#Neuroscience of self-control

[mehmetyildizmelbourne-blog]

The Benefits & the Use of Ulysses Contract

How to Outsmart Your Future Self: Understanding A sample chapter from my new book, “Train Your Brain for a Healthier and Happier Life.” Hello, dear subscribers. Have you ever promised to wake up early, exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, not get angry about minor things, or stick to a savings plan — only to watch your future self break that promise? Why do we sometimes sabotage our best…

[fatfemmefreaquency]

seeing people uncritically discuss behavioural psych as if it hasn’t almost all been thoroughly debunked is wild to me

[ansautism]

CDC's Developmental Milestones - 18 Months

By 18 months, most children are able to...

Move away from parent, but still look to make sure they are close by.

Point to show something interesting.

Put hands out for parent/guardian to wash them.

Look at a few pages in a book.

Help parent/guardian dress them by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot.

Try to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada."

Follow one step directions without any gestures.

Copy doing chores, like sweeping with a broom.

Play with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car.

Walk without holding on to anyone or anything.

Scribble.

Drink from a cup without a lid (may spill sometimes).

Feed self with fingers.

Try to use a spoon.

Climb on and off a couch or chair without help.

-CDC, Eighteen Months

[fastlane-freedom]

Breaking the Cycle of Craving: A Scientific Approach

Cravings, whether for food, substances, or certain behaviours, can be powerful and challenging to overcome. The cycle of craving involves a complex interplay of psychological, neurological, and physiological factors. Understanding the science behind cravings is crucial for developing effective strategies to break free from their grip. In this blog, we will explore the scientific underpinnings of…

[lnk-and-lnspiration]

The Neuroscience of a Growth Mindset

The idea of a growth mindset has gained a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason. Research has shown that having a growth mindset can lead to greater success and happiness in life. But what exactly is happening in the brain when we adopt a growth mindset? In this post, we’ll explore the neuroscience behind a growth mindset and how it can benefit us. One of the key aspects of a…

[moonyswifee]

This is for my Law of Assumption, manifestation girlies–

i know everyone sees this everywhere because its the basis of the entire law, but,

your 4d is your reality. your 3d is just a reflection of it.

think of it this way, for eg there's a mirror and youre standing in front of the mirror. now, there's two versions of yourselves that you can see. one, which is literally you in hard physical form; and the second in the mirror, which is just a reflection. its not even real.

now, your mirror self does not control you physical body. its the other way round. you control your reflection.

your 3d is just the mirror reflection, guys. your 4d is the real shit. thats the real deal, where change takes place. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

if youre standing in front of the mirror and your reflection lifts its arm, thats not going to make you lift your arm. if you lift your arm, thats when the change occurs in the reflection. you are in control of that.

like, it HAS to change. the reflection in the mirror HAS to change because its LAW. its literal PHYSICS. its SCIENCE you guys, the reflection has to change.

just like that, your 3d also HAS to change if your 4d changes. it has to because that is also LAW. its called the LAW of assumption. why are you looking for logic in it??? so many people are gaining hundreds of dollars OVERNIGHT and you're still doubting something that always existed????? its SCIENCE, you guys its literally psychology, physics, and goddamn neuroscience. IT IS PROVEN THAT THOUGHTS SHAPE YOUR REALITY. there was a legit study conducted on this. why are you still doubting yourself????

this has been the best analogy for me so far because i too had immense difficulty actually believing that it would come true, until i realised, it already has. its already true in my 4d. i have already got that desire in my 4d. how does it even matter what the 3d shows??? my 4d matters. thats what shapes my reality. and you know what the 4d is BLIND. your subconscious is literally BLIND guys. you are already given the best possible circumstances to get whatever you want, why are you still doubting and crying????

whenever i start to waver from my affirmations, i just always think back to the mirror analogy, and that it has actually already happened in the original reality which is the 4d. the 3d does not matter. irrelevant. (im not saying to shut the 3d out its actually quite lovely but dont let that stop u from assuming u have your desires).

you can literally scroll for hours and hours on end, searching and reading through numerous posts on tumblr, videos on YouTube, you can go searching for "signs" from the universe everywhere (do that if it makes you feel good tho) and rant and complain about how its "not happening" and you're just "not good at manifesting". but you know what? no one, literally NO ONE on this entire planet, even the most master manifestors can convince you to change your mindset, or believe in your affirmations, if you dont. you need to take the first step for yourself. you cant have your cake and eat it. even manifesting takes DISCIPLINE and hardwork. not in the hustle culture way normalised by society, but you NEED to train your mind and your thoughts and maintain a mental diet in order to get to the easy part. you have to prep your brain for the easy part to come in.

i promise you your blessings are literally almost here. they are already here. the only reason you have not gotten them is because you are standing between you and your blessings and manifestations. the universe sends the desires the minute you say it, but they cant get to your reality, if you are restricting them from entering your reality.

so literally just decide. affirm. and keep. persisting. that's legit all there is. you can always always try more techniques and methods of course if you want to and you feel good about it. but do not get stressed about it. its supposed to be fun, not draining. BELIEVE for once. if it had to work out by you not believing yourself and not trusting the universe, it would have. but it hasnt. and for that to change you must trust. however unrealistic that may be.

my inbox is open if anyone has any questions always ofc <3

[the-most-humble-blog]

🧬👻 “You Think You’re You? That’s Adorable.”

You’re not even fully human. You’re a haunted meat golem with Wi-Fi and anxiety.

ACT I — The Lie You’re Living

Ah, yes. You wake up. Brush your teeth. Sip your coffee. Scroll your phone. You feel like a real person with thoughts, memories, preferences.

Cute.

Because here’s the punchline, sweet summer child:

You’re not even 100% human.

ACT II — What You Really Are

You’re a walking, talking orgy of multiple species. Part human. Part bacteria. Part fungus. Part virus. Part ancient ape. And 100% confused spaghetti code pretending to have a soul.

The human body? A biological group project between evolution, gut microbes, parasitic DNA hitchhikers, and ancient mitochondria that used to be their own species.

Your body contains:

More non-human cells than human ones.

Bacteria that outnumber your own cells 10 to 1.

DNA from viruses, ancient fungi, and unclassifiable “dark genome” segments that we literally do not understand.

You are not a person. You’re a biofilm with opinions.

ACT III — You’re a Colony. Not an Individual.

Think about this:

Your thoughts can be influenced by the bacteria in your gut.

Your moods are affected by your microbiome.

Your decisions can shift depending on what fungus you inhaled that day.

Your attraction to people? Might be chemical signals from your skin flora.

You ever get a “gut feeling”?

That might literally be your intestinal bacteria whispering strategy into your brain.

And you thought you were “making a choice.”

ACT IV — Are You Even There?

Let’s go deeper:

You don’t control your heartbeat. You don’t control your dreams. You don’t control what you forget, or when you cry, or what triggers your trauma. You don’t control the timing of your thoughts.

So the question is:

Who the f*ck is actually driving this meat suit?

Because neuroscience doesn’t know. Religion argues. Philosophy hyperventilates. And physics just stares blankly into the void.

ACT V — You Might Be a Ghost. Or Just a Glitch.

