#‘unconditional’ emphasis specifically

[deerdogs]

#nooticing some parallels

[powderpuff-divines]

pick a pile: when love finds you again, how do you wish to be held by it?

what kind of love does your heart yearn for? pick a pile to find out! this is a general reading so not everything may apply to you. only take what resonates and leave the rest. please excuse any grammatical errors or typos. happy reading!!

pile 1 ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

(TW: mentions of bullying, please exercise your own discretion.) seven of wands, queen of swords rev, nine of swords

oh pile one, when love finds you, you'll hiss at its hand the way a stray cat does when someone finally shows it some kindness after experiencing years of living alone on the streets.

people have been cruel to you by way of words and there are still cuts on your soul from that. i'm hearing death by a thousand cuts by taylor swift in my head, more specifically the line 'papercut stings from my paper thin plans.' maybe you made plans with loved ones (friends, family, lovers), went out of your way to do nice things for them and truly treasured them, but then had the gut-wrenching realization that it was not mutual. they could have mocked you for being so sensitive and taking things too seriously. ("oh that? don't tell me you actually thought i was being serious?"). some of you may have been victims of bullying in the past.

so when true, unconditional and kind love finds you, you will not be able to stomach it.

there's a deep level of mistrust and anxiety towards words of sweetness coming from anyone. but when love finds you again, you want do still want its words to be honeyed but true; not a coating of sugar covering rancid intentions.

you could still be beating yourself up for being swayed by other people's words and charms very easily in the past. please stop that. you cannot bully yourself into being better and being stronger. you live and you learn. you cannot be cruel to yourself for falling prey people who were actively trying to mislead you/ cause harm.

when love finds you again, you want its words, true and honest, to wrap you up and hold you in its warmth. to not need to worry about whether it's a ploy to get your trust only to break it again. you want a love so kind that it erases the pain from your past.

pile 2 ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

five of pentacles, seven of wands, knight of pentacles

someone dear to you could have betrayed your trust when it comes to money/finances/assets. for some of you, you do not even wish to acknowledge it or talk about it. 'it happened, i lived. it was miserable but i lived, and i'll never let that happen to me again.' is the type of energy i get from this pile. you could think that there's no point crying over spilled milk.

but that betrayal cut deep. so when love finds you again, you want someone who'll stand right by your side, especially if you go through a tough period like that again (some of you could have even been homeless for a while.)

the people who chose this pile do not necessarily want a flashy kind of love, with dates at the trendiest of places or elaborate gifts/ trips every month. you really want is someone to rely on, a shoulder to lean and cry on and someone who doesn't stab you in the back.

the type of scenario i'm seeing is someone having a breakdown in their dining room trying to balance their checkbook, but your person comes without you even calling for them, squeezes your shoulder, sits down next to you and starts helping you with it.

i feel like there's an emphasis on helping you with it rather than just doing it for you. you could be a very independent person, or maybe you just don't trust someone else to handle things for you again. you want a partner in the literal sense of the word.

(some of you could be thinking 'even if it's someone who doesn't contribute to helping me get back to a good place, i just want someone who won't make it worse. otherwise, i might as well just be alone, right?' and i just want to tell you that please hope for more. you deserve to be loved and taken care of. someone not harming you is just the barest of bare minimum. expect more from your loved ones)

what you really what is someone who'll tell you to hold your head high, put their reassuring hand to your back and guide you. they'll do the scut work with you, they'll make it easier for you to go through the murky waters and not complain about it.

i have a feeling that if someone like that were to actually appear, you would just stare at them for a few moments-- shocked and emotional, but grateful that you get to experience a love like this.

when love finds you again, you wish for it to be steady and unwavering, to hold your hand tight and not let go even once even as it knows that difficult times are ahead. to silently hold an umbrella over your head as it begins raining. to be as comforting as hot cocoa on a cold day. to stay. you want love to be loyal, kind and to stay.

pile 3 ✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧

(TW: mentions of sexual content. please exercise your own discretion.) ten of cups, page of swords, ten of swords

you want to find the love you've been dreaming of, to get your happy ending, to find the one. you're sick of meeting people who aren't your forever person.

you, out of all three piles, dream of domestic bliss the most. a happy home, a happy family with pets and/or kids. but with the way things have been going, you've become mentally resistant to this dream after so many failed tries and ,if you're aware of it, you hate that. because you never wants to be the type of person who doesn't like love or runs away from love, not after you've spent so long yearning for it.

this could be the pile that daydreams about a soft and romantic love.

the type of love where you're in the kitchen, baking something, and your partner comes behind you, wraps their arms around your waist and kisses your neck as they mutter something that makes your heart skip a beat.

you want someone who won't shut down your ideas, and wants to do fun (and tbh chaotic) stuff with you. you want to go on adventures with this person. (like the way the old couple from Up did when they were young.)

and also really good sex where by the end of it, you're exhausted and completely sated; after which, you lie in your lover's embrace, mindlessly drawing patterns on their skin (they could also do the same for you) with some pillowtalk.

you could also really want to travel to other places with this person and make a lot of memories.

when love finds you again, you wish for it to be in the form of a person in whom you see home. a home for your love, for your joy and smiles. a home that will accept all of it, nurture it and multiply it tenfold. whether it be now, a year later or even decades down the line, you wish to be held in its loving embrace. one could even say you wish to be held by it throughout the ages. you want a love that will transmute the bad days into something easier; a love that will stay forever soft and young as you and your lover grow old and develop wrinkles on your faces (from laughing and having so much joy in your lives.)

i recently decided to join tumblr and was surprised when i discovered that there was a pac community here. it's been super fun going through all the readings here so i thought maybe it would be fun to dip my own toe into it. i had a ton of fun editing the images and this post!! tumblr's so cool. i hope the reading resonated at least a little bit and it was fun to read!

[etherealsworldvision]

What’s Your Current Energy and The Energy You’ll Come Into?

[ With a Bonus Mini Letter from Your Inner Self ]

Before I begin the reading I’d like to take a moment to talk about: Monterey Bay Aquarium. They’re a non-profit organization that aims to inspire conservation of the ocean. If you’re interested do check them out and if you’d like to further support them click donate.

Divider Credit: @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

New song discovery for the reading: Ecstasy by Anna Tsuchiya

1. 2. 3.

🚨 P.S.A 🚨 : I do not give personal readings! Disclaimer: this is for entertainment only!

Added Description: all my readings are timeless and meant to reach those who resonate to the messages.

[ General Messages: 3; Secret Circle; Rings; Chesapeake Bay; Pink and Purple; “Pick Me”; Uses this :3 text emoji; Slow Burn; Gradual changes; Relationship Content; Insecurity; Free things; DnD; WhatsApp; Comparison; Anticipation; Lana Del Rey; Coquette & Cottegcore; Becauseimmissy content ]

Pile 1

Cards: 6 of Swords; The Chariot; 2 of cups ®; 9 of Pentacles ®; The High Priestess; 2 of Pentacles

[ Messages: Izana Kurokawa; Temperament; Full Moon; Sagittarius or Capricorn Moon; 222; Strength; Unconditional Love; Diluted; Akon (?); Jealousy, Jealousy by Olivia Rodrigo; Heal; 19 or 22; “Silver-Spoon”; Kyle; Craving; Fanfics; 66; 9; June 6th ]

This is oddly specific but Kyle kept popping up…so idk if you are or dealing with a person with that name. It may be an extra confirmation.

Your Current Energy:

You may have moved on from a romantic connection (I’m not getting platonic), I’m getting the sense that you’re in a good place right now. It could have been a big accomplishment because we have the chariot (major arcana). You might’ve experienced a traditional connection that ended up being what you imagined.

For some reason, I keep thinking about relationship advice on tiktok and twitter (discourses). It may have placed a negative effect on your perception of what a relationship is supposed to look like. For a few, you may have grown up around traditional relationships and (might subconsciously) sought for that. Overall there is an emphasis on Traditional relationships regarding gender roles and stereotypes. I feel like it doesn’t help that there’s also a new-age agenda of approaching (new) relationships (mind games) as well as isolation.

After experiencing that you might’ve thought, “Why does everyone want this?” Or “Relationships aren’t all that great”. There’s this sense of having a nihilistic view in love because of media and personal experience. Which, I don’t blame you.

I don’t know if you recently stumbled on a post or something about love but I feel like it challenged your stance on it. Which leads to you wanting a better mindset of love & connections despite what you’ve gone through. Currently, you may be trying to find the balance in your connection (with yourself and other people) and getting to really know yourself.

The energy you’ll come into:

With the high priestess here, you may be learning how to be in tune with your emotions and your gut when it comes to people/connections. I feel like, because you’re getting to know yourself better and starting to understand what you want you’ll have an easier time seeking balance.

Compromise and balance is being emphasized in this reading, so maybe that’s the thing you’ll be focusing on (healing). What is your relationship with Compromise and Balance? How did it affect you? I also see that this will come once understanding nuances instead of having an “extremist” view. Another thing is that you crave for a stable relationship and seek it by finding someone who is stable.

