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mattjacksonsbrain · 2 months

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Empire - Television Musical Roundtable

Empire is an American musical drama television series that centers around a hip-hop music conglomerate, offering viewers a compelling look at the industry's cutthroat nature. The show debuted on Fox in January 2015. At the heart of the series is the Lyon family, led by the formidable Lucious Lyon, a hip-hop mogul and the CEO of Empire Entertainment, and his ex-wife Cookie Lyon, whose release from prison adds further complexity to the narrative.

The series is well-known for its captivating blend of music and drama, with its musical aspect being one of its most distinctive features. The show integrates original songs and stunning performances into its storyline, showcasing the talents of its cast while exploring themes of ambition, power, family dynamics, and the American Dream. The series not only entertains but also provides a critical lens on issues such as race, sexuality, and the quest for success in the music industry. Over its run, Empire has received critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, and especially its musical contributions, making it a groundbreaking series in the portrayal of the contemporary music scene.

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How does the series use dual-focus narrative as a strategic storytelling tool beyond heteronormative romantic pairings?

As most successful television narratives do these days, Empire embraced the dual-focus narrative in constructing a dynamic storyline and plot landscape. Given the sizable cast, the narrative should more accurately be regarded as “multi-focus”. The nature of Empire being structured around a family unit offers a layer of complexity and opportunity for this narrative style seeing as, no matter what individual circumstances or experience each individual character is going through, they are all bound to regroup on common ground at some point. They are tied together, meaning their stories are constantly being intertwined and reframed within the greater context of their family and music organization. At one level, we witness the rivalry and dynamic between Lucious Lyon, as the CEO of Empire Entertainment (head of the family), and his ex-wife Cookie Lyon, who emerges from prison to claim her share of the company and place within the familial hierarchy. This rivalry extends beyond their failed marriage, exploring themes of power, redemption, and ambition. On another level, the series portrays the individual journeys of their three sons - Andre, Jamal, and Hakeem - each vying for control of the empire in their unique ways. Andre, the eldest, battles personal demons and seeks validation through his business acumen; Jamal, a talented musician, navigates his career while being openly gay in a genre not known for its acceptance; Hakeem, the youngest, grapples with his identity as an artist versus the legacy of his father's empire. Through these parallel narratives, Empire goes beyond simple romantic entanglements to explore deeper issues of familial loyalty, identity, and legacy within the cutthroat music industry.

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2. What are the inevitable couplings within the series and how are they accentuated through "cinematic" similarities and contrasts?

Empire's "inevitable couplings" are focused through the various dynamics of family and power. As mentioned above, a prominent coupling is the tumultuous relationship between Lucious and Cookie Lyon. Their interactions are charged with a history of love, betrayal, and shared dreams, accentuated by their contrasting approaches to life and business; Lucious is cold, calculating, and often ruthless, whereas Cookie is fiery, passionate, and deeply loyal to her family. This contrast is visually represented in their styles (Lucious' refined suits versus Cookie's bold and extravagant outfits) and their interactions with the world around them (Lucious' command of boardrooms versus Cookie's hands-on approach with artists). Another significant coupling is between Jamal, the middle son who is an R&B sensation, and his music, which serves as his true partner. It’s an interesting point to note here that these couplings need not always be between people. Jamal’s coupling is not with a definitive person or concrete force. Rather, it is woven into his personal life through an abstract representation in the form of his songs, reflecting his struggles with his identity, his battles with his father's expectations, and his desires for love and acceptance. These narrative and visual contrasts highlight the tensions and harmonies within the Lyon family, driving the series' drama and emotional depth.

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3. How does the series use musical numbers within and beyond the narrative world to replicate fairy tale, backstage, or folk musicals?

In Empire, musical numbers transcend mere performance, becoming a pivotal narrative device that reflects and influences the characters' arcs and the series' thematic underpinnings. The show replicates the essence of fairy tales, backstage dramas, and folk musicals by intertwining the characters' personal and professional lives with their musical creations. For example, Jamal Lyon's musical journey is emblematic of a fairy tale struggle, showcasing his rise from a doubted underdog to a celebrated artist, overcoming personal and societal challenges. His songs often serve as a narrative vehicle for expressing his innermost feelings and conflicts, particularly about his sexuality and family dynamics. Hakeem's performances, on the other hand (reminiscent of the backstage musical) celebrate the glamour and grit of the music industry, as well as explore the personal cost of fame and difficult family dynamics interwoven with power struggles. They are, in short terms, simpler and more literal. Through these musical numbers, Empire delves into the folklore of the modern music industry, presenting a dramatized portrayal of its challenges, triumphs, and the relentless pursuit of legacy. The series uses music to echo the characters' battles, dreams, and triumphs, making each song a chapter in the larger story of the Lyon dynasty. Additionally, the musical numbers can often serve as a direct recounting of either overall recurring issues, themes, or motifs, even going as far as to literally recite the events of the past season or recent episode. In some moments, these numbers are so “on the nose” it’s almost comical.