You’re either:

A consciousness that’s somehow haunting a nervous system

A chemical puppet with enough complexity to simulate free will

A hallucination of self generated by accidental electro-meat fireworks

Or, worst of all:

A network of sub-selves constantly arguing while pretending they’re one “I.”

Shocking Truth?

Science has no consensus on what consciousness actually is.

Nobody knows if it’s:

An emergent property

A soul

A quantum algorithm

A shared delusion

Or a horrifying accident we’ve decided to romanticize

ACT VI — Logic Tests That Will Wreck You

Ready to lose sleep? Try these reality-breaking diagnostics:

🧠 Logic Trap 1: “When Are You?”

Your brain processes input with a delay. What you’re experiencing right now actually happened a few milliseconds ago. So… if you’re always behind the present… Where is “now”? And who’s watching it?

🧠 Logic Trap 2: “The Ship of Self”

Every 7 years, your cells have completely regenerated. You are literally not made of the same matter you were as a child. If your body changed… and your thoughts changed… What stayed the same? Who’s left?

🧠 Logic Trap 3: “The False First Person”

What if every time you go to sleep, the “you” that wakes up is a copy? You remember yesterday… but so does the copy. Are you just a rebooted save file that thinks it’s original?

🧠 Logic Trap 4: “The Brain In The Room”

The only proof you have that anyone else exists is sensory input. You could be a brain in a jar, hallucinating all this. Can you prove you’re not?

FINAL VERDICT — You’re Not “You.” You’re Just a Temporary Pattern.

A mind is not a soul. It’s a self-updating hallucination stabilized by hormones, trauma, diet, genetics, and luck.

And when you die?

That pattern ends. And everything you called “you” dissolves into meat, memory, and microbial decay.

The ghost leaves. The flesh rots. The world keeps spinning. No refunds. No backups. No explanations.

🔁 Reblog if you’ve ever felt like something else is steering. 👁 Comment if you’ve questioned your reality since age 9. 🧬 Follow if you’re ready to peel back your face and find the universe staring back.

⚖️ LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

This post is intended as philosophical commentary, not psychiatric advice. If you’re spiraling, eat something, touch grass, and don’t take your thoughts too literally. If you feel like nothing is real… congrats. You’re officially more qualified than most philosophers.

[mywitchyblog]

Debunking anti-Aging Rethoric (Again)

Thanks @lizzy4president for this post, and I will debunk it accordingly. It seems that these cultists/Shiftokers don’t know shit about shifting or how it works. No matter how much theoretical knowledge you have about shifting, there are things you will never know unless you have shifted yourself—and I mean full-on shifts, not minishifts. That said, I will debunk this:

My age Changing Post :

My Masterlist :

So, let’s talk about the whole “aging down is weird because your consciousness retains your current age” nonsense that these people keep pushing. First off, this argument shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how reality shifting works. When you shift to a different age in your Desired Reality (DR), you're not just playing dress-up or pretending to be younger—you become that age in every sense of the word.

Immersive Experience: The Reality of Aging Down

In your DR, you don’t just take on a younger appearance while keeping the maturity of your Original Reality (OR) self. No, it’s way deeper than that. Your entire cognitive and emotional framework adapts to the age you’ve shifted to. If you script yourself as a 14-year-old, you don’t walk around with the mindset of a 30-year-old stuck in a teenager’s body. You fully embody the mindset, emotions, and maturity of a 14-year-old. This isn’t just about physical changes—your brain, your thoughts, and your emotional responses align with that younger age.

Neuroscience backs this up too. Maturity is tied to the development of specific brain regions, like the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for things like decision-making and impulse control. When you shift, your consciousness adapts to the brain development appropriate for that age in your DR. You’re not lugging your OR brain around; instead, you’re operating with the cognitive equipment that matches your DR age. This means that in your DR, you’re not a 30-year-old thinking like a 14-year-old—you’re truly 14 with the maturity that comes with that age​.

Debunking the Consciousness Retention Myth

Now, some folks seem to think that when you shift to a younger age, you somehow retain your OR “adult consciousness.” This is pure bullshit. When you shift, your consciousness isn’t this fixed, immovable thing that drags your OR mentality into your DR. It’s adaptable and fluid. If you script or intend to be a teenager, your consciousness adjusts to that reality—period. There’s no “adult awareness” hanging around in the background. Your thoughts, decisions, and reactions all align with your DR age​.

The Fallacies Behind Anti-Aging Rhetoric

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why these anti-aging arguments are straight-up flawed. The rhetoric used against aging down is packed with logical fallacies that just don’t hold up when you actually understand shifting.

Straw Man Fallacy: This is when someone misrepresents an argument to make it easier to attack. Anti-aging down critics love to claim that anyone who shifts to a younger age is doing it for creepy, inappropriate reasons. They simplify the complexity of shifting into a caricature, which makes it easier for them to criticize. But that’s not how it works. Shifters age down for countless reasons—healing, exploration, nostalgia—and it’s not all about sexual or romantic intentions​.

Hasty Generalization: This fallacy happens when someone takes a limited number of cases and makes a broad, sweeping statement. Anti-aging rhetoric often assumes that if one person ages down for inappropriate reasons, then everyone who ages down must be doing the same. This ignores the vast majority of shifters who age down for completely innocent and personal reasons. Thesehoes need to stop making assumptions based on a few bad apples and recognize the diversity of experiences in the shifting community​.

False Equivalence: Here’s a big one. Critics often equate shifting to a younger age with being an adult in a child’s body in the OR, implying that it’s somehow the same as being predatory or inappropriate in the OR. This is a total false equivalence. When you shift, you fully become that younger self—your consciousness, maturity, and experiences align with that age in the DR. It’s not even remotely comparable to being an adult trying to live as a child in the OR​.

Slippery Slope: This fallacy suggests that if you allow one thing to happen (like aging down), it will inevitably lead to something much worse. Anti-aging critics often argue that allowing or accepting aging down will lead to more predatory behavior or normalize inappropriate desires or even the presence of pedophiles in the Shifting Community. But there’s no evidence to back this up. Aging down is about fully embracing and experiencing life at a different age, not about some slippery slope into immoral behavior​.

Addressing the Ethical Concerns

A lot of people throw around ethical concerns like they’re confetti, especially when it comes to aging down. They’re quick to scream, “But it’s creepy!” without understanding the actual reasons why someone might want to age down. Spoiler: it’s not always about romance or sex and in some cases it s even acceptable because you dont know why they do the things that they do what if someone got an traumatic event like SA in highschool and wish to replace it with a healthy moment ? Or someone got chated on and wished to see how things wouldve been ? Or someone was going to have an aooportunity like that but has missed out on it ? If someone yearns for the teenage romance eveyone and their mother in films movies and TV series love to push ? This is not shifting for predatory reasons far from it.

For many shifters, aging down is about healing or exploring stages of life they didn’t get to fully experience in their OR. It could be about reliving a simpler time, overcoming past traumas, or just enjoying the freedom and innocence that comes with being younger. It’s a deeply personal process, and it’s not inherently sexual or predatory​.