Which is fine but there’s this big need of: them having to be “the (perfect) one” before entering in a committed relationship. You may have gotten fs readings/astro stuff because of this. The funny thing here is — in order to be in a committed relationship is to be okay with the unknown and trusting yourself. I know it’s easier said than done but that’s what I’m getting.

Another thing I’m getting is how you’re challenging yourself to be more focused on yourself in terms of finances, health, and basically practical things. There’s this sense of being grounded; how you want to treat yourself via materials and consumption.

Letter from Your Inner Self

“Who said we have to be rigid to be treated like ‘royalty’? Look at Simba! He's fun and outgoing — he’s still a well respected king and with the love of his life! We need to loosen up a bit, be more courageous when it comes to stepping out of our comfort zone. The longer we stay in our old ways we’ll end up living with regret, that’s worse than living with consequences! How about we do the first thing we were scared of? If we get a booboo on our knee that’s fine at least we did it. If they don’t show interest then that’s okay too, we can continue to sail. All I’m saying is we should have the courage to go with the flow and live our life to the fullest instead of wallowing or through the screen/fantasies. Let’s embrace the unknown and hope for the best, yeah?”

Alrighty pile 1 that’s all I have for you today. Thank you so much for sticking through until the end, I greatly appreciate it. I’m giving you virtual hugs 🫂 and shooting hearts at you! 🧡🧡🔫 *Pew Pew*

Pile 2

Cards: Knight of Swords; King of Pentacles; Empress ®; 10 of Cups; Knight of Cups; The Devil

[ Confirmation Messages: Rollercoaster; Lilo & Stitch; “Inner Demons”; Renaldo from Los Espookys; Camera; Water and Earth Placements; San Francisco; Fear; Amusement Parks; Kali Uchis; ‘Take a Seat’; Road-trips; Night Drives; 333 ]

Your Current Energy

Okay Pile 2 your current energy is stable in terms of finances (as well as materialistic things) and you’re well grounded. You may be looking into how you can better your current financial stability or just being more responsible by getting your needs met especially in money matters.

Another thing is — there’s this sense of caution in regards to spending money. Now, I can’t give financial advice (it’s not my forte) but I can give reassurance. If there is a bit of wiggle room to spend on a snack or on that t-shirt you like then it’s okay to get it. I feel like there’s this sense of shame in regard to spending despite being able to afford things.

I used to feel this way as well and I remember talking to my cousin about it. They would tell me, “Whenever I feel guilty about spending on things I like, I think about the amount of hard working hours I put in to be able to afford it.” To lessen the guilt or shame of buying something that makes us* happy. This doesn’t have to apply to huge spends — can be minor ones like an album or that pint of ice cream you’ve been eyeing at the store.

There’s just this sense of guilt of spending which leads to a bigger guilt of not being able to nurture yourself in the way you want to. I feel like there’s this blame you have towards yourself for wanting things and punishing yourself for not doing it (the “damned if you do damned if you don’t” situation). Based on your cards I don’t see money issues (currently going on) but I do see the trauma linked to it. I don’t know if this stems from childhood or recent experiences.

(If you can, talk with someone you trust. They may have some insight that you need or just connecting with someone in general.)

The Energy You’ll Come Into

What’s funny is: there’s this sense of “fuck it we ball” vibe. I don’t know how it got to this sudden shift but it’s reminding me of one of the reasons why this acc exists. So maybe a tiktok or reel will piss you off into buying something for yourself with zero shame.

( I struggle with imposter syndrome, when I saw a YouTube short of someone dropping a 50lb lollipop from a rooftop and called it an “experiment” (it’s just obnoxious food waste! There was no science or anything!). I got so mad that they were earning money for wasting food I ended up saying “fuck this I’m adding to society” and boom here I am lol. )

I’m not saying your financial trauma is going to magically disappear but there is this sense of being fed up with how it makes you feel. If you are (or will be) seeing a therapist you may be working on your relationship with this financial trauma. I think another thing that you will be coming into is learning how spending and financial issues have affected you. I feel like during this period you may be reflecting on your relationship with money while doing exposure therapy.

But yeah the energy you’ll come into is indulgence and emotional fulfillment (however be careful as to not over do it) without zero shame. Despite not having any balance cards besides the King of Pentacles — I do feel like that’s what you’ll be coming into. Working on balancing your wants and needs while regulating your emotions when it comes to money.

Letter from Your Inner Self

“I know we struggled with money but we’ve put in the hard work to make ourselves happy. Why not bask in our success for just a minute? Why not see how far we come by planning something for ourselves? Can’t we at least congratulate ourselves for putting our foot in the door and say “I did it”! Because we did do that! Yeah, yeah we dealt with delays, some difficulties along the way but we pulled through! We did that, baby! We made it happen — we have a job, a career! Let's celebrate ourselves and give ourselves the gratitude we deserve. We fucking earned it!”

Alrighty pile 2 that’s all I have for you today. Thank you so much for sticking through until the end, I greatly appreciate it! I’m wishing you the best! Remember it’s okay to have nice things for yourself! 🧡

Pile 3

Cards: Page of Swords; The World; 7 of Cups; Page of Pentacles; Knight of Cups; The Hierophant ®

[ Confirmation Messages: Astrology; Occult; Investments in Hobbies; Culinary Arts; New Passions; Lack; TikTok; Radios; Seltzers; Renaissance Fair; OktoberFest (?); Young or New Energy; Amethyst Crystal (Pendant); Twilight; Taking a Leap of Faith; Vampires; Vibrant Personality: 3 Body Problem ]

Your Current Energy

Your energy is like the sun after a cloudy day — like it is not like the other two piles. To be honest your excitement feels so contagious (in a good way). So you may have been very patient in the past or passive. You kind of just let life pass you by until something comes up.

When it did come to you and you took that chance it’s as if the world showed itself. There's so many options to choose from and that’s what’s getting you super excited. I feel called to say there are not wrong choices as it can work out with persistence and hard work.

Since you are in the process of accomplishing things or already achieved it — you may be wanting to expand/explore what’s out there for you. Let's say you got your drivers license, now you get to drive to the place you want. Or let’s say you took a chance on an idea then suddenly, you get loads of engagement. Because you took this chance a lot of opportunities are coming your way to the point it’s almost overwhelming.

The Energy You’ll Come Into

Because you’re putting in the work towards something you love — you’ll feel more fulfilled. I feel like whatever you’re working on will be another way to gain connections. It doesn’t have to be transactional connections — it just means you may make friends along the way or collaborate.

This especially applies to people who went the “unconventional route”. It feels like you made a decision that really aligns with you. I think what also really inspired you is seeing how people made their dreams come true, even if it’s by doing the simplest things. There is encouragement to remain open to what’s to come, especially when it comes to your creative skills.

I’m not getting too much on your future energy besides you making an earning from it and feeling fulfilled. I am getting this celebratory vibe that you have done it from the ground up. Through your patience and perseverance you were able to make it happen. I’m also getting a confirmation “yes, do it” to the question you’ve been really really thinking about.

Letter from Your Inner Self

“Listen…I know your intuition and anxiousness is going haywire right now. However, to feel your intuition you’ll feel a strong and I mean a strong pull to do something. I’m encouraging you to do it — do it even if you’re alone. You’ll never know the outcome unless you do it. Yes it’s unconventional but what’s the harm in taking that chance? We did it once, why not do it again and see where it takes us? It’ll make us happier knowing we did it instead of never doing anything. I believe in us, so don’t lose hope.”

Alrighty Pile 3 that’s all I have for you. Thank you so much for reading until the end, I greatly appreciate it! I’m so excited for you and wishing for things to go smoothly! Best of luck! 🍀🧡

[artist-issues]

Hi. I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that your story analysis and whatnot goes hard. I've been enjoying going through your posts, especially in regards to receiving your insight on Disney related things. I also like that your Christian lens brings a very specific view to the table. I find it valuable, even as I recognize where I disagree with you.

Reading some of your thoughts though, I came across one post where you said something that greatly intrigued me. You said that, "homosexuality is a sin that is only destructive when it isn't submitted to Christ."

What would it mean to you to submit it to Christ in this context? Especially regarding how that would work with homosexuals such as myself. My own religious background hasn't given me the lens to fully understand the language that you used, and I'd appreciate further insight for better understanding.

In either case, I would like to thank you for your time in reading this, and hope you have a good one.

Wow, this is an incredible ask. Thank you for sending it, and being so kind and respectful. I will be honest: I don't remember which of my posts that's from, so I might get the context of what I meant there wrong. But I know that the Bible is consistent, so I'm not worried about trying to make what I believe on the topic clear!

I don't know your "religious background" and in our current culture it's not always effective to assume that what I mean when I use a word is the same as what you understand when I use that word. But the Lord'll make up for that,

So here goes!

People have been born with desires that are twisted (think like a spine that has vertebrae out of place, not "twisted" as in "I'm insulting you.") since mankind fell. Some of those desires are for power, some are for gratification of a sexual impulse, some are for selfish comforts, etc.

I think what I meant this: Homosexuality is not special or especially impossible to pop back into place; it is one in a list of twisted desires. And when you decide "no, I'm not in charge of my life—the God who made me is in charge of it, and if He says something in me is out of place, He's right, AND what's more, He can put it back together. I identify as His much-loved creation: I do not identify with the parts of me that are out of place/I do not identify as my homosexual desires." That would be submission.