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@theuncannyprofessoro

#oxyfilmmusical #telvisionmusical #Youtube

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iyliss · 16 days

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On the cause of the Light of Destruction (or what makes a good host)

Finally got around to re-watch some season 3 just for the sake of properly explaining how the Light of Destruction function as an alien psychological infection, more specifically how certain people are suitable host and what becomes of them.

(for credit, translation for all screenshots are by @/kaiowut99, except for s3 since it hasn't been translated yet)

First, we must establish our subjects of study. Gx has three characters possessed by the light: DD, Saiou and Yubel. Although all three have very different situations and traits, they still undergo a similar path as they are affected by the light. To better understand it we can represent it in a few key components:

First is the situation they are in before they are found by the Light. This context is very important since it is what makes them a suitable host. In all three case we can summarize it like this: violent, unbearable, and with no clear way of escaping it.

For Yubel, it is the pain felt in outer space as Judai lose contacts with them.

For DD, it is his lack of success in professional duel, likely accompanied by poverty and rejection.

For Saiou, it was the rejection and alienation due to his powers.

In all three case, these situation have no simple, individual resolution. Yubel can't escape outer space, DD can't find opportunities, Saiou can't be accepted, no matter how much they could try. This is important as the Light of Destruction will offer a solution to that situation, one that justifies violent actions, fueled by delusion and leading to an even more destructive goal. In the despair, destruction easily becomes the only way to survive.

That delusion, that serves as a justification for everything else, is the most different between the 3 subjects. For Yubel, it is that loves equals pain. For Saiou, that the world can be resetted into a better one. For DD, that he is inherently greater than others.

The first consequence of that delusion is the justification of violent, cruel, or generally wrong actions and behaviors that furthers the delusion itself or contribute to the final goal. Practically everything Yubel does is justified to themselves by their love, DD believes he is allowed to kill and manipulates because he's more important than others and the Society of Light furthers the belief that the world can bet bettered through erasure.

But what they all have in common is the end goal, which is always the destruction of the world. It may be justified differently, and attained through different means, it is still what the LoD will push through the host's mind.

The last key component, essential for the LoD's affection of the mind is isolation. In all three cases, the subjects lacked a surrounding community, either physically (Yubel in space) or socially (DD and Saiou being rejected). As the LoD delusion and goals are fueled by the endless pain of the subject, a support system will greatly limit its influence. Even afterward, it can limit the growth of the delusion. That's why the immoral actions also serves as a way to keep the subject isolated, and place in opposition to other people. They may even be used to further the isolation (SoL physically pushing away Edo from talking to Saiou, DD's only relationship with Edo being inherently based on a lie).

The last effect of the light, which is not a constant, is a split in personality between one affected by the light and the other unaffected. This happens marginally with DD, and with much more strength for Saiou. This phenomenon may be explained by either LoD's lack of direct influence (it no longer fully possessed DD or Bloo-D after possessing Saiou) or a too sudden and intense affection (Saiou is only possessed for a few years at best, while Yubel and DD had been for a decade). However the split seem to only happen after the subject has been severely isolated and therefore can't escape the light's influence, and said influence has been strong enough that a huge part of the subject's mind cannot be separated from the delusion.

In conclusion, the best cure to the eldritch horrors of a mind-destroying alien psychological virus is friendship.

#yugioh gx #saiou takuma #yubel

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findroleplay · 4 months

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hey, everyone! I've got a couple specific multimuse adventure plots I've got a real hankering for. I'll detail them below, but note beforehand that I am 21+, and between full-time school and part-time classes, I am not a rapid-fire partner! I am also looking for someone who is 18+, as I don't write with minors.

to explain the plots, there are two that have been rattling around in my mind:

1. a group of humans with powers/magical abilities are some of the survivors of a major apocalyptic event brought on by the god of the sea. apparently, someone's stolen a prized possession of his. much of modern society has evolved past worshipping him, and have no idea why their lives are being torn apart by floods and monsters. this group is aware, however, and sets off through the remains of a modern society to find his missing keepsake. (modern fantasy, dystopian, adventure) note that I would like to include a real rag-tag group here! varying ages and abilities being made to get along in pursuit of this common goal. I was thinking maybe three characters each here!