Infinite Realities and Subjective Morals

Let’s not forget that shifting involves infinite realities, each with its own set of rules and morals. What might be seen as inappropriate in one reality could be completely normal in another. This idea that OR morals are the blueprint for every DR is just plain wrong. If you’re aging down in your DR, it’s because that reality’s context allows it, and there’s nothing inherently weird or wrong about that. It’s time to stop judging DR experiences by OR standards​.

Conclusion: Embrace the Full Experience

In conclusion, aging down isn’t weird, predatory, or inappropriate. When you shift, you become that age completely—mentally, emotionally, and cognitively. The arguments against this practice are based on misunderstandings, fallacies, and a lack of real shifting experience. Shifting is about exploring and fully immersing yourself in another reality, and that includes becoming the age you choose to shift to. So, the next time someone tells you that aging down is weird, just remember: they don’t know what they’re talking about, and you’re the one who truly understands the depth of the shifting experience.

[torturedreid]

Paid In Conversation

escort reader x spencer reid

w.c: 3.3k

not really sure if it needs warnings

(divider by @diviniyae )

The bar isn't the worst place you’ve worked but it's far from the best. It’s one of those dimly lit spots just off of the Strip, filled with a mix of tourists who wandered too far and locals who know better than to waste their money on casinos. The kind of place where the music is low, the drinks are overpriced, and no one asks too many questions.

You’re perched on a barstool, nursing a barely-touched cocktail you have no intention of drinking, scanning the room for potential business. A guy in an expensive suit keeps sneaking glances at you, but he’s already had too much to drink-- too sloppy. Another man at the end of the bar hasn’t looked up from his phone in ten minutes.

And then there’s him.

The man sitting alone at the corner table, fingers wrapped around a sweating glass of water like it’s something stronger. His shirt is buttoned all the way up but wrinkled, his sleeves are rolled to his elbows, and his tie is loosened just slightly. It's like he got halfway through shedding it and then gave up. Tousled curls frame his face, sharp cheekbones, a delicate jawline– handsome in a bookish way, but there's something tired about him. His hazel eyes are unfocused, staring through the glass instead of at it. His shoulders are slightly hunched, the posture of someone carrying too much weight. He’s not here for the same reason as the other men in this bar.

You know loneliness when you see it. 

He doesn’t look like the type to seek out an escort, but that's the thing about loneliness—it doesn’t discriminate.

It pays.

You pick up your now room temp cocktail and slide off the barstool, moving with slow, practiced ease. The kind that catches attention without looking desperate for it. His eyes don’t flick to you the way most people do. He’s not watching the way your dress clings to your hips, not tracking your movements in the mirror behind the bar. 

Interesting.

You stop beside his table, tilting your head slightly. “Mind if I sit?”

For a second, he doesn’t react, like he didn't hear you. Then, his head snaps up, blinking at you with an expression that borders on confusion.

“I–uh, sure,” he says, his voice softer than you’d expected.

You ease into the chair across from him, crossing your legs, letting the slow slide of the fabric against your skin do most of the work. If he notices, he doesn’t show it.

“You look like you could use a drink,” you say, nodding to the water in his hands.

He glances at the glass like he’d forgotten it was there. “I don’t drink much.”

“Ah.” You take a slow sip from your own glass, watching him over the rim. “One of those rare men with self-control.”

His lips twitch in something that isn’t quite a smile. “It’s not really about self-control,” he says, fingers tapping lightly against the side of his glass. “Alcohol affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory formation. It also impairs the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making. And considering the human brain doesn’t fully mature until about twenty-five, habitual drinking before that can–”

He stops abruptly, as if realizing he’s been talking too much. His mouth presses into a thin line. “Sorry.”

You blink.

Most men in bars talk too much, but not like this. You were expecting an awkward joke, maybe some overconfident flirting– not a spontaneous neuroscience lecture.

“No need to apologize,” you say, amused. “You a scientist or something?”

He hesitates. “Not exactly. I work for the FBI.”

That catches you off guard.

You arch a brow. “Really?”

“Behavioural Analysis Unit. I study criminal behaviour to catch offenders.”

A profiler.

Well, shit.

Your instinct tells you to leave. You’ve learnt to be careful in this job, and you know better than to let law enforcement get too interested in you, but he doesn’t seem suspicious. If anything, he looks…drained.

“So you’re one of those guys who gets inside people’s heads,” you say.

He exhales softly. “I try not to. Not all the time anyway.”

“Why not?”

A shadow passes behind his eyes. He hesitates, like the answer is bigger than he wants it to be.

“Because it makes it hard to be alone with my own thoughts,” he admits.

Something about the way he says it– it isn’t dramatic or performative. Just honest.

For the first time, you reconsider your approach.

But you’re not a therapist, you’re here to make money.

You shift, adjusting the conversation. “Well, you’re in Vegas. For work assumedly but that doesnt mean you can’t enjoy yourself.”

“I don’t really know how to do that.”

You huff a quiet laugh. “That might be the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.”

He shrugs, unbothered. “It’s true. I’ve never been great at doing things just for fun.”

“Ever?”

His jaw tightens slightly. “I used to read a lot.”

“You used to?”

“It’s been harder lately,” he mutters as his fingers tighten around his glass.

There’s something there– something dark, something he doesn’t want to talk about. And for a second you almost ask.

But then he keeps talking.

And talking.

At first, it’s about work– how difficult it is, how he spends most of his days analyzing patterns of human suffering, how he sees the absolute worst of people. Then, somehow, he transitions into an explanation of cognitive dissonance, which leads into the psychological effects of chronic stress. By the time he starts explaining the history of gambling addiction, you realize you’ve been sitting here for twenty minutes listening to him going on tangents.

And the worst part? He doesn’t even seem to notice.

You lean back in your chair, exhaling through your nose. Yeah. This isn’t going anywhere.

“Well, this has been fun, but I should probably–” you start, but then something shifts.

His eyes flick downward– towards your wrist. You glance down instinctively, but there’s nothing there except the delicate diamond bracelet you wear. Nothing incriminating. But when you look back up, he’s frowning, like something just clicked in his head.

He glances towards the bar, toward the bartender who gave you a subtle nod when you got up. Then at your dress– expensive but not flashy. He blinks at your drink, still barely touched, and finally his gaze lands back on yours.

“Oh.” His brow furrows slightly. “You’re, um…you’re working.”

Finally.

“Took you long enough.”

He blinks rapidly. “I–I didn’t–” his ears go a little pink. “I wasn’t trying to waste your time.”

You wave him off. “Don’t worry about it.” You push back your chair, ready to make your exit. “Enjoy the rest of your night.”

“Wait.”

There’s something desperate in his voice that stops you. You look down at him, arms crossed.

He swallows. “Would you– could I pay you? Just to stay? To talk?”

You hesitate. That’s not usually how this goes. But then again, nothing about him is usual.

“You want to pay me to listen to you ramble?”

He looks away, exhaling softly. “I don’t want to be alone right now.”

For some reason, that hits you harder than it should. You let out a slow breath, studying him, trying to figure out what the hell is compelling you to say: 

“Alright.” You sit back down. “We can do that.”

The silence between you is oddly comfortable. 

