are layers of emotional release and healing that must be completed before any influx of wisdom can be absorbed, however. It is a delicate process that requires a slow, gentle and patient touch. So take a deep breath, cross your legs and wait a little bit longer.
*Point out all of the person's behaviors that you deem to be negative. Chances are they already know, and guilt is one of the most crippling stumbling blocks in the recovery process. It can utterly crush a person. If they want to confess, listen, but attempting to guilt trip the sense into a person is going to have the opposite effect in most cases.
*Panicking/Hovering. Yes, the person likely needs some special attention. Hinging on the subject to the point of badgering the person counts as more than special attention. It's called stalking. Responding to the revelation of dark feelings with "OH MY GOD", followed by "Are you okay? Are you okay? Are you okay?" is going to make a person feel like a mental patient on checks.
Now, some things that I found INCREDIBLY helpful in my time of need.
*Be available. If you're going to jump into the water after a person, you are going to get wet. Your service might include talking the person all through the night. It might involve sacrificing some of your pleasures or comforts to be there for them in an unpleasant situation. You may take on this person's pain, walk with them in their sorrow. You might even have to pick them up on your shoulders and carry them for a while. While it is important to give them their space, it is just as important to make yourself available in whatever way is needed, even if it involves watching the same crappy movie 13 times.
*Share your own challenges. Letting a struggling person know you have struggled, too, is a way of soothing the guilt and shame that often precede the healing process. This DOESN'T involve trying to trump the person's struggles with your own greater struggles. Turn it into a contest and the whole purpose is defeated. No "I had to walk twenty miles in the snow!" Just "I've been there. I know this is difficult for you, and I'm here. You're not alone." Those few sentences can give a person the strength to face an army of demons.
*Take the initiative. This doesn't mean staging an intervention. It means "Hey, you've seemed kind of depressed lately. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?" It's as simple as that. It is much easier to offer help than to ask for it. Be that guardian angel that swoops in just in the nick of time. No wings or halo required.
*Provide a positive environment. Give the person as much opportunity to experience positive stimuli as possible. Listen to upbeat music. Take a walk in the park. Talk about cheerful subjects. Do fun things together. Use humor. Use art. Cultivate beauty. Especially during the earliest stages of transition, it is important to exist within a comforting, positive, safe environment where healing can take place with as much purity as possible. Quite often dark stimuli will become like a drug, attempting to pull the person backwards even as they climb out. Criticizing every song the person listens to or their taste in dark clothing is not likely to produce productive results, but at least attempting to provide an environment conducive to healing can be a serious asset.
A Lifeline can literally be just that. I humbly admit that I was in dire need of one, and I am eternally grateful that one appeared when the darkness was closing in over my head. And all it takes to be one is the will to step forward.
You guys, you are not alone, and you are very much loved and appreciated for who and what you are. If anyone ever needs to talk, I would be happy to listen.
-Lynn
1.This entire post is IMHO and based mostly upon my own experiences. In no way do I claim to have a monopoly on human experience.
2. The point of this thread it NOT to debate the validity or the danger of the negative polarity and those who have made a true commitment to follow it. No justifying or bashing the STS path. If you want to do that, please do it in one of the other 200 preexisting threads already discussing this topic.
That being said...
I'm sure it has become quite apparent to most that we are moving full into fourth density vibration on this planet. There is a huge shift in energy, resulting in changes on all levels. One of these changes that I have noticed in both myself and others is the obvious manifestation of the shadow self. There is a new level of truth permeating all life on this planet, and there are fewer and fewer places to hide self from self. The skeletons are pouring out of everyone's closets and everyone is becoming acquainted with the darkness they may not have realized existed inside of them. This is a natural part of the transition process.
Psychically sensitive people, such as empaths, will likely have an especially potentially difficult time with this transition, due to the fact that they take on the emotions and energies of those around them while often retaining an acute sense of alienation as well. It is a chaotic and confusing time- the storm that must be before peace. I know from experience that it is very easy to get caught up in the storm and find yourself giving in to feelings of anger, frustration and hopelessness when it all becomes absolutely overwhelming. It is easy to take the first steps on that downward spiral of depolarization and slip through the cracks.
I am NOT talking about the people who have actively dedicated themselves to the negative polarity- those fully aware of how and why they wish to pursue this path. This thread is not about them. This is about all of the genuinely positive people out there who happen to find themselves in the darkness and, in strange and unfamiliar territory, become easily confused and manipulated and find it harder and harder to climb back out. They may even think they belong in the darkness that surrounds them, though in their heart it feels unnatural and/or wrong. These are NOT, and I repeat, NOT bad or negative people. They are human beings doing what humans do, and we have ALL been there at some point.
For emotionally sensitive people...heck, for most people, reaching out for help in a situation like this can be extremely difficult, out of fear of criticism and reprimand, the jeopardizing of the reputation or simply due to ego issues and stubbornness (I'm pretty sure we've all been there, too). There may be the fear of placing a burden on other people, or of spreading perceived corruption to others. Just about all of the above were an issue for me during my sojourn through the darkness. It was like silently drowning, and I couldn't quite flail my arms hard enough to break the water's surface. As far as I know, only two people noticed the inner struggle and vocalized it in any way. And only one of those people made the effort to dive in after me and offer personal assistance. Without that person I likely wouldn't have made it out of the hole in this lifetime, at least not without some serious pain and suffering.