I didn't make that up, and neither did any religion. God did. It's in the Bible:

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revolvers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." (See, it's in a list of twisted desires/actions/sins that people identify with.)

But then the next part is:

"And such were some of you: but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of God." I added emphasis for clarity's sake, but see? Such were some of you--Christians. People who are called righteous by God, were once "homosexuals—people who identify with their unrighteous desires." But then they submitted those desires to be washed, and took on the name of Christ, instead of the name of "homosexual," or the name of anything else, for that matter.

If you're interested in reading more of my philosophy, or what I meant after hearing that:

God did make you for love. Love isn't wrong. Like how a toymaker made a little tin soldier to bring joy to children. It's natural and right for you to desire sexual intimacy and unconditional-selfless-acceptance from another person. You're supposed to desire that—the same way a sentient tin soldier might be "supposed to desire" being played with.

But, when mankind fell, they fell because they decided they wanted to be God. They wanted to pick what was right, and wrong, and good, and bad, for themselves. But that whole goal was a lie: it was never even an option. But we reached for what wasn't there anyway. And as a result, all of humanity's desires got corrupted.

So now that desire for love that the human being was made to have, and made to feel fulfilled by the God that loves them perfectly, is twisted up. It's corrupted. Suddenly you don't want love the way you were designed to have it; you want something that doesn't exist (because God gets to decide what "love", is, too, He invented it,) and doesn't fit.

See, that original desire is still there, and that's why it feels so confusing to be told "what you love is wrong" because you feel like it's such an integral part of you—and it is. But it's just twisted up. You weren't meant to love the same gender, or someone abusive, or any of the counterfeits. That "love" part of you was meant to love God, (and if another God-loving person of the opposite gender can enhance your love for God, to include them in that in this beautiful harmony.) But that part of you's twisted up. So it's still trying to beat, but it's to all the wrong rhythms.

It would be like the little sentient tin soldier suddenly deciding he should be a real soldier and fight the Revolutionary war. He thinks "I feel brave, I was built with a sword, I should do this." But he wasn't made to use it like that, so no wonder his toy sword immediately gets smashed in a real fight.

But then it gets worse. He doesn't go back to the toymaker and say "you were right, I was never made for this, and now I'm battered and broken and I can't do what I was actually made for—no child will find enjoyment in a shattered toy." He doesn't do that. Instead, he just keeps hopping into battle, poking feet with his bent-up toy sword and getting ground into the mud.

If the toy soldier would just go back to its maker and say "you were right, and I don't deserve it, but only you can help me" the Toymaker would straighten the sword. Shine him up. Give him a new coat of paint—and even better, he would give the toy soldier an add-on to his original purpose—he'd give him hands big enough to hold the tools that fix other toys. Now the toy soldier has new life in the purpose that he was made to be satisfied by, AND he can help other toys who lost their way, too.

That's what Christian's call "The Gospel." That's Jesus' sacrifice on the cross: the toy soldier got what he wanted and deserved to be left in the mud, but instead the Toymaker took what he deserved, and gave him new life.

But it took that submission, first. The toy soldier might still look fondly at real soldiers and might even have the feeling, as the Toymaker is still cleaning him up, that he might want to go back and be a real soldier again. But that's the thing: the Toymaker's changing his desires back to the way they were before he ever reached for the thing he wasn't made for, too.

Anyway, I don't know if that janky little analogy helped. I know our two worldviews are really embattled right now—they have to be, because they are opposites—but you asked so kindly, and I appreciate it. "Such were some of you"—such was I. I was you. Now I'm in Christ. You can be, too; you were made to be. But all that to say, I'm not judging you—because such was I, and such would I be if not for Him.

[chrinopiqua]

The Psychological Insights That Fueled Major Religions

Introduction:

Throughout human history, religions have played pivotal roles in shaping societies, cultures, and individual lives. While many factors contribute to a religion's success, one could argue that each major religion was built around a novel psychological insight that resonated deeply with human nature. Here, we explore these insights, not as a theological discourse, but from a psychological perspective, examining how these insights might have contributed to the spread and enduring appeal of these faiths.

1. Judaism - The Power of Covenant:

Judaism introduced the concept of a covenant between God and humanity, specifically with the Jewish people. This covenantal relationship provided a profound sense of purpose, identity, and community. Psychologically, this insight taps into the human need for belonging, offering a narrative where one's actions and fidelity have cosmic implications. It cultivates resilience, as the collective memory of trials and triumphs becomes a source of strength and moral guidance.

2. Christianity - Salvation Through Grace:

Christianity's core insight lies in salvation through faith and grace, rather than purely through adherence to law or good deeds. This resonates with the human longing for unconditional love and forgiveness. The psychological relief from personal imperfection, coupled with the promise of redemption, provides immense comfort and motivation for personal growth and communal living based on love and compassion.

3. Islam - Submission to a Singular God:

Islam's foundational insight is the simplicity and unity of submitting to one God (Allah). This submission (Islam means "submission" or "surrender") offers psychological clarity in a world often fraught with complexity. The Five Pillars provide structured, daily practices that foster a sense of order, purpose, and community among believers, addressing the human need for direction and belonging.

4. Hinduism - Multiple Paths to Enlightenment:

Hinduism's insight lies in its acceptance of multiple paths to spiritual enlightenment or "moksha." This pluralism speaks to the vast diversity of human personalities and spiritual inclinations. By offering numerous deities, philosophies, and practices, Hinduism addresses the psychological need for individualized spiritual exploration within a collective cultural context, providing comfort in diversity.

5. Buddhism - The End of Suffering Through Insight:

Buddhism presents the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as a guide to ending suffering by understanding impermanence and the non-self. This insight directly tackles human existential angst, offering not just a philosophical viewpoint but practical steps towards mental peace. The emphasis on mindfulness and detachment offers a psychological toolkit for navigating life's inevitable pains.

6. Confucianism - Harmony Through Ethical Living:

While more philosophical than religious, Confucianism's insight into human psychology is the achievement of harmony through ethical conduct and defined social roles. This resonates with the human desire for social order and personal significance within a community. By promoting virtues like filial piety and respect, Confucianism provides a framework where one's personal fulfillment is inextricably linked to societal well-being.

7. Taoism - Flowing with the Natural Way:

Taoism's insight is the art of living in harmony with the Tao, encouraging an acceptance of life's natural flow rather than resistance. This psychological approach fosters peace of mind, flexibility, and a reduced stress response to life's challenges. It offers a way to live that aligns with the rhythms of nature, promoting a profound sense of balance and tranquility.

Conclusion:

Each of these religions, with their unique psychological insights, has not only shaped spiritual landscapes but also provided frameworks for understanding and coping with the human condition. These insights offer ways to find meaning, cope with adversity, connect with others, and ultimately, understand oneself in the cosmos. They highlight how deeply intertwined psychology and spirituality are, suggesting that the success of a religion might very well hinge on how well it speaks to the core of human experience.

[chromotps]

The thing about Ace/Sabo is that the ship is less about them being brothers but more like them sharing a childhood friendship? That had the potential of becoming something more in the future. Except it didn’t, for obvious reasons. And yeah not everyone’s a fan of that, but people also like the raised by wolves/son of a noble dynamic they had as children. While I agree Sabo does kind of feel like he was stuck to Ace&Luffy as an afterthought, with a piece of chewed-out gum — his existence doesn’t… I don’t know, feel out of place? I also enjoy how kinda tragic his character is, and how he carries that tragedy with him? In the form of Ace’s devil fruit (Sabo also canonically hallucinates and there was an instance where he admitted to hearing Ace’s voice, during his fight with Burgess? so yeah, not everyone’s cup of tea again but I’m a huge fan of hurt/comfort so having a character go through a psychotic depressive episode because of the insane guilt he feels? Just, yeah. Plus there’s something really poetic about him literally eating Ace’s DF and still considering it „Ace’s powers” etc) and the way I see Sabo/Lu is through Ace/Lu (and partially Ace/Sabo) anyway. Because Sabo is trying to fill out the role of an older brother/friend for Luffy that he’s well aware is impossible to fill — because nothing ever will be the same for Luffy. Nothing or no one could even come close to making it up for Ace’s loss to Luffy, and Sabo knows he’s kind of a cheap copy of that (figuratively and literally lmfao, as I know people have been calling him low-budget Ace), but still he tries to? And the fact that Luffy is technically his only remaining family (or at least someone he willingly considers family). And I kind of see it as a parallel to how Ace’s approach to Luffy changed after Sabo’s „death”? Because Sabo was the „kinder” brother, the nicer one, the smarter one, it was usually him who took Luffy’s side whenever Ace was annoyed with him? And the one who explicitly asked Ace to look after Luffy — which then was one of the direct reasons why Ace changed the way he treated Luffy, forced him to be more patient/learn to love and eventually led to Ace willingly becoming the „older brother” figure for Luffy. I’m in no way trying to convince you to like Sabo, don’t get me wrong!! I’m just trying to show an example how Ace/Sabo isn’t necessarily brotherly either (like, I don’t know, Sabo/Luffy seems to be?). And it’s just that while I’m first and foremost a huge Ace/Lu enjoyer I also think Sabo did have a significant impact on their relationship both before and after Ace’s death.