For a man who just spent nearly half an hour rambling about neuroscience and criminal behaviour, he is surprisingly quiet once money enters the equation. He pushes a few bills across the table – a lot more than what you would’ve asked for, especially just to sit and talk– but he doesn’t even look at them.

You glance down at the crisp hundred dollar bills.

“You’re sure about this?” you ask.

His fingers drum absent mindedly against his glass. “I don’t want to be alone right now,” he repeats, softer this time.

There’s something about him– something different that you can’t quite pinpoint, and as the silence stretches, you can’t help but say, “You still haven’t told me your name.”

You wait for him to say something, but instead his lips twitch, just the slightest bit. “Right,” he says, finally meeting your gaze. “I’m Spencer. Spencer Reid.”

You smile, “Nice to finally know you, Spencer.”

The way his name rolls off your tongue feels significant, like a small but important shift. It’s no longer just an exchange of words– it feels like something personal.

He seems to relax slightly, and though he doesn’t offer more, you can sense a change in the air. There’s a quiet vulnerability now. He’s not just a stranger. He’s Spencer, and you find yourself wanting to know more about him.

“Sorry,” he says with a small awkward laugh. “I don’t usually talk to strangers, let alone…um…” His silence hangs in the air, but you know what he means.

You’re used to men throwing money at you. But usually they want something more than this.

Most of the time, you know exactly what you’re walking into. You know how to adjust your approach– when to play coy, when to be charming, when to pretend a man is the most interesting person in the world just to make him feel like he matters. But Spencer isn’t like anyone else you’ve ever dealt with.

This isn’t about sex.

This isn’t even about companionship, not really.

This is about something else.

Something that made him sit in this bar with only a glass of water, staring at nothing. Something that made his voice crack just a little when he asked you to stay.

You let the silence stretch between you before you finally slip the money off the table and tuck it away.

“Alright, Spencer.” You settle back into your seat, crossing one leg over the other. “You’ve got me for the night. What do you want to talk about?”

His lips press together. “I don’t know.”

You resist the urge to sigh.

He shifts in his seat, looking down at his hands. “I don't…usually do this.”

“You don’t say.”

That gets a small huff of amusement out of him– not quite a laugh, but close.

“So what do you usually do when you don't want to be alone?”

His fingers trace the rim of his glass. “I work.”

“Okay. And when you’re not working?”

“I read.”

“You said you don’t do that much anymore.”

He flinches, just barely. “Yeah.”

You let the moment pass, let him decide whether he wants to fill in the gaps or not. He doesn’t.

“So you’re telling me your entire personality is just work and books?”

His mouth twitches like he wants to argue, but he doesn’t.

“I—” He exhales through his nose. “I guess so.”

“Jesus, Spencer,” you mutter. “No offense, but that’s a little sad.”

His lips part slightly, like no one’s ever pointed it out before.

You study him for a moment. You’re trying to piece together how a man like him—smart, oddly endearing, and surprisingly good-looking in an awkward, too-tall, too-skinny kind of way—ended up here. Alone in a bar, offering an escort money just to talk to him.

“So, what’s stopping you from reading?” you ask, steering the conversation back.

His jaw tightens slightly. His fingers curl against his palm. “I used to do it for comfort. But lately, every time I pick up a book, I feel like my brain just… won’t focus. The words blur together. I get halfway through a sentence and forget what I just read.”

That’s not normal.

But then again, nothing about this situation is normal.

You consider that for a moment. “That ever happen before?”

He hesitates. “No.”

“Could be stress.”

“Probably.”

You hum, not entirely convinced.

You don’t know him well, but from the way he talks, Spencer’s the type of guy who prides himself on his intelligence. If he’s struggling to read—to do something that’s always been second nature to him—that has to be messing with him.

“You ever talk to anyone about it?”

His expression shutters slightly. “I’m talking to you.”

“That’s not what I meant.”

He shifts uncomfortably. “It’s not a big deal.”

You lean forward, resting your chin on your hand. “You don’t seem like the kind of guy who would throw money at a stranger just to avoid being alone if it wasn’t a big deal.”

That lands harder than you expected.

His jaw goes tight, and for a second, he looks like he’s about to shut down entirely. But then, instead of getting defensive, he exhales sharply and shakes his head.

“You’re… perceptive,” he murmurs.

“Kind of my job.”

He glances at you, his eyes flickering with something curious. “I guess it is.”

The two of you lapse into silence again, but this time, it’s heavier. There’s something between you now—a strange, almost reluctant understanding.

“I lost someone,” he says suddenly.

That shouldn’t hit as hard as it does.

You don’t ask who—not yet. Instead, you let him go at his own pace, watching the way his fingers trace the condensation on his glass like he’s distracting himself from the words coming out of his mouth.

“I don’t… talk about it,” he admits. “I mean, I do, I guess. My friends—they know, but they don’t… I don’t want to put this on them.” His throat bobs slightly as he swallows. “I don’t want them to feel sorry for me.”

You nod slowly. “So instead, you come here. Find a stranger. Someone who doesn’t know anything about you.”

His lips press together. He doesn’t confirm it, but he doesn’t deny it either.

“She was in danger,” he says quietly. “A stalker. She—she took Maeve, and I—I tried to save her, but…” His voice cracks just slightly. He clears his throat and looks away. “I watched her die.”

The words land like a gut punch.

You don’t know this man. You don’t know Maeve. But God, you can feel the weight of it pressing into the air between you.

“I’m sorry,” you say, and for once, it’s not just something automatic. It’s not just something you’re supposed to say. You mean it.

He doesn’t acknowledge it—not directly. But his jaw tightens, and he nods once, like he’s filing the words away.

You exhale slowly, drumming your fingers against the table. “Okay,” you say finally.

His brow furrows. “Okay?”

“You don’t want to be alone tonight? Fine. You won’t be.”

His throat bobs again, like he wasn’t expecting you to just accept it.

You offer him a small, lopsided smile. “So. You’re an FBI profiler and a neuroscience expert. Tell me something interesting.”

He blinks at you. “What?”

“Something interesting. Something I don’t know.”

For a second, he just stares, like his brain is struggling to switch gears. Then, after a long pause, he says, “Did you know that people who experience significant grief sometimes show altered activity in their anterior cingulate cortex? It’s the part of the brain that processes pain—both physical and emotional.”

You raise an eyebrow. “So, what? Your brain thinks you’re physically injured?”

“In a way,” he admits. “Grief doesn’t just exist in the mind. It exists in the body, too.”

You hum thoughtfully. “Huh. So you’re saying this isn’t just in your head?”

His lips twitch just slightly. “Something like that.”

You lean back. “Well, in that case, I’d say your treatment plan should probably include getting out of your own head for a while.”

Spencer looks at you like you’ve just suggested robbing a bank.

“You want me to do what?”

You sigh, exasperated. “Come on, Spencer. It’s just a little fun.”

His eyes flicker with uncertainty, scanning the neon-lit street outside the bar like he’s searching for an escape route. The Las Vegas night hums around you—laughter, music, the distant ding ding ding of slot machines, and the low murmur of a city that never really sleeps.

You’d left the bar after two more rounds of conversation—more tangents, more rambling, and just enough teasing from you to make him smirk, just once. That had been enough to convince you he needed more than just a talk.

He needed to get out of his own head.