2. a group of friends gets isekai'd into a game they've been playing together (tabletop? video game?). a medieval fantasy setting with a typical plot: they're adventurers, and they're tasked with bringing down a big bad villain. they have to navigate through medieval life, as well as figure out how to fit into the traditional RPG classes they've been slotted into. (modern slice of life to medieval fantasy, adventure) I'm thinking of a traditional group of four, but we can definitely fit in six if we'd like to! I feel like it's more likely these folks know each other beforehand, but maybe not too well. in any case, they'll likely all be in a similar age range.

note that I write only on discord, and that I am literate to novella. generally, I will match or exceed what I'm given, but I am not interested in writing just a few paragraphs. a full discord message is my minimum! I can work with real life FCs, but I tend to prefer drawn for fantasy plots like this since it allows for greater variety. I refuse to use tupperbox for any reason.

also, if you're one of those people who frequently sends one-word responses, especially during the plotting phase, we won't work out and I'll drop you right there. I want to work together to create a plot, and that means we both need to contribute to make something we'll be invested in!

I intend for both of these plots to be long-term, with an emphasis on character development and growing relationships as opposed to diving straight into romance or smut. I'm not opposed to writing smut, but I'm not interested in writing it until it develops naturally, which is likely to be some time out. be prepared for that. if you're one of those people who's been looking for a literate and long-term plot as opposed to a smutty one-off, I'd love to hear from you!

drop a like and I'll shoot you a message. thanks! ♥️

#roleplay #rp #oc rp #original rp #fandomless rp #multimuse rp

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princess-pengy · 1 year

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Strange Gaming Diaries: The Hex, by Daniel Mullins Games

to start this little series, I want to write on all the games I've completed since the start of the year! this will make the first game The Hex by Daniel Mullins, who you probably know better as the guy what made Pony Island and also Inscryption. I hadn't heard as much about The Hex before playing it, and it certainly didn't make as big of a splash in Content Land as the other two, which were immediate darlings of indie gamers and video essayists following their release.

having played through all three games, I find this to be a big ol' shame. sure, it makes sense—The Hex lacks a satisfying core gameplay mechanic by necessity of its nature as a compilation of six games in one, and it leaves significantly fewer mysteries behind than its siblings by the end of it all. but I think it's that lack of ominous ambiguity that allows it to tell a much more heartfelt and personal story, and really strike at the heart of its theme: games, and the people who make them.

The Hex takes you through a series of six games, though it doesn't take long at all to realize that these are not meant to be self-contained experiences at all. instead, every one of them starts out normally but ends up going sideways in some way or another, ultimately reaching outside the bounds of the game-within-a-game to tell a part of the greater story that ties them together.

there's an interesting sort of multi-layered fourth wall we're given: there are these six video games, all of which are developed by the same in-universe game developer, Lionel Snill. The Hex breaks this "inner" fourth wall very very often, with its main setting The Six Pint Inn seeming to exist outside of it altogether, and its story remarking upon the sub-games' development and the life of their developer very often, but almost never is the second wall behind which the player sits broken! it's a well-used narrative construct, and one that makes it easier for the game to talk about itself and its core themes without feeling like it has to jump out at the player and say "boo".

also, to its credit, some of the individual games are satisfying to play in their own right! "Combat Arena X" is a little puzzle/rhythm game wearing the style of a 2D fighter, "Waste World" is a neat turn-based strategy game, and they all have Daniel's delightful comedic chops. sometimes it can feel like something of a formality to play through the games to get to the story bits, but the story bits were so compelling that I never minded too much.

speaking of which, I want to talk more about the story and am kinda out of surface-level things to remark upon! so if you wish, dear reader, come with me as we…

⚠ ENTER THE SPOILERZONE ⚠

over the course of the game, it's revealed that all of these video game characters are actually something like living people themselves, employed (and seemingly granted sapience in the first place) by the nefarious corporation Gameworks to participate in video games through some sort of techno-arcane tomfoolery that the game is content to leave broadly implied instead of explained.

this is ultimately the narrative core of The Hex: the relationship between developer and game is made literal, and the main characters all have a bone to pick with their shared creator for the mistreatment of their worlds.

it's the story of a plucky indie dev turned celebrity studio leader, the people forgotten after contributing to his success, and his transformation into a vengeful, possessive jackass. it's a trajectory countless creators of early-2010s indie darlings ended up falling into, most prominently shown by Minecraft's creator Notch, as the indulgences of stardom revealed their worst tendencies.

it's a story about the artistic integrity you risk by being convinced that the capitalist ideal of perpetual growth is the only meaningful path for a creator; an exploration of the mindset that treats games as products rather than fulfilling works of fiction.

