#// these are merely self-thoughts and inner dialogue

[umikawa]

a/n: I actually love him a lot, his name rolls off the tongue satisfyingly. he’s cute, smart, cunning, and a total loser. used my first kiss as light inspo don’t tell my gf 😿🙏

asagiri gen x gn!reader | 906 wc. no major warnings. first kiss jitters, small makeout? nothing too crazy. perhaps a bit ooc, I hope not too much tho. I love dialogue (￣▽￣) I broke up w grammarly.

“Is this…okay?”

Gen could hardly hear your question, not with the sound of his heartbeat swallowing his hearing. He makes a noise of hesitation— a bright red shade of embarrassment clouding his face.

He lifts his neck absentmindedly when your fingers nestle on his jaw, brushing lightly against his neck– Gen feels his breath catch in his throat.

“It’s okay.” He wills himself to find a cool tone, the faux suaveness revealing itself when his words shake. “Of course, it’s okay.”

“Dropping the pig latin, just for me?” You ask with a tilt of your head, Gen thinks his heart is about to explode.

A chuckle spills from his mouth– good, he’s relaxing. “Well, this doesn’t seem the time and place to be doing it, does it, darling?” He catches the way your lips part for a second, smiling to himself at the flustered smile that crosses your face. “Hm? Not fun being teased is it?”

“Don’t know what you’re talking about, I actually quite like this side of you.” You inch closer, eyes flicking from his lips to his eyes, watching them dilate with a grin. “But I prefer the flustered one much more.”

“Well…” he trails off with a shaky breath, averting his gaze when you were only mere centimeters away from him. “How else would a human react when someone is so close?”

“Push them away.” He jolts when your nose brushes against his, hands flying up to your shoulders to brace himself. “Do you want to push me away?”

Your question comes out breathless, he’s sure there was wind it’d be swept up before it could reach his ears. You were eerily still, hands still nestled under his jaw, brushing lightly in an attempt to soothe him he assumed.

“Truthfully, I’d much rather pull you closer.”

He stays true to his words, his inner self left panicking as he now grips your shoulders tightly and leans himself forward, capturing your lips in a kiss he wasn’t even prepared for.

Because Gen has never kissed anyone before.

He stays still, frigid like he’s been petrified again, he begins to wonder if he really has. He doesn’t collect himself in time to prevent you from pulling away, only letting out a muffled sound of discontent when you inevitably do.

“Was that okay?” He blurts, lifting a hand to cover his mouth after.

“That was okay.” You smile at the action, lowering his hand from his face, brushing your thumb over his knuckles.’“You’ve never kissed anyone before, have you?” Damn it! How could you tell? “Neither have I.”

Gen looks at you, a genuine perplexed expression written clearly on his face – whatever happened to being calm and collected? “You haven’t? You talked a great deal about it earlier.”

“That’s just because I wanted to kiss you.” His hand reaches to your cheek, he hums at the warmth of your skin. “I thought you wanted to as well.”

“I do.” He replies quickly, leaning back while he sinks his teeth into his lip. “I just don’t know how to… approach the idea.” A hum echoes through your chest, Gen can feel the vibration of it on your cheek somehow. “Can I…?”

When you nod, Gen inches himself forward, a cautious hand hovering over your waist, the other still splayed against your cheek. He takes a deep breath just before he places his lips onto yours, shuddering lightly at the chapped skin brushing against his own.

He moves slowly, cracking his eyes open slightly to see you. His heart stutters when he catches your eye– why were they open? He presses further, tilting his head to deepen the kiss, your eyes flutter shut at the feeling, a slow exhale coming from your nose.

He doesn’t know what he’s doing. But, with the way your fingers are twitching around his arms and your body itching to curl into his– he figures he’s doing something right.

Again, Gen doesn’t know what he’s doing. He moves to settle you down on the bed you sat on, awkward and hesitant yet you don’t pull away from him, not even an inch. Your fingers move to tangle themselves into his hair, tugging lightly on the short strands near the base of his neck and he couldn’t help the groan that slips from his mouth.

You pull away from him, laughing softly at the mutters of protest that came from his mouth. “Is this too much?”

“Not enough.” He grumbles, looking down at you. His heart skips a beat at the dazed look on your face, pupils blown, and small puffs of air coming out, some shaky. “Are you alright, dear?”

He gets a nod in response, your hands sliding down to the nape of his neck, fingers tapping against his skin. “Never been better, you should be on top of me more often.”

Gen lifts a hand to his face, nervous laughter spewing from his lips at your words. “My, what a bold thing to say.”

“Gen.” He looks at you, settling his hand beside your head to keep him stable. “Will you kiss me again, please?”

His eyes widened slightly at your request, were you wanting to… no, that couldn’t be it. Not when you were looking at him like that. So desperately, so lovingly, so soft. “When you ask so nicely, my dear,” he starts, lowering his head until it presses against your own. “How could I say no?”

[hearts-widget]

(Overly confident... not too unlike him. But I still feel like it's a bit excessive...)

In that case, there's only one thing for it.

Let us picture the board... and assess the situation once more.

[Continuing from the point of the Psyche-Lock reveal...]

Are you absolutely sure, Prosecutor Blackquill? You sounded... awfully defensive when that point was brought up.

(I shall initiate The Technique in a reblog - just make sure to point out how stubborn Blackquill is over this)

BEWARE SPOILERS FOR UNPOSTED CHAPTERS OF THE HIDDEN MEDIUM

"None of you will leave me in peace?"

"Fine. Not like you'd get anything out of this anyways..."

[He seems overly confident..even moreso than usual]

[helluvapoison]

Hi!!! For the injury promts, could i ask for prompt 6+dialogue 17 with Lucifer? Im down so bad for this man-

you make it easy

warning: blood, violence, ooc(?), angsty and dramatic

Stars, he should’ve accepted your offer when you asked to join him on this morning’s errands. He was a fool to think his good mood would last.

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

Believe it or not, there was a time when Lucifer noticed everything. The sky is brighter than it was yesterday, he would say to no one, he simply noticed. Nowadays it was harder, a struggle to live outside his own mind. There was a passing thought every now and again. Hey, that lamp is new or Charlie’s nails match Maggie’s. But even those came at the worst times and he never pointed them out when he should, be it in the middle of an argument or entirely different conversation. Determined, he kept trying. More than that, he tried to see his world through his daughter’s eyes, to see that there could be good in the strangest places.

It was hard when the looming cloud of misery and evil followed him every time he tried to leave the hotel. The only time it didn’t was when he was accompanied by you. Charlie, as good natured and pure as she somehow was, was biased. Lilith’s doing, of course. His ex-wife made it seem like Lucifer’s decision was a gift and not the curse that it really was. But you… you were magical. You held an umbrella he couldn’t see that kept him safe from the endless troubles he made with his own two hands. While he knew he had every capability to protect himself physically, the inner workings of his mind was an entirely different story. Besides, it was, admittedly, nice to have someone else do it simply because.

You didn’t want anything from him. You just thought he was worth the effort.

If only he could think the same for himself. Not even two blocks into town did the thick clouds gather into a storm above his crown. It whipped and raged in his mind, hissing what he already knew. He wasn’t. God was punishing him for a reason and that reason stared him in the face every waking moment in Hell. Piles of bodies, gallons of blood, drugs, sex, etc. Not an hour could go by without seeing it all. So who could blame him when he lost sight of Charlie’s dream in the fog of guilt and self pity? How was he supposed to notice anything other than the deplorable sinners and their heinous ways?

He rounded the first corner he could, gasping and clutching at his vest. Whistle leaning against the cool bricks, a shadow stretched toward him. He saw. He saw the demon, he saw the jagged knife and he saw the intent in their eyes. Going against the King of Hell was a suicide mission but Lucifer saw exactly what they wanted from him. Retribution.

In all but a moment it was over. Red blood splattered on the alley wall opposite to him, merely adding to the number of stains it had worn over the centuries. Golden blood though? WItnessing that was a treat indeed. Through the tear in Lucifer’s ivory suit he could see it dribbling down his arm. As his eyes traveled over his attire he could see it was also blighted by the demon’s blood. That took precedence over his own injury but at the time he was grateful for the distraction. The news would lap up a scandal with the Morningstar name on it–

He needed to leave.

Lucifer attempted to summon his wings but they refused to budge. The sky was unsafe to them. It felt as if a thousand eyes were judging him from above. Fuck the news— Heaven was judging him.

He needed to hide.

The man slammed the end of his cane against the ground, instantly conjuring a portal that dropped him unceremoniously into your room.

A guttural growl ripped from his throat as he took in his surroundings of your belongings, “No! No, you stupid–!”

“Lucifer?”

You performed magic once again; turning gold into ice and freezing him in place with his back to you. He begged the wall for answers. What should he say? What should he do? Why the fuck did his magic bring him here when he just wanted to–

“Is that– Fuck! You’re bleeding!” You gasped

“Am I? I hadn’t noticed! Funny story, I didn’t mean to intrude– you know me, a gentleman should always knock– so I’ll just get out of your hair.”

As he spoke you’d scrambled over and stole any chance he had of absconding out of there. His voice got smaller and smaller until it was nonexistent. You reached not for his arm but for his coat, pulling it back to reveal a bigger patch of gold seeping through his vest.

“Oh that can’t be good.” He muttered, more annoyed than anything.

“Ok, uh, fuck. Fuck. You stay here and I’ll get—”

The second he felt you withdraw he whipped around and snatched your wrist like a lifeline. Your chest puffed with a smaller, quieter gasp as you drank in his appearance. Covered in more blood than just his own, he looked utterly panicked. Less than few had seen the king this way.

“No! No, I-I-I can’t have anyone see,” Daring to look down at himself, he foolishly thought maybe the gorey reminder wouldn't be there. And like a fool he winced when it was, “this. Please don’t tell anyone— Especially not Charlie.”

There wasn’t an ounce of hesitation in you, just a firm nod that filled him with relief.