Which is why you’re now standing in front of an old, slightly run-down arcade tucked between a 24-hour diner and a tattoo shop, trying to convince a grieving FBI agent to play a damn game with you.

Spencer crosses his arms over his chest. “I haven’t been in an arcade since I was a kid.”

“Perfect. Then you’re overdue.” You nudge him toward the door. “Come on, smart-ass. Show me what you’ve got.”

He hesitates. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Why not?”

He falters.

You can see the gears turning in his head, trying to find a logical excuse, but you don’t let him. You just grab his wrist—lightly, giving him plenty of room to pull away if he wants—and tug him inside.

The arcade is loud.

It’s a mess of flashing lights, ringing bells, and old-school game sound effects. The air smells like popcorn, sugar, and whatever industrial cleaner they use to scrub sticky soda spills off the floor.

Spencer looks completely out of place.

He stands stiffly, hands in his pockets, eyes darting around like he’s trying to analyze his surroundings instead of just existing in them.

You sigh, shaking your head. “You really don’t know how to have fun, do you?”

“I have fun,” he argues, weakly.

“Uh-huh. Name the last fun thing you did.”

His mouth opens—then closes.

You raise an eyebrow.

“…I enjoy chess?”

You groan. “Oh my God.”

Before he can protest, you grab a handful of tokens from the counter, shove some into his palm, and steer him toward a Skee-Ball machine.

“Okay, Spencer, listen up,” you say, pulling him into position. “The goal is simple. Roll the ball up the ramp, try to get it in the highest-scoring ring. Winner gets bragging rights.”

He stares at the machine, then at you. “This is just applied physics.”

“Great. Then you should be fantastic at it.”

He still looks unsure, so you demonstrate first. You roll a ball up the ramp—it lands cleanly in the 40-point ring. Not bad.

“See? Easy.” You gesture to the machine. “Your turn.”

Spencer hesitates for a second before stepping forward. He grips the ball, aims carefully, and rolls it.

It bounces off the side and lands in the 10-point ring.

You snort. “Wow. Applied physics, huh?”

He scowls, grabs another ball, and rolls again.

20 points.

You can see his brain working now, adjusting his angle, recalculating. His third roll lands in the 50-point ring. By the time he gets to his last ball, he nails the 100-point shot.

You let out a low whistle. “Damn. Alright, genius, I see you.”

He pushes up his sleeves, and for the first time tonight, his eyes spark with something that’s not grief or exhaustion. “Best of two?”

You laugh, handing him more tokens. “Oh, now you’re into it.”

The next round is closer. He’s competitive—not in an obnoxious way, but in that quiet, methodical, determined way that probably makes him terrifying in his actual job. You beat him by a single point, and the look on his face is priceless.

“That’s impossible,” he mutters. “I recalibrated my angles—”

You cackle. “Guess I’m just better.”

His eyes narrow, and you see the exact moment he stops overthinking and just lets himself enjoy it.

You play a few more games—Pac-Man, Air Hockey, some type of shooting game, though he proceeds to talk about real-life firearm handling (and promptly wipes the floor with you).

You don’t rush him. You don’t push too hard.

You just let him be.

Somewhere between the Skee-Ball and Street Fighter II, you see something shift in him—just slightly. The tension in his shoulders eases. The crease between his brows smooths out. He’s still Spencer, still him, but for the first time tonight, he’s not just a grieving man sitting in a bar, haunted by ghosts.

He’s just here.

Just alive.

And when he lands a winning combo in Street Fighter, and you groan dramatically about letting him win, he actually laughs.

It’s quiet. Small. But it’s real.

And it’s probably the best sound you’ve heard all night.

[hrrtshape]

this isn’t a question i just want to yap bc u sound like u would like to hear about this stuff

but naturally as someone with higher intelligence i like to think about things a lot and ask questions and form my own opinions and theories about things regarding research and such

and i’ve come to the conclusion that people who disregard shifting as false or mental illness are of lower intelligence and have no sense of self. they disregard philosophy, neuroscience, sociology, and other forms of science because shifting/manifesting goes against the idea that their logic is always correct and never flawed (in that sense, they are right— one who says they will shift, will, and one who says they won’t shift, won’t, to put it simply). but with the logic they are using, they are condemning themselves to an existence of suffering

these people are content with being cogs in a corporate machine. even if they are creative or imaginative, they still hold a standard of mental health criteria that directly relates to how people function under intense capitalism and oligarchy. they think they’re normal because they get up and work their 9-5 and feed their families and repeat the same thing every day. they can’t imagine even having a sense of control over any aspect of their lives.

i think it’s anti human to disregard shifting, among other things. as intelligent creatures compared to other species (who are no less deserving of respect despite, might i clarify), we are naturally curious. we want to build and create and nourish ourselves, both mentally and physically. we want life and community and love and food and to have fun and enjoy ourselves. in current societal structure, that is flattened, nuked, obliterated. anything that isn’t contributing to an oligarchs income is disregarded, because the art, philosophy, music, and culture of working regular people isn’t important to them. and unfortunately, many working people are so affected by propaganda and the belief that rich people are better and stronger is enough to paralyze them. and therefore, we’re turned enemies with the ordinary people, and seen as crazy for even thinking of something that doesn’t align with a capitalist lifestyle because this society is so focused on toppling each other just for a chance to get to the top. there’s no community, no understanding, no gentle or kind nature. we have completely disregarded the power of our own minds as humans, and these people have therefore lost their humanity.

they don’t even know what happens after they die, so how can they know all that happens when they live if they don’t even try to think of anything else?

just wanted to share. :P

you're so right !!!! imagine living in a world where human innovation has birthed quantum mechanics, existentialist philosophy, surrealist art, and entire simulated realities. but you draw the line at moving your consciousness somewhere else. be serious.

your take on capitalism hijacking imagination is so painfully true it makes me want to eat drywall. like yeah, of course, society doesn’t want people believing they have infinite power. how else do you get them to clock in at target for 8 bucks an hour? we’ve literally been gaslit out of our own potential.

also "they don’t even know what happens after they die, so how can they know all that happens when they live" is some next-level, put-it-on-a-plaque, tattoo-it-on-my-rib energy. 10/10. keep thinking. keep yapping !!!!!

[princessaffirms]

hii!! first of all, i looove ur blog 💗 also, neuroscience is one of my options of professional path after i graduate my biology uni !! its so great to see fellow future scientists talking about shifting.

now, can i have ur opinion on this specific post? i would love to hear!!

https://www.tumblr.com/kurd1shangel/780124618910564352/shifting-is-essentially-a-conscious-transition?source=share

hii angel!! ₊˚⊹♡ thank you SO MUCH, it’s always exciting to connect with fellow science students who also explore the concept of shifting! 🥹🫶

neuroscience is SUCH an exciting and ever-expanding field to get into, especially if you’re interested in consciousness, perception, etc. (all super relevant to reality shifting)! there are SO MANY fascinating neuroscientific correlates to dive into, and you’ll have so much fun! 🤍

now let’s get into the post you sent!! <3

♡ QUICK NOTE: no ill intent at all to the original creator of the post i’ll be discussing! if their explanation resonates with them and supports their reality, that’s AMAZING, and i fully respect that. 🫶 this post just reflects my own interpretation based on both my neuroscience background and personal experiences. we’re all the operant power in our own realities, and i’m simply sharing the perspective that feels most true to me <3

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

🍰✨ MY THOUGHTS ON THE POST

the post is partially grounded in neuroscience, but there are some nuances worth unpacking. it’s true that the brain can GENERATE immersive, vivid experiences (like dreams, hallucinations, guided meditation, deep states of hypnosis). these involve shifts in brainwave activity, such as entering theta (3.5-7.5 Hz) or delta (0.5-4Hz) states, which are associated with deep relaxation, sleep, and access to the subconscious.