((!! sorry i took a while to reply! i made that post before work on Friday and then got slammed until just now fdghjgk)

the odd thing is, I mostly agree!! I think I had to vent bc i saw ppl (a few specific sabo fans haha) on twitter acting like luffy would feel nothing toward ace but be obsessed with sabo. and, lol, no. but what YOU said makes total sense. like, yes, Ace + Sabo definitely has a different, more involved feeling to me than Ace & Luffy. I've had some ships in the past that fit the raised by wolves/runaway noble trope... the charm of the noble feeling like "this is the only person I feel like I can really be myself around" and the wild one thinking "i like spending time with this noble—they're tougher/kinder/funnier than i gave them credit for" AND/OR "society has always rejected me, but this 'cultured' person accepting me heals that pain a little bit"—all of those things are really charming.

Maybe if we'd seen more about how ace and sabo became friends, or if there were more emphasis on sabo's acceptance being what helped ace's anger (instead of, just from how i saw things, it being mostly luffy's unconditional warmth toward ace that did it?) then I'd personally be more feral about that dynamic, haha. But it's like you said, I guess it all depends on what we each connect with. I dont find tragedy alone compelling... I'm depressed enough already as it is LMAO!! if I think too hard about how viscerally sad Sabo only remembering Ace after he'd died is, my brain just shuts down. But I've got really good friends who would EAT THAT UP. Like, yeah, it is beautifully poetic... hahaha now i'm laughing thinking about my friends who were really into Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet finding out about Sabo & Ace and being obsessed, ahaha (they're not so into One Piece tho, only jjk... at least, for now!! 😈)

it's hard to put into words, but there's something about Sabo being a revolutionary vs. ace and luffy being pirates, that kind of explains why my brain sees A+L as very very very different than A&S or L&S. But like, that's just my brain and how my heart likes to focus on characters with really codependent relationships/dreams/themes, hahaha...

[erabundus]

anonymous &&. said... 💭 + chongyun's friendship

ren's  friendship  with  chongyun  is  actually  really  fascinating  from  a  character  development  standpoint  —  because  chronologically  (  unless  i'm  forgetting  something  )  they  are  the  first  mortal  he  has  actually  allowed  himself  to  get  close  to  who  isn't  entangled  in  his  dealings  in  sumeru.  he  befriended  him  entirely  of  his  own  volition,  even  if  i'm  sure  ren,  unreliable  narrator  extraordinaire,  would  probably  gripe  that  he  was  pulled  into  it  against  his  will  if  asked.  he  could  have  walked  away  at  any  time.  he  could  have  kept  things  strictly  impersonal  —  but  he  didn't,  and  that's  symptomatic  of  his  own character  growth  as  he  slowly  learns  how  to  let  other  people  in.

and  the  way  that  it's  developed  is  also  incredibly  INTERESTING  as  well  —  because  there  was  a  very  heavy  emphasis  on  a  transactional  element  at  first.  ren  sees  every  relationship  in  this  world  as  inherently  give  and  take,  even  if  the  things  being  exchanged  are  more  conceptual  in  nature.  (  company.  love.  loyalty.  )  that  was  true  during  his  scaramouche  era,  and  it's  a  line  of  thinking  he  still  clings  to,  even  now  —  he's  been  burned  enough  times  that  he  can't  see  anything  as  truly  unconditional  and  free  anymore.  (  i  could  delve  into  how  he  feels  compelled  to  "earn"  affection  from  his  loved  ones,  but  that's  another  post  entirely.  )  yet  his  initial  dynamic  with  chongyun  kind  of  takes  this  tendency  of  his  and  weaponizes  it  against  him  —  for  his  own  good.  because  there's  this  human  who  keeps  on  giving  him  things,  giving  him  food,  and  ren  feels  OBLIGATED  by  his  weird  moral-adjacent  code  to pay  him back in whatever way he can.

i  can't  find  the  specific  post,  but  there  comes  a  point  early  on  in  their  dynamic  where  chongyun  calls  him  a  friend  and  i  cannot  overstate  how  much  that  changes  the  entire  trajectory  of  their  relationship  —  not  only  because  it  completely  throws  ren  for  a  loop,  but  because  it  starts  to  change  how  he  goes  about  approaching  them.  again,  everything  from  ren's  perspective  is  transactional;  this  isn't  necessarily  a  cold  or  standoffish  take,  it's  just  how  he's  grown  to  view  the  world  as  a  defense  mechanism.  so  when  he  hears  chongyun  thinks  of  him  as  a  friend,  a  little  light  flicks  on  in  his  head  —  he  can  repay  him  with  his  COMPANIONSHIP.

congratulations  ren,  you've  allowed  yourself  to  make  a  friend.  now  if  only  you  could  not  be  so  weird  and  overcomplicated  about  it.

and  he  does  TRULY  consider  them  a  friend  in  return,  because  if  you  read  between  the  lines,  ren  does  go  above  and  beyond  for  chongyun  in  such  a  way  he  wouldn't  necessarily  need  to  if  he  was  merely  doling  out  his  presence  like  a  nondescript  form  of  currency.  i  think  a  really good  example  of  this  is  during  the  (  infamous  )  what  does  water  smell  like  debacle.  ren's  status  as  a  puppet  is  something  he  keeps  INCREDIBLY  close  to  his  chest  because  he's  painfully  aware  what  destruction  can  be  wrought  if  the  wrong  kind  of  person  happens  to  find  out  about  it.  yet  he  trusts  chongyun  enough  to  share  with  him  his  greatest  secret  —  something  that  has  deeply  TRAUMATIZED  him,  and  he  does  it  of  his  own  volition ...  for  the  sake  of  answering  a  silly  little  nonsense  question.

your  honor,  they  are  friends  and  it  is  a  very  important  dynamic  to  me ...

SEND 💭 AND A TOPIC FOR A HEADCANON .

[nothwell]

Thank you to Sarah for this heartwarming review of Fiorenzo!

~

No one writes yearning, unconditional love quite like Sebastian Nothwell - this was an absolute masterpiece (arguably, his best yet).

Right off the cuff, Sebastian's resplendently lyrical prose throws us into a colorful world with even more colorful characters. The setting is beautiful and with every word I read I felt like I was being transported to a different realm all-together. Every new place we visit in the story had my jaw on the floor - what I wouldn't give to visit even one of these paintings-come-to-life. There were romantic little details and nods to history that I so appreciated. Nothing pleases me more than a writer who does their research - the medical accuracy alone left me delighted. Obviously, certain liberties are taken in a work of fiction, but the way that Nothwell interweaves those liberties with historical points of reference is seamless and is something that I've come to associate with his works specifically. Sometimes you can feel the author's enthusiasm through their writing and it just makes everything that much more enjoyable.

There is such sweetness in all of Nothwell's past characters and Fiore & Enzo are no different. I am in love with these two selfless, soft, sweet idiots. In every book he writes, there is a large emphasis on, rather than loving someone in spite of their faults, loving them faults and all. His characters are always so endearingly flawed (as is any person) and the unconditional love they have for each other makes my heart full to bursting.

But this one, folks, has a delicious bit of spice to balance out the sweetest that I ate up like a woman starved. There are BDSM elements in this one that are slightly more stark than his previous books and I am here for it.

NOT TO MENTION THE HURT/COMFORT. UGHHHH. Bury me with a copy of this book when I die because it's everything I could want and I must retain the ability to read it again and again until the end of time. I never wanted it to end. There are a few questions left unanswered but, if I know Nothwell's writing style like I think I do, we should hopefully be coming back to Fiore & Enzo's story and some of those questions will have answers.

The only thing that could eclipse my adoration for this book is Fiore & Enzo's adoration for each other, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

~

FIORENZO is a queer fantasy-of-manners romance featuring secret identities, hurt/comfort, and a happily-ever-after. Out now wherever fine books are found!

Amazon • Apple Books • Barnes & Noble • Kobo • Smashwords

[atmymercy]

Hi tea! I’d like to participate in the giveaway :)

I pick the angels guidance oracle!

Can I get a message from my guides for more details about the “country roads” thing? I think it’s some kind of clue. Or, might be related to C in some way? But I’m not sure.

One of my New Year’s resolutions, is to improve my physical wellness! I’m still figuring out the specifics, but I have some ideas, although they’re kinda personal, so I don’t wanna post it a public ask if that’s okay, lol.