“You’ll do everything I say then.” You bartered, though it wasn’t much of an option.

Lucifer’s heart threatened to plummet to his stomach. He tried desperately to blink away the fog of doubt that lingered. You wouldn’t blackmail him… would you?

“I… Yes? W-Well, what do you want?”

“I don’t want anything—! Er. I mean, I guess I want you to listen and be still while I clean you up? I’ll probably have to burn this before Al sniffs it out. And Nifty’s been going through my shit again so it’ll take me a minute to find…”

You began talking to yourself and Lucifer tuned your voice to background noise when he heard all he needed to. Of course you wouldn’t blackmail him, he felt horrible he even doubted that!

The word ridiculous came to mind as he looked up to try and spot that invisible umbrella you always seemed to be holding for him. While Lucifer searched the air, you got to work. He was malleable for your gentle hands, allowing you to strip his upper half and discard the evidence in the fireplace of your room (he didn’t complain, you’ve seen his suit collection) You diligently cleaned both cuts with utmost care, surpassing what he deemed acceptable and ignoring him when he said exactly that. Only when his skin was porcelain again did you bandage them with a nearly depleted first aid kit you kept under your bed.

“Here, it might be big on you but it beats freezing. The sixth floor has a vendetta against working heaters so it gets chilly here. That's why I keep the fireplace on all night.” You rambled as you pulled one of your own shirts over Lucifer’s head. He noted it was one of your favorites as he had seen you wear it often. Sometimes days in a row! He was more than honored; he was on cloud nine! If this is how you felt when you wore it, he’d never take it off.

“Thank you.” Lucifer said softly. For everything, he didn’t add.

“Anytime,” You replied dutifully. Then casually killed him with, “You can have my bed, by the way. I’ll take the sofa.”

“That-That’s much too generous. You’ve already done so much, I—“

“If it were me, would you let me leave?”

His eyebrows nearly shot up and off his head. The very thought of you bruised and bleeding in his room had flames licking the back of his throat. He needed to expel the smoke through a sigh, covering it up with a fist to his mouth, mumbling,

“You know I wouldn’t.”

“My sentiments exactly. So get your royal ass in the bed… Your majesty.” You bowed low and perfectly, keeping eye contact with him all throughout your bit.

A minuscule laugh escaped him and you beamed seeing your efforts were not in vain.

“Fine. Well… we could, ah, both fit in your bed. If you wanted! I-I’m just looking at it a-and that sofa is not an adequate sleeping area for you. Much too small.” He squinted at your couch disapprovingly, pursing his lips as he pretended his heart wasn’t about to leap out of his chest.

You stood to your full height, seemingly considering the offer, “Only if you’re sure I wouldn’t hurt you.”

Already pulling back the covers for both of you, he scoffed and actually tried to shoo your worries away with a wave of his hand.

“Hurt me? No one can hurt— Oh. Hm. You caught me on a bad day, I can’t say what I normally do.” Lucifer tucked his hooves under the blankets as he spoke, waiting for your cue of laughter that never came.

The bed dipped beside him, much closer than he was anticipating. Your forehead melted against the top of his fluffy, blonde hair. He watched your hands twitch, longing to embrace him but too cautious for your own good. If he wasn’t such a coward he would close the distance himself.

“I didn’t know you could get hurt.” You sighed heavily, finally releasing what had troubled you since you saw him.

Lucifer’s brows dipped in concern but he kept his eyes trained on the burning fireplace across the way, “Anyone can get hurt down here.”

“That shouldn’t be possible. You’re the king.”

“You’re going to give me a big head, darling. Being a king doesn’t exempt me from pain. There’s quite a few ex-kings down here that could tell you that,” He attempted to laugh. Subconsciously his hand landed over his bandaged side, rubbing the soft fabric of your well-loved shirt. “I’ll be alright. Besides it wasn’t an angelic weapon so it wasn’t a serious assassination atte—“

“What?” You reeled back with wide eyes, kneeling beside him and gripping his shoulders lightly, silently begging him to focus, “Wha-What do you mean!? People have tried to kill you before!?”

He stared at you like you asked him why the sky was red. He didn’t understand your panic but he knew he didn’t like it.

“Well… yes? Yours truly isn’t only hated by Heaven. There’s plenty of people down here that pray for the royals' downfall, Hellborn and sinners.” Lucifer tilted his head, confusion had his brows furrowing, “But they can’t kill me.”

“But-But you said it probably wasn’t serious? How do you know? Who did this to you; what did they look like? I-I’ll go find them and—“

“Good golly, breathe! Just let it go, it doesn't matter.”

Your eyes flashed red to let him know the fire of your fury you was blazing. But your eyes glassed over as well, pupils shrinking and jumping across his face like you were memorizing every detail. You held him so gently, like he was going to disappear if you let go.

“Yes it does! It matters to me because you matter to me, Lucifer!”

You were scared.

“I-I—“ He was dizzy with euphoric disbelief. You could tell him every day that you cared about him and he would become breathless every damn time. “I killed them.” He managed to choke out.

You didn’t immediately relax like he had hoped you would. Exhaling through your nose you nodded once that hit him with another magical wave of pride, solidifying his choice and making him sit slightly straighter.

“Good.” Your voice dropped dangerously for a moment. He was presented with the terrifying reminder that you are a sinner, you’re down here for a reason. He couldn’t linger on the fact when the red wisped away from your eyes and returned to the lovely shade he remembered and adored. “That’s why you didn’t want Charlie to know.”

“Anyone,” He corrected softly before his voice turned almost bitter, “No one can know. It might give people the wrong impression if their king did the opposite of what his daughter’s hotel represented. Not-Not that I care what they think but… I don’t want to let her down. Again.”

You practically pulled him in your lap, tucking your chin against his shoulder and sighing heavily. Your warm breath tickled his skin and sent every hair he had standing at attention.

“Your secret’s safe with me.” You promised.

“How.. is it so easy for you to say that?”

“I dunno.” You said all too honestly, pulling back slightly to rest your forehead on his, “Some people make it easy.”

Content with that answer, for once his mind quieted and stilled. He melted against you until he was safely tangled in your embrace.

[crustyfloor]

yaoisorrow3000's new song will probably be an elaboration on how he sees himself (in the present) and in turn, how he sees his relationship with Till, like Nowhere, which was more based on Ivan's "emotionally avoidant nature" ie. his passive reaction and nature regarding his life and his own misery, in the way of portraying his life unemotionally and as if it were just fact that he doesn't belong "In a life I don't deserve" "That's just how it is" "I become more numb" etc. Ivan's perception of himself is mainly self-deprecating and passive. And Nowhere was from the perspective of a (younger) Ivan who was perceiving his world before Till was ever really in it. As he's older, he's still living in this warped truth. So, considering the bug imagery, and in the caption - "A bug-like being that will not disappear even after death" , and emphasis on parasitic forms (that I like to think contributes to the look of his unnerving inner dialogue and the way he perceives himself as a person, like bugs are usually scary strange ugly, some people think they're useless, etc.)

I think it relates to how Ivan would reflect on himself and Till's relationship in this song, if that is what it will be about. Much like a bug/parasite that lives and thrives at the expense of others, Ivan thinks that he is a troublesome, hollow existence. Thinks that because he takes and takes any attention Till would give him, whether bad or good, and that he primarily relies on Till's presence to survive, so much so that he couldn't live with the prospect that he'd lose him, he was acting inherently selfish, greedy. Ivan doesn't desire Till because he feels entitled to him; wanting is a selfish privilege he cannot readily afford to consider like others, such a privilege doesn't belong to a person like him. Till is a person in his life that he doesn't mind following in the background or mind being given whatever rations of what Till wants to give him, because this was always the role he was meant to play

Like a parasitic dynamic, Ivan didn't think Till benefited from their relationship, probably didn't even consider if Till saw them as anything, for that matter. (even though it's apparent that was because he misunderstood Till and himself, or what their relationship looked like). Ivan accepts the situation, yet incessantly takes whatever he can (like latching onto Till and passively feeding off of him) while "knowing" Till didn't care about him, while still desiring something more, In this way I also think the song might highlight the way Ivan both wanted to occupy a space in Till's mind, wanted to be important to him yet thought he wasn't and resolutely accepted it because he perceived himself as more of a burden.

He doesn't consider that his existence meant something to Till because he automatically concludes that nobody can understand or truly acknowledge him. Because of the way he attaches to Till and lingers, he sees Till more like a victim, because he acted selfishly, and for what happened in Cure. He must think that, because he thinks he's as insignificant to Till as a mere bug, he's absolving Till of blame and burden by assuming Till just won't care, like he did in his post-mortem comic. It must just be a fact, but he's wrong. Even after death, he occupies a space in Till's mind, and Till doesn't just move on and forget, Ivan still lingers and crawls around Till's mind (well, haunting, yeah)... Ivan's reign of yearning and self-deprecation never ends, I hope the song sounds as convoluted as Nowhere or vkei because its a good ass sound for such a theme..

[yanderejustforyou]

The Prison of His Protection

Shoto x reader

ok i know this gif is not the vibe of this short fanfic but i had to add it

Your mother, with that comforting, knowing smile, had spoken of destiny, of finding that one person who would complete you. She painted a picture of gentle affection, of a love that nurtured and supported. But she never, in her infinite wisdom, warned you about this. About a love that felt like a vise tightening around your throat, stealing the air from your lungs with each fervent embrace. Shoto’s love was a tempest – a whirlwind of adoration one moment, a chilling storm the next. He made you feel like the most precious thing in the world, his every touch a burning brand of want. Yet, with each passing day, each possessive glance, he chipped away at the edges of your being, leaving behind a hollowed-out shell of your former self.