Figure: Human brainwave types and associated states of consciousness. Gamma, beta, alpha, theta, and delta waves are shown with their typical frequency ranges and related mental functions (Muse, n.d.).

it’s also valid to say that the brain often doesn’t differentiate much between real and imagined stimuli. studies using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) have shown that when we VISUALIZE something intensely, the SAME brain regions light up as if we’re actually experiencing it. this is why visualization + repetition can rewire neural pathways over time, thanks to neuroplasticity, which is your brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections.

but personally, i believe that framing shifting as something purely generated by and confined to the brain, like with lucid dreaming or dissociation, misses something important: our CONSCIOUSNESS.

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

🍨✨ LUCID DREAMING vs SHIFTING (my take)

lucid dreaming is typically bound to REM sleep, and while it’s powerful and fascinating, it’s still rooted in your current reality’s subconscious content (Voss et al., 2018). you’re AWARE that you’re DREAMING, and that awareness gives you control within the dream (like flying or changing the setting).

scientifically, lucid dreaming involves partial reactivation of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for things like self-awareness and logical thinking. these parts are usually inactive during normal dreams. but even then, you’re still in a SLEEP CYCLE, and the dream world is often unpredictable or shaped by memories, stress, and emotions from waking life.

shifting, on the other hand, is not just about becoming aware in a dream or hallucinating vividly. it’s a deliberate, conscious REDIRECTION of AWARENESS—you are choosing to focus your consciousness/soul (whatever you personally call it) into a specific, stable reality.

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

🍨✨ SHIFTING = SUBJECTIVE REALITY SELECTION, not a vivid illusion

you’re not passively watching your subconscious play out a storyline. you’re INTENTIONALLY ALIGNING with a chosen identity, timeline, and experience. you’re not just imagining, you’re experiencing. and neurologically, your brain supports that process, but it DOESN’T DEFINE OR LIMIT it.

that’s part of why i see shifting as subjective reality selection, not merely a vivid illusion. you’re not “tricking” your brain or having it “convince” you that your reality is real. because reality is subjective. you create and experience your reality. i create and experience mine. your assumptions become your truth, and my assumptions become my truth. we can have different assumptions, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one person’s assumption is “more true” than another’s.

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

🍨✨ LOA DISCLAIMER

and of course, at the end of the day, whatever you assume to be true becomes truth in your subjective experience. shifting is deeply personal, and your interpretation matters. if a more brain-based explanation helps you feel safe and in control, that’s beautiful and valid!

but from my own reflections, lived experiences, and the scientific readings i’ve done, i don’t personally see shifting as just your brain making something up while your physical body lies still. to me, that still anchors your identity to the 3D body, as if it’s the only real “you.” you choose which version of reality to tune into, thought by thought, choice by choice.

so while the brain supports immersive experiences through concepts like brainwaves and neuroplasticity, i believe shifting goes BEYOND that. it’s not just simulation or illusion. it’s an intentional, conscious act of selecting a different version of reality to embody and experience.

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

🍨✨ WANT TO EXPLORE SOME OF THESE CONCEPTS MORE IN DEPTH? CHECK OUT SOME OF MY RELEVANT BLOGS:

⤷ 🔗 can the brain distinguish between what is “real” (in the 3D) and what is imagined (in the 4D)?

⤷ 🔗 shifting is EFFORTLESS — and you’ve been doing it all along

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

🍰✨ SOURCES

Muse. (n.d.). Human brainwaves [Infographic]. Muse. https://choosemuse.com/blogs/news/a-deep-dive-into-brainwaves-brainwave-frequencies-explained-2

Voss, U., Schermelleh-Engel, K., Windt, J., Frenzel, C., & Hobson, J. A. (2018). Measuring consciousness in dreams: The lucidity and consciousness in dreams scale. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 2296. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02296

　 . ★⋆. ࿐࿔　✦　　　.　. 　 ˚　.ੈ✧̣̇˳·˖

i hope this post provided an insightful perspective on this topic! i always love hearing other’s thoughts on loa/shifting concepts, and this was a really fascinating take to dive into!!

sending so much love and light <3

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

Summary: Healthy adults who contracted COVID-19 had subtle but measurable declines in memory and cognitive performance lasting up to a year. These differences were found through sensitive testing under controlled conditions, though all scores remained within normal ranges, and none of the participants reported lasting cognitive symptoms.

The research highlights how even mild COVID-19 can impact brain function and points to the potential need for treatments to mitigate these effects. Further studies are needed to explore how COVID-19 compares with other respiratory infections, like flu, in terms of cognitive impact.

Key Facts:

COVID-19 can cause subtle cognitive changes in memory and problem-solving for up to a year. These effects were detected through sensitive cognitive tests, not self-reports. Participants in the study did not experience any noticeable long-term cognitive symptoms. Source: Imperial College London

A new analysis from Imperial’s human challenge study of COVID-19 has revealed subtle differences in the memory and cognition scores of healthy volunteers infected with SARS-CoV-2, which lasted up to a year after infection.

The researchers say all scores fell within expected normal ranges for healthy individuals and no one reported experiencing any lasting cognitive symptoms such as brain fog.

The findings, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, show a small but measurable difference following highly intensive cognitive testing of 18 healthy young people with infection compared to those who did not become infected, monitored under controlled clinical conditions.

The team explains that incorporating such sensitive cognitive testing into future studies could help reveal more detailed insights into how infections may alter brain function and could help to find ways to reduce these processes when they cause symptoms.

Senior author Professor Adam Hampshire, from the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London and now based at King’s College London, explained, “We know that COVID-19 can have lasting impacts on our memory and ability to carry out common cognitive tasks.

However, much of the scientific evidence we have comes from large studies based on self-testing and reporting, or where there’s a range of variables that could increase or reduce these effects.

“Our work shows that these cognitive effects are replicated even under carefully controlled conditions in healthy individuals—including infection with a comparable dose of virus—and further highlights how respiratory infections can impact specific aspects of brain function.

“We were only able to detect some of these effects because of the trial design, which used very sensitive tests and controlled conditions, with participant performance compared to their own pre-inoculation baselines. This enabled us to pick up on subtle changes of which the participants themselves appear not to have been aware.”

COVID-19 and cognition Previous studies that included patients with a wide range of severities have shown COVID-19 can have a lasting impact on people’s brain function. One such study, led by Imperial and involving more than 140,000 people, found small deficits in the performance of cognitive and memory tasks in people who had recovered from COVID-19, with differences evident a year or more after infection.