Thank you! :)

♡ giveaway winner - 5/5 ♡

hello golden! of course! get in here! and omg! another angel guidance! i swear you all have chosen it so far! lol too funny! and it's my pleasure, honey! i've been so curious about this question and i still can't believe we were both hearing that song!!! like omg! right???

oh nice! physical wellness is always such a nice way to pamper yourself! i love that for you, honey! and no worries about getting too personal! never feel you have to tell us everything and always feel free to be as general as you want to be! woot! i hope you have fun figuring it out too! even small changes can have big effects in time! woot!

for you, i got the ground yourself (reversed), listen & acceptance.

your spirit guides must really want you to figure this out by you because i also keep hearing "don't you know, girl? i'm the one. i'm the one." and i have to say they are really complimenting you and your new years resolution because they're just saying you are too ungrounded, which is causing all this confusion, spacey and forgetfulness in you. "the map leads to you" is also what i heard so it's really talking about how this country road is you, honey and you learning to walk this road in a more grounded matter but also in a manner that listens more because i'm getting this emphasis of being like unable to feel the ground under my feet and your head is just in the clouds. so you're so focused and determined to figure out the clues that you forget to feel your body and forget the present potential that is now being expressed to you because with unconditional love and acceptance, there is only beauty around you, honey! now i heard some giggling because it's like your spirit guides get that being spirit aware feels pleasant and even heavenly, you still need to keep attention upon the earth though!

hope you enjoyed it! please give feedback or buy me a coffee/tip when you can! if you want to explore this further, please also consider a private read. also thank you for sharing with me!♡

love & light!

-tea

♡ message me for details/questions & to book this reading! ♡

[brandonappreciatesart]

Virtual Sketchbook two

Journaling:  

Writing and Looking: Title: Boys Wading by Winslow Homer created in 1873, this painting is in chapter 7, sub section 7.2 page 4 titled: watercolors  

Homers artwork, Boys Wading contains watercolors, horizontal lines, which are used to emphasis the beautiful endless sky and reflecting water. Rule of thirds, the placement of the boys aligning with the horizontal lines I mentioned before. Muted colors, which convey a sense of calmness in the artwork. These colors include the blue water and green boat, they help to make the artist feel tranquil and calm. Contrasted colors, Warm hues which can be seen in the boys themselves and softer hue colors which can be seen in the setting that the boys are in. Reflections, of the lights in the water. Loose brushstrokes, which make everything feel so seamless and fluid, this is seen in the transition from the boys to the water itself. Central figures, the boys being the main focal point of the painting. Visual Harmoney, which makes it, so no element is more overpowering than another in the painting. Nothing draws your attention too much. A natural setting, A setting which you would find anywhere in the world. Homer likes to create very idyllic pieces of art and have nostalgic atmospheres. Lastly, tranquility This is the overall tone which is set to create a feeling of calmness and being relaxed. Obe thing that helps this is the gentle color pallet chosen.  

Connecting Art To your World: Color has made me feel happier and content with life, friends, and family. Back in high school I would say that my color scheme then was one of achromatic. I would one only wear colors that would fit in this color scheme and two, I would always look at situations, decisions, and life as that. I would not think of all the distinct factors or colors that were around me and limited my horizon to what I thought was known. Then around the beginning of my senior year I met my best friend Geronimo who did not limit his decisions and life to just an achromatic color scheme. I remember after a couple of weeks of hanging out with each other we went to the beach with a group of friends. The sun had just begun to set and the colors I saw that day were like none other. The organeish pinkish sunset made me feel so content and so fulfilled in that moment. That there was more to looking at life than an achromatic color scheme. The hue of the sunset that day was something called a light coral hue. The sunset seemed to be highly saturated with color making everything about the sky pop out. The value of the sunset that day was very light so light that it changed how i would think and look at everything else in my life. The saturated intense colors that day came together to have such a fierce and bright intensity that pieced through the horizon and sky. If I had to pick a color scheme for my life today, I would pick a tetradic color scheme. You can get the best of both worlds when it comes to color, and you look at life in a variety of different lenses. None to focused on one specific thing but a variety and large diversity of things in life. Everything may be different, but it is somehow closely related to something else.  

Art Project: Comic Panel: A story of unconditional love 

Photo/Design: 

Group: 6, Photography 

Black & White: 

Colored: 

The main thing that motivates the choice of the black and white photo is to show the life that person might have left in them. I think this is effective because it expresses the energy the old man has and how he might not have much life left and energy in him since he has lived for so long. The thing that motivates color is to show how much energy and youthfulness the young adults in the photo have. This is effective because it demonstrates a stark contrast to how much life the kids have to live and energy they have when compared to the old man seen before. The black and white photo has a feeling of something dying or coming to an end while in the colored photo i feel the exact opposite. 

[iamthewaybook]

Best Book for Connect with God

In a world filled with noise and distractions, many seek solace, guidance, and a deeper connection with the divine. “I Am The Way” is a profound book that serves as a spiritual compass, guiding readers towards a meaningful relationship with God. This comprehensive guide delves into the essence of spiritual awakening, offering insights, practices, and reflections that resonate with seekers on a journey of faith. Let’s explore the profound wisdom encapsulated in “I Am The Way” and understand why it stands as the Best Book for Connect with God.

Introduction to “I Am The Way”

“I Am The Way” is not just a book; it’s a spiritual odyssey that invites readers to embark on a transformative journey. Authored by a spiritual sage, this book combines timeless teachings, personal anecdotes, and practical exercises to help readers cultivate Best Book for Connect with God. Its core message revolves around the understanding that the path to God is not distant or abstract but rather an intimate, personal experience accessible to everyone.

The Essence of Connection

Understanding Spirituality

At its heart, “I Am The Way” emphasizes that spirituality is about fostering a personal relationship with the divine. It moves beyond religious dogma and rituals, encouraging readers to seek a direct and experiential understanding of God. The book outlines that this connection is not confined to any specific religion or tradition but is a universal experience available to all who seek it sincerely.

The Path of Love

Central to the teachings of “I Am The Way” is the concept of love as the foundation of spiritual connection. The book explores how love, in its purest form, serves as a bridge between the human soul and the divine. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating unconditional love and compassion, both for oneself and others, as a way to deepen one’s relationship with God.

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Meditation and Prayer

“I Am The Way” provides practical guidance on meditation and prayer, two essential practices for spiritual growth. The book offers step-by-step instructions on how to meditate, focusing on techniques that quiet the mind and open the heart. It also explores different forms of prayer, from traditional prayers to spontaneous, heartfelt conversations with God.

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One of the unique aspects of the book is its emphasis on the power of silence. It teaches readers to embrace moments of stillness and quietude, allowing them to hear the subtle whispers of the divine. The practice of silence, according to the book, is a gateway to deeper introspection and spiritual insight.

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“I Am The Way” encourages readers to engage in self-reflection and inner work as part of their spiritual journey. It provides exercises and prompts that help individuals examine their thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors, fostering self-awareness and growth. By addressing inner conflicts and unresolved emotions, readers can clear the path to a more profound the Best Book for Connect with God.

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The book highlights the importance of service and compassion in one’s spiritual practice. It encourages readers to extend their love and kindness to others, viewing acts of service as expressions of divine love. By helping those in need and showing empathy, individuals can experience a deeper sense of purpose and connection with God.

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Personal Stories and Testimonials

“I Am The Way” is enriched with personal stories and testimonials from individuals who have experienced profound transformations through its teachings. These narratives offer inspiration and hope, illustrating the real-life impact of cultivating a spiritual connection. Readers can relate to these stories, finding encouragement and motivation for their own journeys.

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The book does not shy away from addressing the challenges and obstacles that often arise on the spiritual path. It provides practical advice on dealing with doubt, fear, and setbacks, offering reassurance that these difficulties are natural parts of the journey. By embracing these challenges with faith and perseverance, readers can emerge stronger and more connected to God.

A Guide for All Seekers

Whether you are a seasoned spiritual practitioner or just beginning your journey, “I Am The Way” offers valuable insights and guidance. Its teachings are presented in a clear and accessible manner, making it a practical guide for individuals from all walks of life. The book’s universal appeal lies in its ability to resonate with the innate longing for connection and meaning that exists within every human heart.

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The Divine Presence

“I Am The Way” delves deeply into the concept of the divine presence. It teaches that God is not a distant, abstract entity but a loving presence that resides within and around us. By cultivating awareness of this divine presence, readers can experience a profound sense of peace, joy, and fulfillment.

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Faith is a recurring theme in “I Am The Way.” The book emphasizes that faith is not merely belief in the unseen but a trust in the divine plan. It encourages readers to cultivate unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity, as a way to strengthen their connection with God. Through faith, individuals can navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

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Mindful Living

The book advocates for mindful living as a way to stay connected with God in everyday life. It provides practical tips on how to incorporate mindfulness into daily activities, such as eating, working, and interacting with others. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can maintain a continuous awareness of the divine presence.

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“I Am The Way” emphasizes the importance of gratitude and appreciation in spiritual practice. It encourages readers to cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the blessings in their lives, both big and small. Through gratitude, individuals can foster a positive mindset and strengthen their connection with the divine.

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The book also highlights the significance of community and support on the spiritual journey. It encourages readers to seek out like-minded individuals and communities where they can share their experiences and receive encouragement. Being part of a supportive spiritual community can provide a sense of belonging and reinforcement of one’s faith.

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“I Am The Way” is more than just a book; it is a guide to a transformative Best Book for Connect with God. Its teachings are timeless and universal, offering a beacon of light for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. By embracing the practices and insights shared in this book, readers can embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, love, and divine connection.