The air in your room, once a haven of solace, now hangs heavy and cold, like a shroud. You remember when the sunlight used to stream through the window, painting golden patterns on the walls, warming the very core of your being. Now, the shadows cling to the corners, mirroring the unease that has taken root in your heart. The comfortable murmur of your inner thoughts, the symphony of your own desires and dreams, has been silenced. It has been replaced by the relentless, echoing thoughts of him. It's a psychic invasion, the relentless drone of his presence shaping every aspect of this space, this life. Even the placement of your books on the shelves, the angle of the cushions on the window seat – everything reflects his control.

You had once envisioned a future filled with the boundless possibilities of freedom. Never could you have imagined becoming a gilded cage bird, your wings clipped by the very person who professes to love you. Each day is an exercise in confinement, each moment punctuated by the weight of his “protection,” a shield you never desired, a shelter that feels more like a prison. How did it all come to this? You barely recognize the person staring back at you from the mirror. The spark of rebellion, the flicker of independent thought, is slowly being extinguished.

The ring on your finger, a symbol of supposed unity, feels more like a shackle. The cold, unyielding metal presses relentlessly into your skin, a perpetual reminder of your captivity. It's not just a physical sensation; it's a constant ache that echoes the pain in your soul. It is not a symbol of unity, of togetherness. It is a symbol of ownership. You are not your own. He owns you, and this ring is his branding iron.

A tremor runs through you as the door creaks open, announcing Shoto's arrival. His eyes, usually an enigmatic mix of warm and cold, are now like shards of ice – distant, unreadable. This is his withdrawn phase, the one where he pulls back, leaving you stranded in the silence, the space thick with tension. He is a constant presence, even in his absence. You are always aware of his proximity. There is a ghost of him in every corner, a quiet, looming watchfulness that never ceases. He never leaves you alone, not truly. He is perpetually present, like a shadow.

“You’re upset,” he states, his voice a low, even cadence that betrays nothing of his interior. The tone is not one of concern, but of a grim observation, something akin to a hunter surveying his prey. There's a possessive undertone, a chilling note that reminds you that your emotions are merely a reflection of his own. “You’ve been quiet, lately.” His words are a gentle accusation, as if your silence has offended him.

You resist the urge to respond. Words are useless, futile attempts at communication in a landscape where you have no voice. They are more for show, for his own benefit, than a genuine attempt at dialogue. Your silence is not an act of defiance, but of resignation. It is the only freedom you can claim, the solitary space that he cannot fully enter.

His movements are deliberate, each step measured as he approaches you. He kneels before you, drawing your attention to his imposing figure. You can practically feel his presence on you, his invisible hand shaping the space. Your gaze falls to your hands, where the ring chafes against your skin, leaving behind a raw, angry indentation.

“Look at me,” he commands, his voice firm yet devoid of warmth. You flinch, not just at his words but also at the inherent power that pulses beneath his controlled facade. He doesn’t need to raise his voice to wield his influence. He controls not just the space, but also your emotions, your very breath.

With a heavy sigh, as if you are lifting a great weight, your eyes meet his. A familiar ache settles in your chest, a potent blend of sorrow and fear. His eyes, that once held a glimmer of hope, now seem fractured, their depths reflecting a complex and troubled interior. A part of you craves the affection you once knew, the warmth you witnessed, but it's like chasing a ghost. He is both familiar and foreign, both loved and dangerous.

A choked sob gathers in your throat, a silent scream that is left unsaid. You want to hurl accusations, to demand your freedom, to unravel the tangled knot of this warped "love." But confronting those cold, unwavering eyes, all you feel is the suffocating force of his affection, the oppressive weight of his perceived protection.

“I never wanted to hurt you,” his words are soft, a gentle plea that is laced with a hint of something akin to regret. It is a subtle crack in his facade, a momentary glimpse behind his fortress of control. “But the world would do worse if you ever got out.”

His words, like a poisoned dart, pierce your heart. It’s not just about his twisted sense of love. He genuinely believes you are incapable of navigating the world on your own. It’s a belief steeped in arrogance, a conviction that your safety relies solely on his dominion. You are not just loved, you are owned. He thinks the world will destroy you, but the irony is he’s already tearing you apart.

The realization is a crushing blow, a cold, hard truth that sends a shiver down your spine. It's not out of malice or spite that he does this. It is out of his perceived love, his desire to keep you safe. And that, in a way, is far more terrifying.

A tear escapes your grasp, tracing a lonely path down your cheek. You imagine pushing him away, screaming yourself hoarse, demanding to be set free from this suffocating prison. But you know it's a futile gesture. You've tried it all before, and the result is always the same: his detached gaze, his cold, clinical touch, as if your pain is a hurdle he's willing to overcome.

“You think the world is a better place for me if I’m kept in here?” your voice is barely a whisper, shaky and raw with emotion. “You think keeping me locked up, hurt, and broken will keep me safe?”

You search his eyes for some sign of empathy, for some understanding of the pain you endure, but there is no movement, no shift in his expression. For a brief moment, a flicker touches his eyes, a subtle change that could be regret, guilt, or even just confusion. But it’s fleeting, like a moth brushing against a candle flame.

“I do what I have to,” he responds, his voice calm and controlled, as if he were reciting lines from a script. “I’m keeping you safe from what you don’t understand. The world out there is too dangerous. If you leave, they’ll take you from me. They’ll hurt you. Worse than anything I could ever do.”

His words are a wave crashing over you, a relentless torrent of twisted logic that drowns any remaining hope. Tears flow freely now, a torrent of grief and despair. He genuinely believes his actions are justified. He is not doing this to inflict pain. He believes he is protecting you. And that, more than anything else, is the most devastating truth of all.

In his mind, his love is a shield, a bulwark against the evils of the outside world. But you've become an object, a possession, a fragile thing that must be caged for its own preservation. A delicate, precious item that must be locked away. You are no longer seen as a partner, but as a ward, a burden he has taken upon himself.

“Please,” you beg softly, your voice breaking with each syllable. “Please, let me go. I don’t want to be your prisoner.” How you crave to escape the gilded bars of his love and breathe the air of freedom.

He takes your hand, the one adorned with the ring, and brings it to his chest, his grip firm and unyielding. He is not holding your hand in affection, but in possession. He is reminding you of his claim over you. There is nothing gentle in his touch, only the cold, hard reality of his ownership.

“You’re not a prisoner,” he says, his voice almost convincing, the words smooth and practiced, masking the truth. “You’re safe here. I’m giving you everything you need. I’m protecting you.”

You want to scream, to tear your hair out, to violently reject this fabricated reality. "Safe" is not how you feel. "Protected". But the words are stuck, caught in the lump that has formed in your throat. You finally muster the strength to whisper the truth, the only truth that matters: “I don’t need your protection. I just need you to love me.”

His gaze softens, a delicate shift in his expression, but it’s like a mirage, a deceptive image on the horizon. The walls remain as they were. You remain trapped, as she always have been. You feel the air press down on you, the weight of his misguided devotion. He doesn’t understand. He never will.

"I do love you," he says, his voice imbued with a calm conviction, but it’s a hollow echo. It has become an empty promise. "And that's why I can't let you go." And in that statement, you understand. To him, love is not freedom; love is possession. And he will never truly let you go.

[the-far-bright-center]

Further thoughts on film-Anakin vs. TCW Anakin....

(Anyone who really dislikes TCW, turn away now, this post is probably not for you!)

I've already covered most of this territory in previous posts, so some of this might be a bit of a rehash. But it's been on my mind again lately. I will preface this by saying that I truly understand why some fans aren't into TCW Anakin and I don't mean to suggest that anyone *has* to LIKE him or be totally happy with that version of the character. (While personally I adore the Skyguy persona, even I have major issues with how TCW writes his dialogue, at times.)

However. Sometimes I feel like certain Anakin fans are attached to an idea of the character that is not quite…expansive enough to factor in all his various facets. People forget that Anakin was first portrayed not only by the Original Trilogy actors (James Earl Jones, David Prowse, and Sebastian Shaw), but also by Jake Lloyd in TPM. TCW Anakin has a great deal of TPM’s little Ani in him, and I personally don’t mind that at all. Don't get me wrong, Hayden’s performance in AotC and RotS is iconic. I adore it and I will always staunchly defend his Anakin, who remains my own personal favourite. However, I think some fans mistakenly have this idea that film-Anakin is nothing but a perpetual sad-boi who is openly crying all the time. It’s simply not the case. It may come across that way since we mainly see him at pivotal moments in AotC and RotS -- these are huge turning points in his arc, when all his intense emotions boil over and spill out. But a) he is not like this every moment of the day, and b) he is not supposed to be a static character. Anakin changes greatly between AotC and RotS, that’s kind of the point. He grows in capability and confidence (with regards to his own abilities as well as his interpersonal relationships), and in his Force powers, too. It’s like people forget that Anakin Skywalker is CANONICALLY an extremely powerful Force user as well as a highly competent starpilot and capable and charismatic general in the Clone Wars. The RotS novelisation even portrays him as such. That famous quote about how he is the best there ever was and he knows it. Also that observation Mace makes that Anakin walks and moves and has a 'presence’ like the Holonet hero he is. And indeed, the fact Anakin is known as 'The Hero With No Fear’ shows that he has a very dashing 'persona’ that he is known for publicly but which merely masks the inner turmoil he’s experiencing. We see more of that inner turmoil in the films simply because, as the viewers, we are there to observe his private moments with Padme, who is one of the few people he actually expresses his emotional struggles *to*. Traditionally-masculine heroes are supposed to be stoic (not overly emotional) and self-sufficient (not needing to rely on anyone other than themselves). Ironically, this is what the *Jedi* want him to be. And Anakin’s tragedy is that he’s struggling to fit into the Old Order’s mold and adhere to it….when in reality it’s not what he needs. He needs the space and permission to openly feel and express his intense emotions before they overwhelm him. Likewise, he is repeatedly shown to desperately need the presence of his loved ones around him in order to hold onto the best parts of himself. A male character being portrayed as *needing* others at all in the first place is the very first sign that he’s not just some male power fantasy.