In the latest study, researchers analyzed findings from a small group of healthy volunteers who were part of the world’s first human challenge study for COVID-19 in 2021. The findings reveal subtle differences in how they performed on the same tests, which lasted up to 12 months although later testing could have been affected by other and later factors.

During the trial, 36 healthy, young participants with no previous immunity to the virus were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and monitored under controlled clinical conditions. They were carefully monitored and remained at the facility until they were no longer infectious. From the group, 18 participants became infected and developed mild illness, one without symptoms.

Participants also performed sets of tasks to measure multiple distinct aspects of their brain function, including memory, planning, language and problem solving, using the Cognitron platform. Participants took the tests before exposure to the virus, during the two weeks they spent in the clinical facility, and then at multiple points for up to a year.

Analysis showed that those who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 had statistically lower cognitive scores than uninfected volunteers—compared to baseline scores—during their infection as well as during the follow-up period. The main differences in scores were seen in memory and executive function tasks (including working memory, attention and problem solving).

Differences in scores between groups were seen up to one year after infection, with the uninfected group performing slightly better on tasks overall.

The researchers note that the observed differences were small and that none of the volunteers reported prolonged cognitive symptoms. They also highlight limitations of the study, including the small sample size and that the majority of participants were white males, and so caution is needed in extrapolating the findings to the general population.

They explain that future research could examine the biological links between respiratory infection and cognition in COVID-19, and even show how this impact compares with other conditions, such as Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza.

Co-author Professor Christopher Chiu, from the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London, who led the COVID-19 human challenge study, said, “These latest findings from our study add more fine detail to the picture we have of COVID-19 and other respiratory infectious diseases.

“Challenge studies can offer a tool to help us better understand how infections disrupt a range of biological functions. Here, by showing biological effects that fall below what could be considered symptoms or disease, we were able to identify the smallest changes in these pathways.

“This could ultimately help us to develop new treatments to reduce or even block some of these effects, which we know on other settings can have lasting impacts on people’s lives.”

Study Link: www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00421-8/fulltext

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 3, 2025

Synaptic weight dynamics underlying memory consolidation: Implications for learning rules, circuit organization, and circuit function. Bhasin, B. J., Raymond, J. L., & Goldman, M. S. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(41), e2406010121.

Characterization of the temporal stability of ToM and pain functional brain networks carry distinct developmental signatures during naturalistic viewing. Bhavna, K., Ghosh, N., Banerjee, R., & Roy, D. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22479.

Connectomic reconstruction predicts visual features used for navigation. Garner, D., Kind, E., Lai, J. Y. H., Nern, A., Zhao, A., Houghton, L., … Kim, S. S. (2024). Nature, 634(8032), 181–190.

Socialization causes long-lasting behavioral changes. Gil-Martí, B., Isidro-Mézcua, J., Poza-Rodriguez, A., Asti Tello, G. S., Treves, G., Turiégano, E., … Martin, F. A. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22302.

Neural pathways and computations that achieve stable contrast processing tuned to natural scenes. Gür, B., Ramirez, L., Cornean, J., Thurn, F., Molina-Obando, S., Ramos-Traslosheros, G., & Silies, M. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8580.

Lack of optimistic bias during social evaluation learning reflects reduced positive self-beliefs in depression and social anxiety, but via distinct mechanisms. Hoffmann, J. A., Hobbs, C., Moutoussis, M., & Button, K. S. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22471.

Causal involvement of dorsomedial prefrontal cortex in learning the predictability of observable actions. Kang, P., Moisa, M., Lindström, B., Soutschek, A., Ruff, C. C., & Tobler, P. N. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8305.

A transient high-dimensional geometry affords stable conjunctive subspaces for efficient action selection. Kikumoto, A., Bhandari, A., Shibata, K., & Badre, D. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8513.

Presaccadic Attention Enhances and Reshapes the Contrast Sensitivity Function Differentially around the Visual Field. Kwak, Y., Zhao, Y., Lu, Z.-L., Hanning, N. M., & Carrasco, M. (2024). eNeuro, 11(9), ENEURO.0243-24.2024.

Transformation of neural coding for vibrotactile stimuli along the ascending somatosensory pathway. Lee, K.-S., Loutit, A. J., de Thomas Wagner, D., Sanders, M., Prsa, M., & Huber, D. (2024). Neuron, 112(19), 3343-3353.e7.

Inhibitory plasticity supports replay generalization in the hippocampus. Liao, Z., Terada, S., Raikov, I. G., Hadjiabadi, D., Szoboszlay, M., Soltesz, I., & Losonczy, A. (2024). Nature Neuroscience, 27(10), 1987–1998.

Third-party punishment-like behavior in a rat model. Mikami, K., Kigami, Y., Doi, T., Choudhury, M. E., Nishikawa, Y., Takahashi, R., … Tanaka, J. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22310.

The morphospace of the brain-cognition organisation. Pacella, V., Nozais, V., Talozzi, L., Abdallah, M., Wassermann, D., Forkel, S. J., & Thiebaut de Schotten, M. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 8452.

A Drosophila computational brain model reveals sensorimotor processing. Shiu, P. K., Sterne, G. R., Spiller, N., Franconville, R., Sandoval, A., Zhou, J., … Scott, K. (2024). Nature, 634(8032), 210–219.

Decision-making shapes dynamic inter-areal communication within macaque ventral frontal cortex. Stoll, F. M., & Rudebeck, P. H. (2024). Current Biology, 34(19), 4526-4538.e5.

Intrinsic Motivation in Dynamical Control Systems. Tiomkin, S., Nemenman, I., Polani, D., & Tishby, N. (2024). PRX Life, 2(3), 033009.

Coding of self and environment by Pacinian neurons in freely moving animals. Turecek, J., & Ginty, D. D. (2024). Neuron, 112(19), 3267-3277.e6.

The role of training variability for model-based and model-free learning of an arbitrary visuomotor mapping. Velázquez-Vargas, C. A., Daw, N. D., & Taylor, J. A. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(9), e1012471.

Rejecting unfairness enhances the implicit sense of agency in the human brain. Wang, Y., & Zhou, J. (2024). Scientific Reports, 14, 22822.

Impaired motor-to-sensory transformation mediates auditory hallucinations. Yang, F., Zhu, H., Cao, X., Li, H., Fang, X., Yu, L., … Tian, X. (2024). PLOS Biology, 22(10), e3002836.

[ansautism]

CDC's Developmental Milestones - 15 Months

By 15 months, most children are able to...

Copy other children while playing.

Show someone an object they like.

Clap when excited.

Hug stuffed doll or other toy.

Shows affection.

Try to say one or two words besides "mama" or "dada."

Look at a familiar object when it is named.

Follow directions given with both a gesture and words.

Point to ask for something or to get help.

Try to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book.

Stack at least two small objects, like blocks.

Take a few steps in their own.

Use fingers to feed their self some food.

-CDC, Fifthteen Months

[none-shall-caricature-me]

What exactly is Albert's plan ? Why is there a picture of him and Monsieur M together ? Why does Albert seem to dislike M in it ? How are TWDAK and VTSOM lores linked ? What is the deep, thematic significance behind Albert's views on Vincent ? What exactly are the dream eaters ? Buckle up, this will be a multi - part analysis and we'll have to go in a sequence of steps.