Now, if you haven't experienced any of this during your present lifetime, congratulations! You are in the perfect position to be the type of strong role models and counselors that can serve as lifelines to those in need. Because there are plenty of people struggling to make the adjustment right now. This does not make them weak, stupid or negatively inclined. It makes them growing, evolving beings presenting an opportunity to serve. The service I received was priceless, and in turn I seek to return to service- to be the hand for anyone who is silently drowning.
Be mindful of those around you. Do they seem withdrawn and depressed? Are they entertaining increasingly negative thoughts and hinging on nagging doubts and fears? Are they suddenly stopping dead on their path and looking around as if they don't know where they are? Have they seemed to have lost hope, given in to the frustration and been brought to their knees by a heavy burden? These are not warning signs of bad eggs. They are signs that a Lifeline might be needed, and anyone can be one. I would simply like to share what it was that brought me around...and perhaps teach others to be a Lifeline. We are all in this together, and if we don't support each other, we stand divided.
Firstly, a few things NOT to do (in my opinion, of course):
* Accuse the person of being STS (or demon-possessed, a heathen, a Sith Lord, etc.). Not only is this considered rude, insulting and offensive by the majority of people, but it promotes the type of aggressive, fear-based behavior that serves to deepen the hole. "They're all against me. Nobody understands." Would you walk up to someone who was about to take their own life and say "Wow, you are such a selfish bastard, you sinner!" Of course not. Spiritual self-harm follows the same principles.
*Lecture them and/or land-blast them with your own opinions. I have been on this side of the fence plenty of times, and I know the temptation to preach and/or unload all of one's thoughts and ideas out of the desire to help as quickly as possible is nigh overwhelming. However, at this point such behavior can simply overload the other person and cause them to shut down. Yes, the Lifeline most undoubtedly has wisdom to offer, and if the other person truly wants help then they will ask for it in time. There are layers of emotional release and healing that must be completed before any influx of wisdom can be absorbed, however. It is a delicate process that requires a slow, gentle and patient touch. So take a deep breath, cross your legs and wait a little bit longer.
*Point out all of the person's behaviors that you deem to be negative. Chances are they already know, and guilt is one of the most crippling stumbling blocks in the recovery process. It can utterly crush a person. If they want to confess, listen, but attempting to guilt trip the sense into a person is going to have the opposite effect in most cases.
*Panicking/Hovering. Yes, the person likely needs some special attention. Hinging on the subject to the point of badgering the person counts as more than special attention. It's called stalking. Responding to the revelation of dark feelings with "OH MY GOD", followed by "Are you okay? Are you okay? Are you okay?" is going to make a person feel like a mental patient on checks.
Now, some things that I found INCREDIBLY helpful in my time of need.
*Be available. If you're going to jump into the water after a person, you are going to get wet. Your service might include talking the person all through the night. It might involve sacrificing some of your pleasures or comforts to be there for them in an unpleasant situation. You may take on this person's pain, walk with them in their sorrow. You might even have to pick them up on your shoulders and carry them for a while. While it is important to give them their space, it is just as important to make yourself available in whatever way is needed, even if it involves watching the same crappy movie 13 times.
*Share your own challenges. Letting a struggling person know you have struggled, too, is a way of soothing the guilt and shame that often precede the healing process. This DOESN'T involve trying to trump the person's struggles with your own greater struggles. Turn it into a contest and the whole purpose is defeated. No "I had to walk twenty miles in the snow!" Just "I've been there. I know this is difficult for you, and I'm here. You're not alone." Those few sentences can give a person the strength to face an army of demons.
*Take the initiative. This doesn't mean staging an intervention. It means "Hey, you've seemed kind of depressed lately. Is there anything you'd like to talk about?" It's as simple as that. It is much easier to offer help than to ask for it. Be that guardian angel that swoops in just in the nick of time. No wings or halo required.
*Provide a positive environment. Give the person as much opportunity to experience positive stimuli as possible. Listen to upbeat music. Take a walk in the park. Talk about cheerful subjects. Do fun things together. Use humor. Use art. Cultivate beauty. Especially during the earliest stages of transition, it is important to exist within a comforting, positive, safe environment where healing can take place with as much purity as possible. Quite often dark stimuli will become like a drug, attempting to pull the person backwards even as they climb out. Criticizing every song the person listens to or their taste in dark clothing is not likely to produce productive results, but at least attempting to provide an environment conducive to healing can be a serious asset.
A Lifeline can literally be just that. I humbly admit that I was in dire need of one, and I am eternally grateful that one appeared when the darkness was closing in over my head. And all it takes to be one is the will to step forward.
You guys, you are not alone, and you are very much loved and appreciated for who and what you are. If anyone ever needs to talk, I would be happy to listen.
-Lynn