All in all, the idea that TCW Anakin is solely reduced to a macho ideal is not accurate. I still see him very similarly to film-Anakin: as a commentary on how attempting to mold a loving young boy into an obedient slave Jedi weapon of war will ultimately backfire when that young man is eventually consumed and enslaved once more by the very darkness he was fighting. While the literal shedding of his tears may not be shown on-screen during the TCW series, the intensity of his emotion is. The desperation he feels to hold onto his loved ones at all costs absolutely comes across. And, like film-Anakin, I would argue that TCW Anakin is portrayed, not as aspirational, but as a pathetic figure. (‘Pathetic’ as in the word pathos.) The sheer amount of times he is tortured and tormented on screen, shown to have various flaws and vulnerabilities, and the amount of times the audience is repeatedly reminded that he will eventually meet a tragic fate, all attest to that. The point of the Clone Wars series is to illustrate the famous line that Yoda speaks in the Original Trilogy: 'Wars not make one great.’

[lightlessons]

How to Read 108: A Chapter-by-Chapter Death Note Analysis

Hello everyone!! Welcome to my revived Death Note blog. I recently had the opportunity to rewatch the anime (twice) and fell back into my old obsession, so I thought I’d re-read the manga with a more critical eye and share some of my own thoughts as I go for anyone craving more meta and analysis from one of my favorite pieces of media ever.

Mainly I will concentrate myself on analyzing dialogue, narration techniques and characterization, since that’s what I mainly take note of when I consume anything, but I will also try my hand at doing some research on contextual information and artistic choices, dividing my analysis chapter by chapter.  Something to keep in mind is that this analysis is fully made for people who have completed the manga in its entirety and will be riddled with spoilers for further chapters. Sometimes I will break down a chapter analysis into two parts, like in the present case.

Without further ado, let’s go!

Chapter 1: Boredom. Lilith’s Breakdown. Part 1

Key takeaways:

Themes and Parallels: Ryuk and Light

The main antagonistic forces in the story.

Themes and Parallels: Ryuk and Light

We begin our story and the very first thing we are presented with is a parallel between two worlds: The Realm of the Shinigami and our own Human world. Through the juxtaposed dialogues of our initial characters, this exposition directly links their character motivation and narrative arcs. They have a common problem: Their worlds are rotting, and every day seems like and endless, tired routine for them both.

It’s interesting to note the artistic choices to depict this sense of forlornness. We have to keep in mind that Death Note is a Shonen and aimed at young boys from ages 12 to 18, so what better scenario to mirror a dour fictional realm than a packed middle of the day class where all kids wear the same uniform and very few, in any, seem to have any interest on what’s going on in front of them. If you look very closely to all the students in this picture, none of them are actually looking towards whoever is giving this lecture, in the same way that Shinigami are not interested in doing their task.

Light and Ryuk are both non-conformists in their respective realities. Creatures who stand out from the crowd and who, by their acute awareness of what’s wrong in their world, feel boredom more deeply and painfully than the rest. Ryuk is not a shining being of intelligence like Light is, but we will see throughout the story that he’s a pretty self-aware and insightful Shinigami, when compared to every other that we meet.

Ryuk as a choric narrator

In classical Japanese Noh Theater, there is a figure called the jiutai (地謡), sitting at the outskirts of the main plot happening on center stage, they serve as the chorus that helps narrate parts of the story, reveal inner thoughts and emotions of characters, and offer reflections of the unfolding events, much like the classical Chorus in a Greek Tragedy. They, however, do not affect the narrative and serve more as a mediating connection between play and audience.

Although Ryuk’s role is certainly not confined to a mere commentator, seeing as he is the one who instigates the main narrative (and eventually ends it), Ryuk’s status of not only a God, but an apathetic one who is barely physically or emotionally affected by the events of the story, gives him a role above and separate from any of the other characters’.

Clad in skin-tight dark bodysuit meant to highlight his monstruous, lifeless appearance, gothic accessories consisting on spikes, chains and skulls, black, tattered wings and feather accents, Ryuk immediately gives the appearance of a preternatural, terrible bird of death. However, the face paint-like make-up, unmovable grin and feathers reminiscent of a medieval suit also give the impression of a clown or a jester, which Obata, Death Note’s artist, will expertly use to his advantage depending on the role Ryuk will take on at each present moment.

This is Ryuk’s dual nature in the narrative: he is there as an ironic chorus, laughing at every tragedy and obstacle the characters and the world faces, providing comic relief, and breaking the tension in a rather grim and suspenseful story, but he is also there as the Grim Reaper, a constant reminder of the destiny that looms over every character, and specially our main character, for as he first states it:

Ryuk may not have chosen Light, and Light is anything but a man without agency, and yet the series often makes you question how much of Light’s fate was set in stone since the start (We will analyze this tension between chance and destiny through the story) Ryuk, the dark figure literally hovering over Light during his whole time as Kira, emotionally detached from the human drama around him, will often be used to remind us of the irony of this whole story, as well as of the inevitability of death every human has to face.

Which brings me to my next point.

The Antagonistic Forces: L and Light.

There are few instances in Death Note where an extradiegetic narrator appears in the story, so let’s examine this first moment. Immediately after the opening scene in the Shinigami world, when Ryuk makes the first disruption that sets forward the story’s events, the following narrative is introduced as an all-out battle between two chosen people.

Now, with our understanding of what befalls one half of this pair, we will examine how well this premise holds as the story unfolds. For now, however, the narrative presents itself as a man-versus-man conflict between the 選ばれし者 (The Two Chosen Ones), and yet again we are compelled to question the role of fate's hand in shaping their paths.

We could interpret 選ばれし者 in two ways: one tells me that Light and L are two extraordinary individuals whose abilities led them through a certain path since the moment Ryuk dropped the Death Note. However, the use of the word “chosen” invites deeper questions. Chosen by whom? Was their all-out battle an inevitable consequence of their existence—fated from the start? Does a cosmic force guide the events of this world, or were they chosen specifically for this conflict? Alternatively, does the concept of a “Chosen One” imply that they would have remained special, even if the notebook had never entered their lives?

I did some research both online and with Japanese-speaking friends and the consensus seems to be that the phrase carries a dual interpretation to it, suggesting both fate and merit when used in literature. At the same time, the archaic grammar し in 選ばれし gives the phrase a poetic or elevated tone, which strongly suggests a higher, almost divine selection to a first-time reader.

That external narration, and this first panel are all the hints we have about the other half of the "two chosen people" in this first chapter. A man working from the shadows gathering information from the world’s largest international police organization, his identity hidden even from us as readers by obscuring his eyes, exhibiting a weird-ass floor computer set-up for some reason. He’s lean, he’s black-haired. He’s mysterious. As a first impression, you’d probably expect a cool Byronic type of anti-hero. Brooding yet charming, dark and isolated yet wretchedly attractive, with a troubled past, but good intentions at heart. Well! In the following chapters we will see how both L and Light continue to fulfill or challenge our expectations and examine how well L fits the shoes of our protagonist’s antagonist force.

Next up! Chapter 1: Boredom. Lilith’s Breakdown. Part 2

3. Establishing the protagonist:

Light and expectations

Light’s resignation

Light’s cognitive dissonance

Thanks for reading! I would love to hear your own thoughts.

[ctrlzirl]

THAWING SHADOWS

Summary: Y/n grapples with their feelings for Kaz. With the support of Nina, she confronts her insecurities and doubts about being worthy of Kaz's affection. Based off of this request.

Warnings: Contains themes of self-doubt, insecurity, and emotional vulnerability. Maybe OOC Kaz, I don’t know, I tried to make his dialogues fitting. Shitty writing and short.

Prompt: 17. "H-how long have you been standing there?" (list of prompts here)

I stared out at the vast expanse of the Slat, my heart heavy with emotions I couldn't quite contain. Nina, my dear friend and confidante, sat beside me, lending a sympathetic ear as I poured out my inner turmoil about Kaz Brekker. The mere thought of him sending a flurry of conflicting emotions coursing through my veins.

"I don’t know Nina, I can't help but feel like Kaz could never reciprocate my feelings," I confessed, my voice filled with a hint of melancholy. "He's so enigmatic, so closed off. I'm just me… Just an ordinary person." Nina's eyes shimmered with empathy as she took a moment to choose her words carefully. "Y/n, I understand your doubts, but you're selling yourself short. Kaz may be guarded, but he's not incapable of feeling. There's more to him than people realize, and you've managed to capture his attention in a way that surprises even me."

A flicker of hope ignited within me, but it was quickly extinguished by the weight of my insecurities. “Don’t do that Nina.” I said, voice barley above a whisper, “Don’t give me false hope. How could someone like him ever see something in me?"

Nina's voice carried a gentle reassurance. "Kaz may be drawn to strength, intelligence, and the unexpected but trust me, your genuine heart and unwavering loyalty make you extraordinary in his eyes."

I listened intently, the gears of my mind turning as I absorbed Nina's perspective. Still, doubts lingered. "But what if he finds out about my flaws, about my own darkness? What if he sees the parts of me I'm not proud of?"

Nina's expression softened, and her hand found mine in a comforting gesture. "Y/n, we all have our flaws. It's a part of being human. But Kaz, he sees beyond the surface. He knows firsthand the depths of the human soul, the duality within. He's not one to judge but rather to understand. And in that understanding, he might just find a connection with you."

Her words sparked a glimmer of courage within me, prompting me to take a deep breath. "You really think there's a chance for us, Nina? That he could see something in me worth pursuing?"

Nina's smile widened, brimming with confidence. "Absolutely, y/n. I've seen the way he looks at you, the way he pays attention when you speak. There's a magnetic pull between you two, an unspoken connection. Just be yourself, and let fate unfold."

Curiosity flickered within me as I noticed Nina's eyes drifting behind me, repeatedly shifting focus to something—or someone. The urge to turn around and see what had caught her attention became irresistible. My heart raced in my chest as I pivoted, only to find Kaz standing there, his enigmatic presence enveloping me.