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The Best Book for Connect with God is deeply personal and unique for each individual. “I Am The Way” serves as a trusted companion on this path, providing wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance. Whether you are looking to deepen your existing spiritual practice or seeking a new way to connect with the divine, this book offers a wealth of insights to support and inspire you. Embrace the journey, open your heart, and discover the profound connection that awaits you with “I Am The Way.”

[yourbleedingh3art]

Theory on limits

"we would do anything for the people we love"

but we dont love evryone .. under the dominance of capitalist ideology in america culturally love is subtlety emphasized to be i.transactional and ii. a pursuit and i believe the emphasis of these qualities alongside hegemonic masculinity results in a subversion of love's direct association with compassion

thus in order to promote the teaching of compassion i believe it necessary to experiment with the possibility of everyone's lovability. is everyone lovable? can i treat them as if they are? does this mean loving them? yes, what does it mean to love someone else? do I know? what are all the aspects of love? what do i know about its shades? i am interested in the exploration of complex romantic narrative ... this brings me personal spiritual fulfillment and is a source of politicization for me . i believe love transcends all limits but this belief is romantic narrative that can often be proven to be deconstructed... perhaps i can take this question to specific texts taught in my american romanticism course : would we do anything for the people we love? who can i argue, in text x, loves and who do they love? why do i believe the lovers love who they love?

how do i understand love and how is it understood by others? what expressions are understood as expressions of love and why? and can the answers to these questions prove or disprove love's unlimited nature? am i acting dull and stupid, contemplating the limits of what I faithfully believe to be the source of my unlimited strength, if I am to believe I have unlimited strength? And does this self-reliant belief serve me? Shouldn't it? Doesn't it?

In myself i feel a personal tension between my concept of self-reliance and my concept of love, though I believe love can be extended (and, in a sense, must) to the self as well as to the selves of others. Love is unlimited in that it is immaterial, but it takes material forms. love is practiced by, with, and on the body.... and the body, being physical, and material, is limited, and all thought exists in this fragile realm of aliveness of the body which must be maintained or which maintains itself through homeostasis I fail to fully contemplate

I dont think enough... how is it that i think all the time and. I dont think enough?

This is mercilessness.. I have to realize cruelty within myself. Often cruelty follows expectation. So love must come without expectation. Thus everyone is lovable and free to act as they are, as we must expect nothing of the people we love. Isn't this what is meant by "unconditional?"

And of course the concept of "unconditional love" relates again back to grand narrative, and thus we can interrogate this concept for how it serves the maintenance of a status quo [perhaps needless even to write, but then again, is anything? a status quo, if it exists, is clearly dissatisfying to many in the human populous, regularly expressed across multiple platforms of expression to be a source of pain...]

And must one prove the existence of convention? Of norm? Is it illusory to believe one can? Now I must personalize and so I ask myself, can I think outside of my own experience? Have I ever in my life thought outside of my own experience? How so? How can I use a brain that is not my own, and how can I think without my brain? Have I ever connected with anyone? Is it possible to do so? What does it mean to do so?

The answers to these questions are often drawn from grand narrative about love. what is love :3 baby dont hurt me

for many , love seems 2 call to mind pain..

this is tragic in the sense that i believe it is painful for others when they disagree love is a source of strength

but i admit this is an example of my thinking i know what is best for the selves of others

i am allowed my judgements of course but to what extent are they impositions? I sense danger in judgement because it harkens to the cruelty of expectation , which itself is an imposition which is like an assault

If we were unassaulted, if we were properly loved, could we be unlimited? Is there such thing as righteous love? Is righteousness unlimited? Or is this at odds with the very strict moral concept, that there is a right, and there is a wrong, and they are opposed forces? Is righteousness unlimited? Can righteousness be understood to be unlimited? Can I teach that righteousness is unlimited? Should I teach that righteousness is unlimited? Should I be obliged whatsoever?

Love is more than a moral question but is a moral question. Moral questions are social questions. I approach social analysis thru the study of narrative, linguistics, ideology... i suppose i will continue this approach, in writing, alongside the actions of my happenstance xp

[avacapriglione]

Virtual Sketchbook 3

The Triumph of Divine Love 

c. 1625 

Peter Paul Rubens 

Oil on canvas 

Before beginning my journey to the Ringling Museum of Art, I had no idea what to expect. I was first fascinated by the Italian and Renaissance art. There are seriously so many talented artists that speak through their work and we get to view it all! Although I enjoyed all the work this museum had to offer, there was one painting that stood out to me the most.  

The artwork I chose to study is The Triumph of Divine Love by Peter Paul Rubens. The painting was created with oil on canvas around the year 1625. Ruben’s painting is 17 feet tall and 12.6 feet wide. This picture does not do Ruben’s work as much justice as it should and is exceedingly large. There is an obvious focal point at the center of the painting showing a woman holding a baby. She is wearing a long red dress with a black shawl and is surrounded by sixteen angels. The woman is standing upon a cart being hauled by two lions. There are 4 angels standing at the bottom left corner, 1 angel on a lion in the bottom right, and 11 others creating a circle above the mother and infant from above. The charcoal-colored columns and sinister lighting along the sides and corners create a significant contrast against the pearl-colored sky highlighting the mother, baby, and angels. Two mistrustful lions are protruding through the dark at the bottom of the painting creating an eerie tone with their narrowed eyes.  

This painting portrays the genre of religious art and heavily emphasis a maternal figure; the Virgin Mary. The artist used a proportional gradience to highlight the woman in the center; a classical vignette. The position of each angel encircling the woman and infant creates tremendous balance and unity. Although the expressions of each angel are incompatible with one another, it creates variety.  

This piece of artwork made me feel nostalgia and a sense of empowerment. The way the artist positioned the mother and child created a sentimental feeling; one I can relate to. I was enticed at the detail of the emotions on everyone's face, including the lions. As I stepped further away taking note of the foreground, those feelings of sentiment faded. I noticed an evil expression on the lion and an angel holding a red heart well-lit on fire! Soon I began to question the true meaning of the painting and my perspective shifted. 

In Spain during the early 1600s, Ruben was a talented artist who was known for his religious paintings during the Baroque era. The daughter of the governor in the Spanish Netherlands commissioned Peter Paul Rubens to develop eleven painted tapestries to create: The Triumph of Eucharist. Ruben’s work was intended to motivate a specific element of Catholicism known as Eucharist. This involves eating bread and drinking wine representing the body and blood of Christ. Ruben may have been of the Catholic faith to paint such beautiful religious work. The artist intended to represent the worship of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus. Ruben did a wonderful job creating such a bright angelic focal point while also revealing the other side of the spectrum: evil and darkness on the outside.  

After further research and pondering, I began to understand the true message behind this painting. Of course, at the time, the Triumph of Divine Love was meant to play a significant role in the Counter Reformation. Throughout this assignment, I have learned how important it is to view art from a distance to truly comprehend the big picture. This painting today still highlights how we can overcome the forces of evil with unconditional or religious love. When I saw this painting, I immediately felt somehow connected to it. I grew up devoutly Christian and still practice my faith today. The first thing I noticed was the Virgin Mary holding Jesus and my heart was filled with gratitude. The style of this work is rich in detail and emotion. I wanted to further study the history and intentions behind this painting. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at the Ringling Museum and found great satisfaction discovering The Triumph of Divine Love.  

[shadystranger]

The post may not be a full-blown nuanced take, but it holds some truth to it if you view things from a certain perspective. It's true that Dean wanted to get Sam off his blood addiction, but let's do a breakdown of Dean's gripe with blood addiction in the first place. Was his objection rooted in moral grounds? It's possible, but unlikely given Dean's history. Up till the point he has navigated Sam's darker impulses with a level of tolerance or understanding, even enabled them at times. For instance, when Sam killed an innocent hunter, contracted the Croatoan virus, or there came up that foreboding omen about Sam's eventual monstrosity forewarned by higher, unbiased figures like John, angels, Azazel, Gordon, and other hunters —Dean turned a deaf ear to all of them and remained adamant in his bias to Sam. Doesn't help that after Azazel's suggestion that Sam might be "wrong," Sam's behavior did escalate, becoming extreme enough to unsettle Dean (he goes overkill and slightly bloodthirsty) and Dean does nothing about it/sweeps it under a rug without ever addressing the blaring red signs of it.

So following this, there *does* exist textual evidence that Dean has a capacity to take in Sam's monstrosity; no matter what form it takes, he can stretch his line of moral code to accommodate Sam specifically. Dean so far has placed Sam in a category of unconditional redemption, separating him from others who had become explicitly "dark side," like the rogue psychic kids or the humans turned monsters. He repeatedly dismissed any connections or similarities between Sam and these failures or beings that needed to be "hunted." When Sam began to lose his humanity, Dean's response was never to put him down but to do everything possible to ensure his survival, even if it meant compromising his own principles. But come demon blood, and he acts borderline irrationally and unreasonably about it. Yes It might be because monster bad brother good and whatnot but there's more nuance and grey layers to it I believe especially when you approach this topic not as a separate situation but a byproduct and result of a much bigger chain of events and situations.