Ok, recap of the basics first. Albert's dream therapy ability is basically some neuroscience - based technology that allows him to hijack people's brains for a while - that is how he is able to communicate with total strangers and influence his office environment, affect a monstrous appearance, give jumpscares and control his victims' fates in their dreams. It explains the bizarre, nightmarish feel of TWDAK.

Then what do the dream eaters do ? How are they made ? Let's go step - by - step into my explanation :

Albert very deliberately administers nightmares to his dream therapy candidates to select an 'army' for his grand plan to revive G2 district. Those who succumb to fear in the nightmare and blindly obey all his instructions perfectly as self - preservation essentially give up control of their fate. They let him decide their fate in their dream.

Now, dreams reflect a person's personality too - they are our memories and neural connections rehashed and mix - and - matched. Albert taps into a person's psychological wiring and instincts through the therapy.

Which means that the 'patients' who obey him out of pure fear are likely to be paranoid and passive when faced with unfamiliar dangers. Therefore, he can easily manipulate and control them using their fear. This could explain the dream eaters' lifeless, gloomy appearance and perpetual silence - it's like they're frozen in a constant state of fear. It's why they're perfect soldiers for his army- they won't rebel, and they are willing to 'eat' victims and follow orders to save their own selves.

You can't control a nightmare. Like any dream, it is formed by your random memories and instincts, random brain connections firing and combining. It's a situation where you're helpless to your psyche, to your subconscious. In Albert's therapy, it's a situation where you're helpless to HIM. How you react depends on your long - honed psyche, who you are deep down.

Think about your nightmares. To give my own example, I've had nightmares about being eaten alive by cannibals, being bombed, being unloved and alone, serial killers, my family and myself becoming evil and harming one another, etc. In some I remember fighting back. In others I was powerless and gave up.

Those like Taylor, who fight back despite being stuck in a horrifying situation they can't understand, show that they have a strong, hopeful outlook somewhere. They use logic as best as they can to do whatever they can. That's why they'll contribute to a G2 that has many pioneering, exceptional citizens.

Why do the dream eaters 'eat' victims ? Why are they 'hungry' ? Why do they need to 'eat' at all ? What happens to a victim who gets 'eaten' ? This is very meta - I think, since in the game everyone you get eaten Taylor urges you to try again and the game loops back, those who get 'eaten' get stuck in the nightmare. They're stuck until they either obey and become Albert's army members, or rebel and get spared. The purpose of dream eaters is to ensure the candidate can't escape till they prove their worth either way. That is Albert's plan for G2 - use the dream eaters to test people's worth, make them either useful to him as testers for other candidates, or leave the 'exceptional' ones be to hopefully improve G2.

What else do the dream eaters do besides acting as a test for candidates' worth ? Is it possible that Albert can do some Inception - style shit, influencing powerful people's decisions by implanting ideas into their psyche ? Is that how he plans to change G2 ?

Remember VTSOM ? Monsieur M's plan is to replace the 'inferior' human species with the much faster, smarter, stronger, modifiable cyborgs. That's his idea of improving life forms and the world. Whereas Albert's idea of improving G2 district is NOT by rejecting humanity but by finding and embracing its exceptional side. He taps into people's subconscious to find the brave, the fearless, those who can retain sense and logic under extreme stress. And that's why Albert dislikes M. M rejects humans totally, deriding them at many points in VTSOM. But Albert sees that humans can be pretty awesome, or atleast useful.

Now, the link between Albert and Vincent. Albert says that Vincent had great potential, but he saw him let it go to waste. Keep in mind the points above, and now remember - Vincent used to be someone who would rebel against society, accept loneliness because he wouldn't compromise on his principles and beliefs. He used to be brave. But then, he grew tired of loneliness. Which is all well and understandable to Albert, except that then Vincent, in his desire to belong and to be accepted at Myers, became a total slave to them. He committed atrocities he didn't want to commit, abandoned his principles and vision for change, because he was deathly scared of ending up alone and unsupported. He could've changed things, he had the aptitude and the attitude, but then he became just another brick in the wall of corporate selfishness. Another pawn for everything wrong with society. That's what Albert means when he says that Vincent wasted his potential. He gave into fear and lost himself. He had not a flight, not a fight, but a 'freeze' reaction to the threat of ostracision - blindly obey the very shady Monsieur M, hoping M would spare him because he licked his boots.

THIS IS MY ORIGINAL ANALYSIS / THEORY. DO NOT DARE TO COPY, REUPLOAD OR REPOST. REBLOGS ARE WELCOME.

[adambja]

If you literally tried the void but didn't work for you I got you covered bestie 😭

I am working on a tape that will be released soon by the 25th of October it will be available for everyone to buy

This tape literally has everything self-concept but different from the main self-concept tape I sell it gives you the ability to change and control SELF to control and have a life altering experience without the void 😭!!!! This will be totally crazy to everyone here who doesn't really manifest normally or has problem to have that ability to do all this within only 3 days of listening to the tape lmaooo even you will have the ability to reprogram your subconscious mind with your thoughts instantly what i mean is not normal programming 😭😭😭😭!!!

This benefit I am working on (still testing its safety) it makes your brain create new fully developed neurons in your brain to have these beliefs and assumptions and it kills all the opposite neurons that has opposite beliefs/assumptions/feelings 😭😭

I said it before and I am gonna say it again I am a neurologist I studied neuroscience for almost 3 years and finally I am using it to increase the ability of the subconscious mind in a safe way like yes the subconscious mind already has that ability but you don't know it because since you were growing up you were literally told about the things your body can and can't do which is all wrong cause all of this can change since nothing is really real 😭!!! I am so proud of myself and the fact that until now this benefit is actually safe and it's working on me and other people even like on the long-term period is crazyyyyyy - for almost a month (the longest period) I am testing it i made the first version in 3 days during New York Fashion Week and I called one of my professors to help me because I needed to know if it's safe or not and it is safe he was like "you should try it I am sure it works pretty well if you are the one who worked on it I can't forget what you did when I was teaching you and send me a copy of the benefits and the other things you added if you really want to be sure I will check it and send you an email about all the things I noticed" and he sent it to me on October 9th and ma'am he gave me more ideas to add and he asked me if he can buy it and all of this is crazy and if he can use that early version until I make the full one 😭😭!!!!

Bitches I never thought it's that big of a deal making tapes 😭😭😭!!!!

And that's what I used my knowledge in

You literally can change people with only your thoughts and it's instant it's not complected at all simple easy even the reality itself! Your assumptions change instantly and it's effective from the first thought you don't have to think 9337873637 times to get anything you want

You already have it when you think once that's it

It will be a long ass tape I will have 3 versions a 1h and 30 mins tape - a 2 hours tape - a 2h and 30 mins one

Also the subconscious mind is 90% finished the only reason I didn't send it to anyone who bought it is because I am thinking of more affs and more benefits to add

Finally the results of the void experience will be released today all of them cause I already scheduled all of the days to be posted on October 17th which is today this was like days ago so yeah 🫡 I didn't forget

Update: it's still not available but you can buy it and I will send it to you when it's ready