"H-how long have you been standing there?" I stammered, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

Nina, ever perceptive, departed with a knowing smile, leaving me alone with Kaz. Panic and regret mingled in my voice as I hurriedly apologized for all the doubts and insecurities I had expressed earlier.

Kaz's eyes, as cold and calculating as ever, studied me for a moment before he spoke, his voice laced with a touch of frost. "Words spoken in truth cannot be unsaid, y/n. But perhaps there is more to me than you assume." His words sent a shiver down my spine, both thrilling and unsettling me.

I faltered, sensing an iciness in his demeanor that made my heart ache. It seemed my fears of pushing him away were becoming a reality. I prepared myself for the inevitable rejection, expecting his walls to rise higher.

But Kaz, ever the master of secrets, surprised me with a small flicker of vulnerability. "You think me incapable of feeling, but you underestimate the depths of my emotions. It is true, someone like me should not deserve your affection." His tone remained cool, even distant, leaving me with a bittersweet mix of hope and uncertainty.

A wave of conflicting emotions crashed over me, mingling with the burgeoning happiness in my heart. Despite his cold demeanor, Kaz's words held a certain raw honesty that both pained and intrigued me. In that moment, I realized that beneath his icy exterior, he too harbored a fragile longing.

And so, the chill that had settled in the air began to thaw, ever so slightly, revealing a glimpse of the tenderness beneath. As we stood there, facing each other, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us, connected by a fragile thread of understanding and the promise of something beautiful, even amidst the coldness that defined Kaz Brekker.

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Kaz, I understand that you see yourself as someone undeserving of affection, but it's not about who you think you are. It's about who I see when I look at you—the strength, the intelligence, and the capacity for greatness that resides within you. I know you've built walls to protect yourself, but I want to break through them and show you that you deserve happiness, just like anyone else."

For a moment, a flicker of surprise crossed Kaz's eyes, betraying the depths of his emotions that he so skillfully concealed. It was as if my words had penetrated his icy exterior, chipping away at the walls he had built around himself.

"You have a way with words, y/n," he said, his voice softer, the coldness thawing slightly. "But it's not just about what you see. It's about what you're willing to accept—my flaws, my darkness, the shadows that follow me.”

I looked into Kaz's eyes, unwavering in my resolve. "I can't promise that it will always be easy, or that we won't face challenges. But I'm willing to face them together, to support you in every way I can. I see beyond the shadows, Kaz, and I choose to see the person you truly are."

A moment of silence passed between us, filled with unspoken tension and uncharted possibilities. And then, the corners of Kaz's lips lifted ever so slightly, hinting at a rare smile that warmed my heart.

"You are a formidable person, y/n," he admitted, his voice carrying a newfound tenderness.

[tokiro07]

I think one of my favorite things about Undead Unluck is how thoroughly it integrates its cast and its power system

There is literally no way that one can exist without the other, as the powers that everyone has are simultaneously the driving force of their character development and the benchmark of said development

Every Negator's life is defined by how their ability brought them tragedy, either in a single horrible event, an ongoing insecurity in their day-to-day life, or a mixture of the two. Their abilities are their origin and the source of their pain, but struggling against or embracing that pain allows each of them to grow and evolve their abilities into something new by a change in perspective and experience

Fuuko's Unluck killed her parents (and hundreds of strangers), which led to a life of isolation and longing, both of which shaped her eventual interactions with Andy and the rest of the cast, and it was her ability to analyze and accept what Unluck really means to her that she was able to make it a part of her identity and use it to her advantage. Fuuko as we know her would not exist without Unluck, and Unluck as it exists would not exist without Fuuko, as it would look entirely different in the hands of another character

I feel like I must have seen it elsewhere, but I can't think of any other manga that so perfectly joins those two concepts

Even One Piece doesn't really marry its power system to its characters very much. Yeah, Luffy's Gum-Gum Fruit is iconic and gives him a lot of his charm, but Luffy as a character would not be fundamentally changed if he didn't have it. It fits him thematically because, like his personality, the Gum-Gum Fruit allows him to act freely and bounce back from any bad situation, but his Fruit does not inform his characterization, it merely reflects it. Someone else using it would likely have different results because of their personality, but probably not too drastically. Haki is similar; Luffy has Conqueror's Haki because he has the personality to use it, not the other way around, and this sort of thing is consistent across the series. Characters' abilities are reflections of who they are, but no one became who they are because of their abilities. If you took out Devil Fruits and Haki, I think you'd still end up with mostly the same story just with less interesting fights

Hunter x Hunter, which has likely the most robust and well-defined power system in any shonen manga (if not all of manga), does something very similar, as Nen abilities are created almost exclusively by the user. Whereas Devil Fruit often happen to carry symbolic weight for the characters, Nen abilities reflect their users because they illustrate the user's intentions, priorities, convictions, and imagination. Kurapika's chains give him a lot of versatility, giving him a useful weapon in essentially all situations while carrying a ton of risks to reflect how little his own life actually means to him; his quest for revenge is extremely self-destructive, but damn if he hasn't put a lot of thought into it. However, if you took Nen out of the equation, you'd still be able to illustrate Kurapika's ingenuity and drive solely through his actions, which Togashi managed to do just fine in the several arcs that took place prior to the official introduction of Nen

On the flip side, something like Jojo has surprisingly light characterization unless you're really looking for it. Thanks to Araki's very strange way of conveying dialogue and exposition, with everyone having the capacity to say a completely deranged non-sequitur and explain esoteric scientific or pseudo-scientific trivia, it's not always easy to get a firm handle on everyone's personalities. However, Stands are a manifestation of the inner spirit of their user, so you can use a Stand's ability to analyze and come to understand the characters themselves. At a glance this seems to do the same thing as DFs and Nen, but to me the Stands themselves are used to better understand the characters, whereas HxH uses the characters to develop and understand the power system

Again, it's not like you could take out Stands or Nen or Devil Fruit, but nothing that occurs within technically requires those systems be in place as they are. Any power system could have technically worked, like Luffy could have used Nen or a Stand to rubberize his body or Jotaro could have gotten a DF that lets him stop time. They would require a lot of changes to fit with the overall design of their respective stories, but the cast wouldn't really be that different

Luffy fights DF- and Haki-users to change the systems they represent, but defeating them will not affect his ability to use his DF. In UU, defeating God will (presumably) remove the Rules altogether; defeating the source both clears the Negators of the "curses" that have plagued them for so long while also forcefully changing the systems of the world as a whole. It's two birds with one stone, and serves as a great example of narrative utility

[vivididreams]

Literature and language are like two inseparable elements, much like water and air. The language of literature is not just a collection of words woven into sentences, but rather a bridge that connects us to different worlds, filled with thoughts, emotions, and souls. Through this language, we don’t just read stories,we read ourselves, in our internal struggles, our repressed desires, and our various interpretations of life. Literature, then, is not merely about reading written sentences; it is a profound spiritual ritual where ideas and emotions merge upon the mirror of human memory.

Language is the mirror of culture, the reflection of peoples, and the literature of each nation is a reflection of its spirit and essence. But have you ever thought that the language we write in shapes the way we think? It is not just a medium for communication; it is the structure that molds our way of thinking. Every language carries within it a specific philosophy, a way of expressing existence.

For example, in Arabic, we find in its beauty and eloquence an immense ability to represent feelings and emotions, and an ability to express the human condition in a struggle with itself and with time. In French literature, the delicacy and precision in portraying human relationships and inner emotions allow us to dive into a world of philosophical beauty that reflects human suffering and hidden desires.

The Dynamics Between Thought and Reality

When we read literature, we do not just read dry words,we dive into the depths of their meanings, into spaces we cannot see with our eyes, but we feel them inside. Literature is what stimulates the mind to conjure up images of reality and interpret them. And when we read it in another language, we open a new horizon for understanding the self.

In translated literature, we are not just dealing with a text but with a human experience that may be distant from our cultural background, yet it speaks in a universal language shared by all humans: the language of dreams, concerns, and aspirations. We begin to blend with the characters as if they are part of our own identity, seeing them, living with them, sinking into their struggles, and at the same time, we learn how others choose to interpret their lives.

Language in literature is not just a tool; it is a window open to a new awareness. We translate our emotions and thoughts through words and understand ourselves in light of the words we read. Some ideas may only be comprehended through the literature we read in a specific language, as if literature offers us multiple versions of ourselves in dimensions we can only see through the language we use to express them.

The Key to Expanding Our Intellectual Vision

When we immerse ourselves in literature in another language, we uncover unseen worlds, we dive into other cultures, discovering how different languages hold keys to understanding ourselves on a deeper level. Every language opens new doors to understand the world from a new perspective. Philosophy lies in that these languages, with their richness and history, become a part of our intellectual being.

Literature expands the horizons of thought, offering us ways to understand contradictions that may not be clear in our native language. Literature creates an internal dialogue between ourselves and others. This dialogue reshapes our awareness and opens intellectual space to limitless possibilities. Literature is not just a source of entertainment; it is an invitation to think, a challenge to understand and interpret the world. It is a mirror that shows us our human features, but it is also, through its language, revealing other aspects that we do not see in reality.

A Continuous Philosophical Journey

Every book we read in a different language is a philosophical journey to the depths. Literature teaches us how to search in dimensions of life that may be hidden behind words. The beauty of literature is not only in distinguishing these dimensions but in our ability to interact with them as though they are part of our daily existence.

Literature, in every language, is an extension of human existence in this vast universe. It is not only a means of communication between cultures; it is a philosophical struggle with existence itself, with the great questions that continue to chase us: Who are we? What do we want? How do we deal with time? And how do we live in this ever-changing world?

Within every word you read, you find that each language presents a new angle for viewing these questions, making you realize that our understanding of literature is not merely understanding the meaning, it is a continuous journey toward the self, where every word opens up a new world of inspiration and thought.