Dean's intense detestation to demon blood can be attributed to: 1_ an inherent hatred of demons and the mere association with them (although he doesn't put too much emphasis on this one) 2_ the entanglement of humanity and monstrosity 3_ the addictive nature of the blood 4_ Dean's own jealousy and his protectiveness over Sam. The narrative presents these as the primary reasons behind Dean's stance. Aside from the last two, the rest are less convincing or secondary because, in other situations (like previously mentioned), Dean has demonstrated the ability to overlook or gloss over these concerns when it comes to Sam. They don't have a substantial consistency carried out by Dean to trace back to.

The thing about demon blood is that being dependent on an external source is inherent to it. If Sam became addicted, by virtue, he must have a constant supply, and since the sky isn't raining demons, this makes Ruby crucial. Dean's criticism of Ruby wasn't solely focused on the monstrosity she brought along. His objections fluctuated between the negative influence she had on Sam and his own personal gripes, like the time he was packing his bags and telling Sam to go hunt with her since he doesn't need him anymore. That's a testament of his vulnerability and emotional distress caused by the displacement of his importance in Sam's life. His disappointment/shock that given the choice Sam'd replace him or it'll not be just the two of them like it is so in his painstakingly crafted ideal is what throws him in disorder. It's also worth it to ask why to Dean, Ruby is either overtaking or running opposite to his role in Sam's life or both. But aside from that, Dean's words weren't about monsters or demons, but rather a reflection of Dean's fear of losing the close/unparalleled bond he had always envisioned with Sam, a bond he had worked hard to preserve. Ironically, Dean spent more time hinting at these personal fears than addressing the actual danger of Ruby, like the time Sam breaks out the panic room and partners with Ruby to go kill Lilith and Dean casually comparing this rather consequential/grave act to Sam's running away from home. Quite literally after this moment he alludes Sam leaving here to Stanford on a 1:1 and that's definitely not the reaction of someone who the end of the world is presumably looming over and is concerned with his brother's monstrosity rather than his brother's abandonment of him. But Dean is not someone who goes bare out with his feelings, especially about himself. Dean often disguises his personal desires as part of a larger mission, like when he pretended that saving Sam was necessary for the world, even though the real reason was that he simply wanted Sam alive for his own sake.

Coin that with his constantly-shifting stance against Sam using demon blood. One moment, Dean is accusing Sam of betraying their relationship by partnering with Ruby. At another, he's labeling Sam a monster that needed to be "hunted." Just before that, he argued that Ruby was intentionally getting Sam addicted and was leaving him high, cranking out for another hit and that he didn’t want to see Sam like that & she was flagrantly hurting Sam. Dean’s concerns stemmed from genuine care for Sam here, but in the same breath, he was telling Bobby he would rather let Sam die in the panic room just hours or a day ago. This inconsistency in his reasoning shows that Dean's arguments were conspicuously about his fear of losing Sam, either to Ruby or to the power imbalance that could arise from Sam becoming something much greater than him. Dean wasn’t ready to become expendable to Sam.

His thinly-veiled objections to demon blood often came from a place of convenience and plausibility rather than complete honesty. And the man was desperate, God help if you'll ever catch Dean king of cognitive dissonance coming clean. So instead of admitting he can NOT lose Sam to any person or metaphysical concept, he tries—gaslighting Sam, pleading with him, forcing him to compel through violence, manipulating him through faith or family, appealing to Sam he just wants the best for him, exploiting Sam's love for him, and Sam's desperation to be good—man was using every tactic in the book to stop Sam from following through with Ruby. And the -it means you're a monster- was highlikely another banger drop of a hat he blurted amidst his ever-evolving mental gymnastical attempts to convince Sam not to fall through with his plans, you can tell from his time in the church and the voice note he left he genuinely doesn't attribute much weight to it past a convenient Sam-manipulating tactic, otherwise he wouldn't have accepted Sam as easily as he did.

It's always important to remember that the rawest and most primary reason dean hated the demon-blood addiction had everything to do with ruby and nothing to do with morality. she was a threat. there's that one novel where dean gets jealous and irritated by the presence of another guy sam befriends, and one line of thought he has in it goes like "it should be you and me but on days it feels like you and me and whatever third person you decide for the day" and it's basically that

[gravitascivics]

JUDGING LIBERATED FEDERALISM, V

This blog, over a great number of past postings, has been presenting a dialectic argument that traces the history of political biases in this nation. More specifically, it has traced the common view of governance and politics among the population from an original parochial/traditional view to a natural rights view.  Added to that narrative, the blog has described a current challenge to the natural rights view, that being critical theory.  In each case, the blog has presented these views from the perspective of an advocate for each view respectively.

And now, this blogger presents a proposed synthesis, the liberated federalism view, which he promotes.  In this endeavor, it’s time to present this last construct – to describe and explain it.  But before the actual model is described, some of its elements need to be identified. In doing so, this blog will dedicate several postings to this task, starting with this entry and the ones to follow.

The first element is the covenant or compact.  This element, for the purposes of this model, retains its meaning found in the parochial/traditional perspective,[1] but because of the current social and political environment, which is encouraged by the natural rights perspective, certain attributes need to be emphasized.

         Unfortunately, the term, covenant, as it is currently used, has become synonymous with the word contract. But within this model there is a significant difference between the idea of contract, and that of covenant or compact. Contracts are agreements between or among individuals or groups over limited issues or binding clauses. Covenant or compacts refer to obligations that:

 … ought to be seen as more comprehensive and more binding … [It] suggests an indefeasible commitment and a continuing relationship.  The bond is relatively unconditional, relatively indissoluble …

           Covenant is more ambiguous [than contract] … The ensuing obligations are not fully specified in advance; instead, they derive from the nature and history of the relationship.  Respect for parents, nurture of children, civic virtue:  these duties and ideals are neither founded in consent nor created through negotiation [as in the case of contracts].[2]

 And with this quote, this account will begin to describe what Philip Selznick shares with his readers concerning the various elements that this blogger relates to liberated federalism, the construct under review.[3]

The function of a covenant or compact includes making clear what the fundamental moral attributes and standards are in the union formed by those involved in agreeing to the provisions of such a document. That is, there is an explicit or implied deference to moral determination beyond individual will, a positive view of the self that can make and keep such commitments, a genuine interest in the welfare of fellow members in the union, and a clear listing of principles for a distinguished and identifiable way of life.  

These notions of a covenant or compact run parallel to those espoused by Daniel Elazar in his writings concerning federalism.[4]  And in this, readers should take note that this rendition of what federalism is does recognize its structural elements – especially in terms of government structure – but the emphasis is more on what Elazar calls its processes – those ways of conducting business which honor the notion of being federated or of being partners with others.

Along with covenant or compact is the next element of this model, which is equality.  Equality, as identified in this nation’s basic national covenant – the Declaration of Independence – which is a foundational document.  It has a strong moral component utilizing both religious and secular thinking.  If nothing else, experience has shown the evil that follows when the moral principles of this hallowed document are disregarded, particularly in relation to ensuing travesties to human dignity and to the conceptions of personhood.

More ambitiously, equality acts to encourage, from a collective or communal state of mind, the formulation of a reflected and felt constitution – a true expression of a people since this principle assures that all need to be on equal standing within the arrangement.  And beyond equality’s role in the formulation of a constitution, the same sense and value motivate the creation and maintenance of a healthy commonwealth that is derived from that constitution.  “Moral equality is the postulate that all persons have the same intrinsic worth.”[5]

Selznick describes this element from two levels: baseline equality and equal treatment – more on this below.  At either level, equality refers to the belief that despite inequality in talent, wealth, health or other assets, the entailed value calls for equal consideration of all persons’ well-being, that all have an equal right to maintain their dignity and integrity as individual persons.  This ascribed status is given, by this researcher, the title of constitutional integrity.

Constitutional integrity has a normative quality since it reflects a respect for being human beyond the biological aspects of that condition.  Selznick quotes Bernard Williams on this point:

 That all men are human is, if a tautology, a useful one, serving as a reminder that those who belong anatomically to the species homo sapiens, and can speak a language, use tools, live in societies, can interbreed despite racial differences, etc. are also alike in certain other respects more likely to be forgotten.  These respects are notably the capacity to feel pain, both from immediate physical causes and from various situations represented in perception and thought; and the capacity to feel affection for others and the consequences of this, connected with frustration of this affection, loss of its objects.[6]

 Factually, the judgment is made from the behavior of humans, that homo sapiens are equal in their ability to make moral choices. There exist no elite standing in this regard; each is humbled by the leveling attribute; each is subject to moral discretions; each can realize fully his or her own capacities as a person. These attributes are what lead to meaningful self-respect and a sense of empathy that allows one to reach out to others according to Selznick and, upon reflection, one’s own common sense.

Equality has certain aspects that Selznick uses to further analyze this element.  The first, as indicated above, is what he calls baseline equality.  This aspect refers to the minimal level of equality to which each person is entitled.  It is constitutionally or formally defined.  In the history of the United States, this in turn, has to do with jurisprudential development of the Fourteenth Amendment in regard to its provision of equal protection[7] and, to some degree, the due process provisions.[8]

Of particular concern are the legal entanglements of the fundamental interests of the states, the rights of individuals as they are identified in the Bill of Rights, and the corollary issue of suspect classification (when a group or class is judged to have been subject to discrimination).  That concern suggests two questions:

 ·       Do the actions of the state represent fundamental interests of that government as defined by its police powers, such as public safety, and justify any adverse treatment of individuals?