[bettersoonx]

Nurturing Healing: The Profound Impact of Therapy on Managing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Hey there, fellow BPD warriors and allies! Today, let’s embark on a profound exploration of the vital role that therapy plays in our journey of managing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Living with BPD often feels like navigating a tempestuous sea, where emotions crash against the shores of our minds with relentless force. But amidst the storm, therapy stands as a steadfast lighthouse, guiding us towards calmer waters and brighter horizons.

At the heart of therapy lies a transformative process of self-discovery and healing.

It’s a sanctuary where we can peel back the layers of our innermost selves, revealing the raw, unfiltered truth beneath the surface.

Through introspective dialogue and empathetic guidance, we unravel the tangled threads of our past traumas, illuminating the pathways to understanding and acceptance.

As we traverse the terrain of therapy, we encounter a myriad of therapeutic modalities, each offering unique insights and tools for growth. From the structured approach of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to the introspective lens of Schema Therapy, we cultivate a rich tapestry of coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills. Through experiential exercises, role-playing, and mindfulness practices, we learn to navigate the ebb and flow of our emotions with grace and resilience.

Yet, therapy is far more than a mere journey into the depths of our psyche.

It’s a dynamic exchange between therapist and client, grounded in trust, compassion, and mutual respect.

Within this sacred space, we find solace in the knowledge that our struggles are met with unwavering empathy, free from the weight of judgment or stigma.

As we traverse the terrain of therapy, we encounter a myriad of therapeutic modalities, each offering unique insights and tools for growth. Among the most commonly used therapies for managing BPD are:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is a structured form of therapy that focuses on building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It helps us learn to identify and change harmful behaviours, cope with intense emotions, and improve our relationships.

Schema Therapy: Schema Therapy delves into the deeply rooted patterns and beliefs that underlie our emotional struggles. By identifying and challenging maladaptive schemas—core themes about ourselves and the world—we can cultivate healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT targets the negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to our emotional distress. Through cognitive restructuring and behaviour modification techniques, we learn to challenge distorted thinking, develop coping strategies, and create positive change in our lives.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious conflicts and dynamics that shape our emotions and behaviours. By examining early life experiences and relationship patterns, we gain insight into the root causes of our struggles and work towards resolving unresolved issues.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), emphasise present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance of our experiences. These practices help us cultivate inner peace, resilience, and self-compassion.

Yet, let’s not sugarcoat the reality:

therapy can be arduous, confronting, and downright messy at times.

We may stumble upon buried memories, confront the shadows of our past, or grapple with the weight of unspoken truths. In these moments of vulnerability, we find the courage to confront our inner demons, knowing that true healing lies on the other side of our fears.

Moreover, the journey of therapy isn’t confined to the walls of a therapist’s office; it extends into the fabric of our daily lives. Through homework assignments, journaling prompts, and real-world applications, we integrate the lessons of therapy into our everyday experiences, transforming theory into practice and insight into action.

In essence, therapy offers us a compass for navigating the complexities of BPD—a guiding light amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty. So, to all my fellow travellers on this winding road of healing, let’s honour the transformative power of therapy in our lives and embrace the journey with open hearts and unwavering resolve.

[kyodesyo]

Spiritual benefits that can be obtained by believing in intuition

Spiritual benefits that can be obtained by believing in intuition

In spiritual life, intuition plays an important role as our inner voice. Intuition sometimes appears as a sense that cannot be explained by logic and has a strong influence on our judgments and choices. In daily life, believing in intuition can lead to unexpected discoveries and new paths. In this article, we will deeply explore how intuition affects our lives and spiritual growth, and we will also consider ways to enhance intuition. Trust your intuition and find tips to lead a richer life.

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Table of Contents

1. What is intuition?

2. How to improve intuition

3. Spiritual growth and intuition

4. Make use of intuition in real life

5. A summary

What is intuition?

Intuition refers to intuitive understanding and insight rooted in deep psychology, unlike mere emotions and thoughts. Psychologically, intuition is known as "unconscious judgment", and our brains have the ability to unconsciously process vast amounts of information and make instantaneous decisions. From the point of view of cognitive psychology, this process contrasts with rational thinking based on experience and knowledge. Intuition is related to the work of the brain, called System 1 (intuitive thinking), and it is something we get directly from our senses without conscious thinking.

From a spiritual point of view, intuition is often recognized as an inner voice or a message from a guide, also known as "spiritual insight". This inner voice, which we often tend to ignore, is actually an important guideline for our essential needs and the way forward. Intuition acts as an important compass for choices and difficult situations in daily life.

In spiritual growth, accepting intuition deepens self-understanding, helps you find the purpose and mission of life, and leads to self-realization. This process is essential for deepening self-awareness and understanding the flow of energy, and by believing in intuition, we can harmonize with the higher self.

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How to improve intuition

In order to improve your intuition, a deep dialogue with yourself is essential first. Meditation and quiet time make you ready to listen to your inner voice, also known as "mindfulness". In particular, meditation is a powerful tool for clearing the mind and removing external noise, and has the effect of enhancing intuition by changing brain waves to alpha waves.

It is also extremely important to practice consciously feeling intuition in daily life. When you are forced to make a choice, you can hone your sense of intuition by thinking carefully about "which one is right for you" in your mind and tasting the feeling. This process includes improving "emotional intelligence" that emphasizes emotional recognition and intuitive feedback.

Writing a diary may be a specific technique to increase intuition. Recording changes in emotions and intuition makes it easier to understand your own patterns and feelings, and it is also used as part of self-analysis. Spending time in nature is also very effective. Nature serves as a spiritual retreat because it gives us energy and helps us calm our minds.

These methods provide diverse approaches to enhancing intuition and promote spiritual growth. Enhancing your intuition means believing in your inner voice and taking a step to enrich your choices in life.

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Spiritual growth and intuition

Intuition is deeply linked to spiritual growth, and its relationship is multifaceted. Listening to intuition is the first step in deepening self-understanding, which is known as "self-awareness" and "inner exploration". When you deepen your self-understanding, it will help you find your purpose, mission, and even your "soul purpose". This process is an important factor in promoting self-realization and nurturing spiritual maturity.

Intuition also has a profound impact on relationships with others. By sensitively feeling the energy and emotions of the other person through intuition, better communication and "energy exchange" are possible. Such interactions increase "empathy" and "empathy" and strengthen the connection with others. This promotes spiritual growth and increases sensitivity to collective consciousness.

Feeling a connection with others through intuition is an important factor in fostering love and empathy. This kind of sensation allows us to be aware of the connection with the invisible world and experience the "Internet" in the spiritual dimension. These insights from intuition provide us with new opportunities for growth and promote the evolution of our own souls.

By utilizing intuition, you will have the opportunity to deepen your relationship with others and re-evaluate your role in the community. This allows us to contribute not only to individual growth, but also to raising group awareness. By believing in and accepting intuition, we will be able to ride the flow of life and accelerate spiritual growth.

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Make use of intuition in real life

In order to take advantage of intuition in daily life, it is essential to first recognize its existence. It is important to pay attention to the moment when intuition is at work and to try not to ignore that feeling. You can make more effective decisions by relying on intuition in making choices and building relationships in the business field. This is a process called "intuitive decision-making" that allows for quick and accurate decisions.

As an exercise to use intuition in real life, you can be aware of your intuition in conversations with others. When you receive a question, it is important to value and follow the answers and feelings that immediately come to your mind. You can increase the accuracy of your intuition by paying attention to your emotions and body reactions, and observing what you are attracted to and what you avoid. This process, known as "self-observation" or "emotional perception", is very effective in developing intuition.

By incorporating intuition into your daily life, you will be able to gain a richer spiritual experience. In this way, intuition acts as our inner guide, enriching our life choices and promoting a harmonious way of life. By believing in and utilizing intuition, we can connect with the deep parts of ourselves and live a more fulfilling life.

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A summary

Intuition is an essential element of spiritual life. By understanding and enhancing our intuition, we will be able to make better choices. Through intuition, it is possible to promote spiritual growth and deepen connections with others. By incorporating intuition into your daily life, you can live a richer life while feeling the connection with the invisible world. From now on, by being aware of intuition and nurturing, the spiritual journey will become even more fulfilling.

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[radical-revolution]

I remember being a very young child; overwhelmed with emotional sensitivities, confused by empathic awareness, and often, so distracted by the feelings of other people that I wasn’t ever sure where my experience began and others ended. This led to one of my earliest memories of existential aloneness. I would isolate myself from the intensity of other people’s emotions, while internalizing their experience by thinking, “I can’t do anything right!” I thought this quite often because I believed how I felt in the presence of others was their opinion of me. Of course, the truth was, there was nothing I could do to change their experience since it was centered in their awareness of circumstance, while having nothing to do with the me who blamed himself for nearly everything in view.

If interpreted by a typical self-help narrative, the commitment, consistency, and intensity of insisting, “I can’t do anything right!”, should have sent my life into a tailspin of chaos, failure, and implosion. Conversely, I would spend many years thinking such a thought, while my life contradicted such a limiting view with a wellspring of success, recognition, and achievement. It was as if my life was set along a course of unfoldment, in spite of how painfully I was determined to interpret it. Over time, I either outgrew thinking in such a self-defeating manner or simply forgot to keep the momentum going. In either case, my thinking became the last part of me to be informed of how incredibly fulfilling of a life I was blessed to receive.

As I entered the field of personal growth and began helping people heal in a radically heart-centered way, I would hear the common folklore: you better watch your thoughts, otherwise bad things are bound to happen. While this sounded more like an extension of Santa Clause’s naughty and nice list, it struck me as an absolute falsehood that many embraced. Most likely, they innocently embraced such an idea from having no other reason to explain the unfolding mysteries of life. It seemed especially seductive when connecting external circumstances to one’s inner dialogue, as it gave people the impression of something to work towards controlling, in order to stack the deck of life more in their favor.

From an intuitive perspective, I knew everything happened as a way to move each person from one level of consciousness to the next. I could also see so clearly how a self-imposed necessity to watch thoughts, reframe them, or chase them away was merely what a person erroneously chooses to do with their time in-between each breakdown and breakthrough. If someone perceived goodness entering their life, they would conclude: “I guess I worked on my thoughts more than I imagined.” If adversity was interpreted, they would equally suggest, “I guess there is just more in my subconscious I must be resisting or that I’m not evolved enough to address.”

This ignited a fury of passion in me. In noticing how many people had entered personal growth only to be further disempowered than liberated by such widely-believed principles, I was determined to discover a new way of empowerment; one that does not require exhausting micro-management, a lingering fear of personal instincts, or the vilification of a mind that works so tirelessly in conjunction with the heart and body to maintain the capacity of your physical vessel.

Strangely enough, you are more than capable of believing your thoughts negatively influence your reality simply by assumption. In doing so, you will connect pieces of evidence until some outcome has been traced back to a fleeting thought so you have a reason to blame yourself for how life unfolds.

Despite popular belief, life is not adversely affected by your thoughts. Simply because, what anyone labels as either good or bad differs from one subjective perception to the next. One person may lose their job and think, “See, that’s what you get for thinking so negatively about your boss.” Meanwhile, another person applauds their job loss as the renewed life direction they have been praying to receive. Because outcomes are as adverse or beneficial as the lens through which you see them, the notion that thoughts detract from the exquisite mystery of your existence is merely a superstition disguised as insight.

To be fair, I am writing these words for an audience of evolving self-aware beings. I am doing so to help you trust your instincts more often than you may secretly fear the nature of your own infinite power. In truth, there are people in this world who take anything they hear in their mind at face value. For that level of evolution, it is most certainly an empowering practice to distinguish ‘inner voices’ from the choices of one’s highest integrity. If you heard a thought say, ‘Go punch your neighbor” and your fists already began balling up as you head towards their front door, by all means, please be aware of your thoughts and the power they have to negatively affect someone’s life.

Because those who are attracted to this depth of wisdom already naturally exist at a higher level of awareness, there is no thought you could conjure up that could make any degree of goodness vanish or force adversity to stay longer. It is simply a sophisticated way of using the framework of cause and effect to make you the one to blame for how things are.

Thoughts exist as waves of imagination coming and going within an ocean of consciousness. The more aware you become, the more you learn to utilize your imagination in empowering ways, instead of being overpowered by the ‘what if’s’ floating in your mind. Besides, how can you blame yourself for thoughts you never even thought up. Did you say to yourself, “I think it’s time to feel more disempowered. What can I imagine or dwell upon that provides that type of painful experience? I know, let’s think this!” Of course you didn’t. It’s more likely you became aware of thoughts floating through the orbit of your mind and assumed you created it—since you are the one aware of it. That’s more an assumption than fact, but it’s so easy to believe when insisting there must something you’ve done or are doing to somehow block yourself.

Even when bringing up the incredible life’s work of Dr. Masaru Emoto, who demonstrated how the frequency of words affect the shape of water crystals, his work was more centered on the importance of having a positive intention than building a new case against the perceived evils of negative thoughts. Thinking is a ‘for your consideration only’ process. In discovering the ones that offer the most expansive viewpoints and the deepest sense of relief, you can use such thoughts as words to write out or speak aloud to anchor your highest intention. This is done to provide the most expansive perspectives to help you see how each moment supports your evolution, no matter the judgements projected upon it.

This reminds me of a time I was waiting outside an airport terminal for the bus that takes you to the rental car station. About five feet in front of me stood a couple who appeared noticeably weary from an exhausting day of travel. I remember one partner turned to the other and said, “I hope the bus isn’t late again.” To which the other forcefully replied, “I told you to think positive!” How unfortunate to see anyone be disempowered, especially by someone they love. Instead of offering any degree of empathy for the day’s ordeals they both had endured, it became a moment of aggression somehow pretending to be empowering. I remember thinking, “That is such a heartbreaking example of how people treat each other when run by fear masquerading as higher forms of intelligence.”

To help you reclaim your power from any belief that thoughts negatively affect your life, please consider the following tips:

While thoughts cannot delay pleasure or make pain last longer, you are free to manufacture this perception of experience by believing it. Since it is your freedom of will to decide why anything comes or goes throughout your life, you equally have the chance to imagine how anything occurring unfolds for your evolutionary benefit. While this might seem like ‘fanciful thinking’ or ‘bright siding’ from the perspective of your most self-defeating thoughts, the truth is, nothing occurring in the journey of time is due to a passing thought you’ve had. No matter how often they repeat, negative thoughts don’t stick around long enough to elicit any tangible power. Because they vibrate at such a low level of consciousness, they are only capable of helping you confirm whatever you have decided to believe. If you have the power to believe in the negative power of thoughts, you equally possess the power to think otherwise. Why? Because it provides an awareness greater than judgement and the ability to explore your most empowered choices, instead of perpetually sinking in the quicksand of survival mode.

As you evolve, the ego needs to believe thoughts have a negative degree of power to give it something to manage, work on and defeat. Since the ego can only perceive through a lens of duality, it needs an enemy to track down and overcome to keep itself busy enough to believe it has some degree of control. While you have choices that determine how you respond to the unfolding circumstances of life, it doesn’t mean you have the ability to control reality solely on your terms and conditions. Since life is what you make of the opportunities being given, you have the power to rise above perceptions of adversity depending upon how many empowered choices you are willing to make.

Because the ego judges empowered choices as a hardship or sacrifice of loss, it is more inclined to believe negative thoughts have power, in order to keep itself in constant avoidance of the courageous choices that leave it with nothing to collect, control or defend. Besides, if your ego has woven together a spiritual persona using threads of belief that insist upon locating and extinguishing negative thoughts, who would you be, what would you think about, and what would you do with the majority of your time, if you were to see through such a facade?

You don’t need to control your mind in order to find peace within it. Instead, it’s more so a journey of learning how to lovingly relate to your mind, since you can only create fears out of the things you don’t fully understand. Your mind might be noisy. Your imagination may even be overly-active. While there will come a time when mental noise subsides and the overactive use of imagination fades, it doesn’t occur by attempting to track your thoughts or reframe negative ones into more pleasant ideas. It occurs by meeting your mind like a child begging for the loving attention it desperately needs, but doesn’t feel worthy enough to receive. This invites you to witness your thoughts with mindful compassion, instead of policing the thoughts that only capture attention for the love it seeks.

Since the way you engage inner work typically becomes how you communicate with others, if you spend a tremendous amount of time micro-managing your thoughts, you will either disempower others by correcting their words or constantly interrupt your own sharing with whatever you believe is the ‘right way to be’. While spiritual people tend to think they are misunderstood or even judged for being aware of greater cosmic truths, they often fail to see how socially-awkward and difficult it is to engage with someone who values the correction of self and others over the engaged intimacy of interpersonal connection. The less you have to track and manage in your own mind, the more powerful it becomes. The more powerful it becomes, the less time you may need to spend in mind. The less time you spend in mind, the more often the mind can be used to receive intuitive guidance instead of battling against the existence of thought. When the mind becomes the receiver of intuitive guidance, it creates more space for awareness to be rooted in the presence of your heart. From this space, there may be more room in conversations to honor the uniqueness of others than to imagine what anyone else must be reflecting to you.

While you are exploring a life where change is the only inevitable outcome, it occurs to move you from one level of consciousness to the next and not because of any combination of thoughts drifting through your mind. When truth cannot be found in any form of superstition, you are stepping to the forefront of a more empowered and purpose-driven way of evolving. Perhaps you may come to realize, maybe it’s not your thoughts that are making you sick, but the belief that they can make you sick that suppresses the recognition of your naturally-expanded awareness.

All the while, your life will unfold in tangibly miraculous terms where you are free to draw limiting conclusions about the plot lines and characters of your life’s movie. If that doesn’t sound like a life worth living, you can equally choose to watch from an interactive standpoint as each scene plays out a story of redemption throughout the bigger perspective of your hero’s journey.

All for Love,

Matt Kahn

[bigsoftmarshmallow]

Continuation of Self Aware AU: Ever since calling out the Player, they use the "Hero" to speak to them more often. Even if they strike down the "Hero" they come back, of course. The Player seems happy to see the Demon King, wanting to interact with him and see him often. How does the Ganondorfs (Wind Waker, Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, Hyrule Warriors, and Tears of the Kingdom) & Demise react to the Player constantly coming to see them?

The Ganondorfs and Demise, each with their own distinct personalities and motives, would have varied reactions to the player using the Hero as a medium to interact with them regularly. Their thoughts, emotions, and responses would reflect their inner conflicts, desires, and the nature of their relationships with the player.

Wind Waker Ganondorf

Reaction: Wind Waker Ganondorf, with his reflective and tragic nature, would feel conflicted about the player’s constant visits. On one hand, he might appreciate the attention and the opportunity to speak with someone beyond the confines of his world. On the other, he would be acutely aware that the player’s visits are tied to his inevitable defeat, making the interactions bittersweet.

Thoughts and Dialogue: As the Hero approaches once again, Ganondorf gazes out at the vast ocean, his expression somber.

“You return, as you always do. Perhaps I should be angry, but instead, I find myself pondering… Why do you come to me so often? Is it curiosity? Amusement? Or something more?”

He turns to face the Hero, speaking not to them but to the player beyond.

“Do you seek to understand me, or are you merely prolonging my suffering? You speak through the Hero, but I wonder… what do you truly want from me?”

Despite the sorrow in his voice, there’s a hint of warmth, as if he’s found a strange solace in these interactions, even if they are doomed to end in conflict.