·       And how do those interests compare to the rights of individuals affected by those actions?  

 These questions suggest that when situations are targeted against some group or person, what are the countervailing values:  usually the value of equality vs. the value of some legitimate state interest.  In addition, Selznick asks whether individuals who are adversely affected by the actions of the state are members of a group with a history of constitutional abuse being directed against them.

         That writer highlights the effects of history and the relation of individuals to their commonwealth:

 The constitutional doctrine of equal protection does not ignore or erase differences of talent, achievement, contribution, or good fortune.  It is not a device for leveling gradations or for making society more homogeneous.  It is, however, a path to community. Equal protection speaks above all to membership, and membership presumes that all who belong share a core identity. This identity is wholly compatible with rich diversity so long as that diversity does not undermine equality of membership.  The most serious threat to such equality is division based on moral stigma.  Whatever its source, whether it be a certain racial or ethnic origin or level of native intelligence, the effect of moral stigma is to rank some people as intrinsically less worthy than others. Vindication of moral equality, in the face of strong impulses toward moral hierarchy, is the primary mission of equal protection of the law.[9]

Within a community there is the expectation that all members can fully participate or else there can be no meaningful commonwealth.  There is not just an expectation of being protected against abuses of power, but a whole range of duties and rights attached to membership and to the protection of being members.  

While these rights and duties might be bound by limited resources and options, they are what make membership meaningful.  And this line of thought will be further pursued in the following posting as it addresses equal treatment, the other form of equality identified by Selznick.  But before leaving this notion of baseline equality, the term should be held with serious consideration and commitment among the populace of a federated union.

[1] In a few words, covenants or compacts are sacred agreements that usually set up arrangements among people.  Actually, the overall classification is compacts, of which covenants is one type. Covenants call on God to witness the agreement and compacts, unless they are covenants, do not.  In everyday life, marriage vows are either covenants or regular compacts.  The Declaration of Independence is a covenant; the US Constitution is a compact.

[2] Philip Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth:  Social Theory and the Promise of Community (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1992), 479-480.

[3] Ibid.

[4] For example, Daniel J. Elazar, “Federal Models of (Civil) Authority,” Journal of Church and State, 33, 2 (March 1, 1991), 231-254 AND Elazar, D. J. (1994). How federal is the Constitution? Thoroughly. In a booklet of readings, Readings for Classes Taught by Professor Elazar (1994), prepared for a National Endowment for the Humanities Institute. Conducted in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, 1-30.

[5] Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth, 483.

[6] Ibid., 483-484.

[7] Mark V. Tushnet, “Equal Protection,” in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court, edited by Kermit L. Hall (New York, NY:  Oxford University Press, 1992), 257-259.

[8] Thomas O. Sargentich, “Due Process, Procedural,” in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court, edited by Kermit L. Hall (New York, NY:  Oxford University Press, 1992), 236-237 AND Peter C. Hoffer, “Due Process, Substantive,” in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court, edited by Kermit L. Hall (New York, NY:  Oxford University Press, 1992), 237-239.

[9] Selznick, The Moral Commonwealth, 489, emphasis in the original.

[autokratorissa]

Believing one’s enemies deserve death isn’t an “online leftist” thing, it’s a pervasive historical phenomenon in every age and population and context. There is a world outside what you see online, don’t mistake things which are visible online for being things which originate online. For starters, every revolutionary movement has basically thought this, inevitably so. The French revolutionaries were pearless humanists and lovers of humanity, and they discovered, faced up to, and resolved the apparent paradox that a universal, unconditional love for everyone meant to hate humanity, and a universal love for humanity meant to hate certain people. They were far smarter people than you or I and they cut this Gordian knot centuries ago, there’s no need for us to re-invent the wheel. If you love humanity, you have to fight those who seek to oppress and enslave and degrade humanity; if you love humanity, you have to seek to oppress and destroy those humans who are opposed to humanity. If you want to take humanism seriously, and make it a robust political principle, this is what you have to do, there’s no escaping it— and you shouldn’t want to. Robespierre was especially eloquent on this, but to save space and time I’ll quote the historian Sophie Wahnich, writing about the position Robespierre and others reached vis-a-vis the demands of real humanism:

Robespierre is thus [by calling for the execution of Louis XVI] replying here with a veritable call to vengeance, and stressing the necessity to choose one’s camp in order to found the values of the Revolution: happiness, equality, justice. [...] The revolutionaries directly experienced this conflict over human sentiments, and the manner in which they dealt with it determined their political camp. [...] It was thus in the name of humanity, and to struggle against one’s particular emotions, that it became imperative in the eyes of the revolutionaries to constrain their immediate sentiment of humanity. [...] The Terror thus brought two sentiments of humanity into conflict. One of these, committed to saving bodies indifferently (those of friends, enemies, accomplices, traitors, slaves) so as not to injure its sentiment of natural humanity, was attached above all to the life of each human being as such, while the other was attached to preserving the meaning that a person wishes to give to life, to the common wellbeing. Emotion towards living human beings seems constrained by a different emotion, arising from the risk of seeing damage not to human bodies, not to bare lives, but to the foundation of their humanity, i.e. their mutual liberty. This is why ‘we have to desire the Terror as we desire liberty’ [Claude Lefort]. This is always an effort — a constraint on oneself, on one’s personal sentiments, on natural emotions. Here, what is involved with the definition of the sentiment of ‘humanity’ as no longer a natural but a political sentiment is also the notion of ‘fraternity’, which must no longer describe the vast family of the human race, but rather the political capacity of men to produce effective conventions of peace. In this respect, ‘fraternity’ becomes above all else a political sentiment specific to men who respect natural right. The notion of ‘humanity’ is then no longer a descriptive notion, but a prescriptive one: it is the dutiful character of the human race, provided that the French revolutionaries do not fail.

(Sophie Wahnich, In Defence of the Terror (Verso, 2012), pp. 50–53, emphasis added. Wahnich is quoting Robespierre and others extensively in these pages, so if you want to see what they were saying themselves this is also a good source for that.)

Anyway: a revolution is a struggle to the death (Castro), communism is a hammer to smash our enemies (Mao— are these—and Robespierre!—online leftists?); you need to do a hell of a lot more than to think (!) about how to help (!) and heal (!) your enemies to fundamentally alter the balance of power in society. I agree that we shouldn’t be worrying about who “deserves” what—I’d go so far as to say that kind of moralism is reactionary and opposed to genuinely revolutionary politics—but to think that this means we should view those who are trying to immiserate, oppress, and even kill us as friends and people we need to heal is bizarre. And is that not also thinking about the world in terms of what people deserve? Inverting the judgement doesn’t change what kind of judgement it is, you’re doing exactly what you claim to oppose. And all this is to say nothing of the eye-watering idealism of thinking changing the world is a matter of having good intentions towards the people who oppress us.

Read actual humanists. Read Machiavelli; read the French revolutionaries; read the young Marx; read Ernst Bloch: universal love is a reactionary emotion when elevated to an ideological principle in the context of a society in which humans are not the same and they are divided into hostile groups, because to do so is to call on them to treat everyone equally, i.e. to ignore what makes them really different in favour of the ideological fiction of what supposedly makes them the same, something which can only aid those who have power and harm those who don’t.

And as a final thought: loving people is easy. Love is like water; it flows out of us freely like blood from a cut, it’s difficult to dam up, and it can drown us and flood whole countries, bringing misery and death. At best it is a blunt hammer, one of which you never quite know where and what it’ll strike when it’s swung; at worst it is a suffocating pillow that levels everything and strangles out any fresh air and clarity of thought and action. Hate, or anger, and especially indignation—what Aristotle called the moral virtue of nemesis, righteous indingnation at injustice—is scalpel-like, laser-focused on its target, precise in scope and aim and fixated on concrete change. Revolutions and social transformations are emotionally-laden processes, as is anything that involves millions of people— or one. Everything human will occur in a revolution, in the changing from one kind of society to the next. We don’t need to worry about certain emotions being somehow left out; they will grip the minds and hearts of masses of people and play their roles. But if we’re going to go about praising certain emotions and ascribing to them immense revolutionary potential, let’s not make it something as nondescript and prone to collaborationism as love; let’s not be so palpably Christian and so utterly trapped within slave morality. If you’re going to be a humanist, at least be a good one, and embrace hate as part of love and, to parpahrase Robespierre, learn to suppress some of your feelings of common humanity towards tyrants lest you lose sight of the mass of humanity and the goal of freedom which you are meant to be fighting for.

Online leftists will be like "My enemies deserve death." Not realizing that thinking about the world in terms of who deserves what is the problem that got us here in the first place, and it is only by thinking about what your enemies need in order to be better (and what your allies and the world and the oppressed need) can healing and change happen. We cant overthrow systems of oppression by adopting the same oppressive mindsets that got us there in the firat place. Stop talking about wanting to hurt and kill your enemies and do the hard work of loving them instead. I dont want to tear down capitalism only for a new oppressive form of society to take its place, I want a socialism that values humans full stop with no caveats or asterisks.