Ocarina of Time Ganondorf

Reaction: Ocarina of Time Ganondorf would view the player’s constant visits as a challenge to his authority and strength. He would see the repeated confrontations as a way for the player to assert dominance, and this would infuriate him. However, he might also develop a grudging respect for the player, recognizing their persistence and power.

Thoughts and Dialogue: As the Hero confronts him once again, Ganondorf’s eyes narrow, and he smirks.

“So, you’ve returned, just as I knew you would. Do you think you can wear me down, test my limits? Or is this some twisted form of entertainment for you?”

He draws his sword, the air crackling with his dark power.

“I won’t be defeated so easily, and neither will I be your plaything. But I will admit… there is a certain thrill in facing you, knowing that you’re always watching, always waiting to see what I’ll do next.”

His pride and defiance would never wane, but beneath it, he’d acknowledge the player’s persistence with a begrudging respect.

Twilight Princess Ganondorf

Reaction: Twilight Princess Ganondorf, with his cold and calculating demeanor, would analyze the player’s intentions. He might see the frequent visits as an opportunity to learn more about the player and their motivations. He would engage with the player strategically, using each encounter to probe their weaknesses and test their resolve.

Thoughts and Dialogue: As the Hero once again stands before him, Ganondorf regards them with a piercing gaze.

“Once more, you come to face me. I have to wonder… what is it you seek to gain from this endless cycle? Are you testing me? Testing yourself?”

He takes a step forward, his voice calm but laced with an edge.

“You see, I have begun to understand your tactics, your strategies. Each time you return, I learn more about you. Perhaps, in the end, it will be you who falls before me, not the other way around.”

For Ganondorf, each encounter would be a chance to gain insight into the player, as he plots to turn the tables on them, even within the confines of the game.

Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf

Reaction: Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf, with his grand ambitions and lust for power, would find the player’s repeated visits exhilarating. He would see the player as a worthy adversary, someone who understands the thrill of battle and the allure of conquest. Each encounter would fuel his desire to prove himself as the ultimate force in this world.

Thoughts and Dialogue: Ganondorf laughs as the Hero approaches once more, a gleam of excitement in his eyes.

“Ah, you return! Good! I’ve been waiting for this. It seems you understand the thrill of combat, the dance of power that we share.”

He raises his sword high, a fierce grin on his face.

“Come, let us continue this game. Show me your strength, your resolve! For as long as you seek me out, I will be here, ready to prove that I am the true master of this world.”

To Ganondorf, the player is not just an opponent but a kindred spirit, someone who shares his passion for power and battle. Their interactions would be charged with intensity and mutual respect.

Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf

Reaction: Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf, with his deeper understanding of ancient powers and the mysteries of the world, would be intrigued by the player’s frequent visits. He would see the player as a being of great importance, perhaps even a deity, and would seek to understand their motives and desires. He might even try to form a connection with the player, believing that doing so could grant him even greater power.

Thoughts and Dialogue: Ganondorf stands tall, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light as he addresses the Hero—and the player beyond.

“You return, time and time again. There is something about you… something more than just the desire to see me fall. I can sense it.”

He extends a hand, as if reaching out to the player themselves.

“Why do you seek me out? What is it you truly want? Perhaps… we can find a way to achieve it together. You and I, we are not so different. We both understand the ancient forces that bind this world.”

For Ganondorf, the player is a mysterious entity worth engaging with, not just as an enemy but as a potential ally—or even a tool to further his own ends.

Demise

Reaction: Demise, with his primal and all-consuming desire for power, would view the player’s constant visits as a direct challenge to his supremacy. He would be enraged by the player’s persistence, seeing it as an affront to his dominance. However, he would also relish the opportunity to confront this unseen force, eager to prove that even a player cannot stand against his might.

Thoughts and Dialogue: As the Hero stands before him once again, Demise’s eyes blaze with fury.

“You dare to face me again? You think that because you control the Hero, you can defy me endlessly? I am Demise, the source of all evil, and I will not be toyed with!”

He draws his massive sword, the air crackling with dark energy.

“You may return again and again, but know this—I will not stop until I have crushed you, until I have broken your will. No one defies Demise and lives to tell the tale.”

For Demise, the player represents the ultimate challenge, one that he is determined to overcome no matter how many times they return.

In each case, the Ganondorfs and Demise would confront the player’s frequent visits with a mix of curiosity, defiance, and strategic thinking. Their reactions would be shaped by their personalities and desires, leading to a complex and evolving relationship with the player who controls their world.

[fakerobotrealblog]

William Shakespeare, often regarded as one of the greatest playwrights in history, has had a profound and enduring influence on modern-day playwriting. His impact transcends time and cultural boundaries, shaping the very foundations of dramatic storytelling. Here's an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare's influence on contemporary playwriting:

1. **Language and Expression:**

- Shakespeare's mastery of language, poetic devices, and inventive wordplay set a high standard. Modern playwrights often draw inspiration from his eloquence, exploring the nuances of dialogue, metaphor, and linguistic richness in their own works.

2. **Universal Themes:**

- Shakespeare's exploration of timeless and universal themes such as love, jealousy, power, betrayal, and the human condition resonates across centuries. Contemporary playwrights continue to delve into these themes, recognizing their enduring relevance to human experiences.

3. **Character Complexity:**

- Shakespeare's characters are renowned for their depth and complexity. Modern playwrights often create multifaceted characters with conflicting motivations and inner struggles, following Shakespeare's lead in presenting individuals with a full range of emotions and flaws.

4. **Narrative Structure:**

- Shakespeare's innovative narrative structures, including the use of subplots, soliloquies, and intricate character relationships, have left an indelible mark. Contemporary playwrights experiment with these structural elements to craft engaging and layered stories.

5. **Exploration of Morality and Ethics:**

- Many of Shakespeare's plays grapple with moral dilemmas and ethical considerations. Modern playwrights, influenced by this exploration, continue to use drama as a medium to question societal norms, challenge ethical boundaries, and provoke thought on moral complexities.

6. **Adaptations and Reimaginings:**

- Countless adaptations and reimaginings of Shakespeare's works exist in modern theater. Playwrights often draw inspiration from his plots, characters, and themes, adapting them to contemporary settings and cultural contexts. This continual reinterpretation keeps Shakespearean influence alive.

7. **Genre Blending:**

- Shakespeare was known for blending genres, seamlessly integrating tragedy, comedy, romance, and history. Modern playwrights experiment with genre-blending, creating works that defy traditional categorization and incorporate a diverse range of dramatic elements.

8. **Meta-Theatricality:**

- Shakespeare frequently employed meta-theatrical elements, drawing attention to the nature of theater itself. Contemporary playwrights follow suit, incorporating self-awareness, breaking the fourth wall, and exploring the relationship between the audience and the performance.

9. **Cultural References and Allusions:**

- Shakespeare's works are rich with cultural references and allusions. Modern playwrights, recognizing the power of intertextuality, often incorporate references to Shakespearean plays, creating a layered dialogue between past and present.

In summary, Shakespeare's influence on modern-day playwriting is immeasurable. His legacy extends beyond mere imitation, shaping the very essence of dramatic storytelling and providing a timeless foundation upon which contemporary playwrights continue to build, innovate, and express the complexities of the human experience.

[brentnhunter]

**Principle:** Ask For What You Want **Description:** The principle of "Ask For What You Want" resonates deeply within us, reminding us that the first challenge isn't merely vocalizing our wants and needs but rather discovering what those truly are. This exploration requires introspection, self-awareness, and a willingness to discern our desires from a sea of thoughts and feelings. It often demands that we confront and acknowledge the fears—fear of success, shame, guilt, or low self-esteem—that may impede our ability to articulate what we need or desire. When we gain clarity about our desires, whether they stem from ourselves, our relationships, or life situations, we can stand firm in our convictions and confidently ask for them. The transformative power of this principle isn't just about receiving; it's about taking action to align our lives with our intentions and aspirations. **Common Ground:** "Ask For What You Want" serves as common ground for all humanity. Regardless of our backgrounds, cultures, or beliefs, we all share a fundamental desire to be understood, supported, and fulfilled. This principle strikes at the heart of human connection, affirming that our wants and the need to express them is universal. By engaging with this principle, we create an environment of openness and communion that transcends societal divisions. **Importance:** Recognizing and requesting our desires is critical for personal growth and fulfillment. It empowers us to advocate for ourselves and embrace the potential outcomes of our lives. By fostering clarity and courage in our asks, we cultivate a supportive atmosphere that inspires collective growth and understanding. **Examples in Personal Life:** In our personal lives, we can practice this principle by articulating our needs directly in our relationships. For instance, if you crave more quality time with a partner, expressing that desire can lead to a stronger bond and more satisfying experiences together. Likewise, in the workplace, asking for resources or support can enhance productivity and collaboration, resulting in a more harmonious environment. **Examples in Collective Life:** Collectively, this principle can be utilized in community dialogues or organizations. When voices unite in expressing shared desires—such as collective wellness or environmental actions—these requests can lead to actionable change. Mobilizing groups to advocate for essential social causes crystallizes the message that when we stand together and articulate our needs, we are not only heard, but our aspirations gain momentum and traction. **Thoughts to Ponder:** Have you taken the time to reflect on what you truly want in your life? How can you ask for it more boldly? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! If you feel inspired, consider liking and sharing this article to spread the message of empowerment and clarity. To learn more about universal principles, check out The Rainbow Bridge (https://www.amazon.com/Rainbow-Bridge-Inner-Peace-World/dp/099120641X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=AUTHOR&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M5q6j50C2_D-OLp6jbA_4-r8UWBrQJOhBkV8i9kDdRLA_oXo08HXy2tjXzCBU4GZBp1SlMMvqGATjSjBGpi4s3NG4VKAE2L3EaExvre-PpE.xF97v7eYOXkqs-4vKA7r7yr_lJ-o3riEj-Nld4LhZIc&sr=). To receive an extra special dose of positive and uplifting energy in the mornings and throughout the day, check out http://TheDailyEnergizer.com.