it's a story about respecting the things of the past, the consequences of constantly trying to deny its influence and existence, and how it can stunt your growth as both an artist and a person.

but the reason why The Hex's story stuck with me so much more than those of its siblings is that by the end of it, you're given a brutal, bone-chilling reminder that these are people who hate each other, people willing to commit horrible, destructive acts for the sake of bitter, spiteful revenge.

because the story goes like this: a game developer is convinced by a greedy corporation to treat his beloved creations and his trusted collaborators as disposable assets. the creations band together to kill him, and one of his collaborators puts an artificial intelligence into the world that wants everything to suffer. a man is beaten and choked to death in front of you, the dramatic music dissolves into horrible static, and the game cuts to credits on a featureless black screen as the sound drones on.

Support the Developers! Buy the game on itch.io! Buy the game on Steam! Buy the soundtrack on Bandcamp! Keep up with Daniel on Twitter!

☆ Return to the Masterpost? ☆

#strange gaming diaries #the hex #daniel mullins games

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findyourrp · 4 months

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to explain the plots, there are two that have been rattling around in my mind:

drop a like and I'll shoot you a message. thanks! ♥️

#rp finder #18+ rp #fandom roleplay #fandomless rp #rp #oc x oc rp

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tiredassmage · 1 year

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Glass case of emotions, but also Tyr under the microscope again, I still have no answers. Only many thoughts. Maybe some vague insight extrapolated from... whatever the fuck is going on in this. No promises though.

Hottest rotating record at the moment is... the unintentional(?) mirror Tyr’s developed. The emotional damage uncovered in this answer (last question in particular) hasn’t weakened in persistence and I’m suffering from the realization that it’s... how Tyr’s relationship with both the Minister and Ardun Kothe ultimately plays out.

They’re father figures. They’re his mentors. He respects them. They made mistakes. They speak in veils and out of the corners of their mouths and only in private about the depth of the relationship. Explicitly, that bond doesn’t get stated. While they did what they could, maybe it didn’t save him. They ran as much damage control as they could.

Tyr has never been able to explicitly trust someone. Even in family, there was always a purpose to interactions. Can I really be surprised then that, even with someone he loves, he would think “duplicity in the name of the greater good” is viable? Is it really any or such a surprise that he’s willing to remold himself for a cause, to make ends meet, even if it scares him that he has no good answer for who he is, what he values at the core?

It’d maybe almost scare him that he’s willing to mutate and mutilate what those values are for the sake of another, so that they don’t have to. He’s not a perfect ideal, but what he keeps fighting for.. Ideals. Ideas. Are people really grounding points if he’s willing to risk himself for the goal? So uncompromising, yet so, so malleable.

They’re, of course, not the only contributing factors, but I’m a little not okay about it all, lmao.

But the care that’s still there!!!! Acknowledging their missteps. The indirect recognition of their similarities. Idk where I’m going anymore, like three directions at once, probably.

Possibly the one glaring difference between Tyr and the two men he considers mentors and father figures is that he chose Intelligence. The Minister describes it as an initial “distraction” to his military career. Ardun was a Jedi mentions the change, that maybe whoever he was as a Jedi isn’t compatible with who we meet as the SIS operative. Tyr, however, was offered a place among Imperial Intelligence’s ranks and didn’t hesitate.

As Keeper, the old man muses that he’s perhaps idealistic. He believes in serving the Empire, though Keeper’s worries about not being wholly prepared for the bleaker reality of that task are semi-misplaced just as much as they are ultimately wholly accurate. Tyr isn’t as blindly rose-tinted about it as he could be, but what he goes through is still more than enough. (Something something prepared for it to not be a beautiful oil painting, still incapable of ever being prepared for just how deep the rabbit hole went and, really, could you expect anybody to be that prepared without a heapload of prior digging?)

Anyway, what he did believe - what proves to be so idealistic is genuinely working for that checks and balances. That the purpose of having something like Intelligence at all was to defend the Empire and its people. It’s shredded, like so many other similar efforts, by the infighting and the power plays. Absolute destruction within their own borders does naught to stay devastation, so why would it be any different against their enemies?

It crops up again in one of those last conversations - goals instead of ideals.

How to heart did he take that advice? Lokin and Tyr never grow particularly close, but there’s almost never been a finer assessment than how he walks a thin line - Lokin says between “ingenuity and obedience,” I believe. Some mutation of ideals and goals seem to be the basis of Tyr’s bottom lines - what very few it seems he’s capable of holding to.

The standards for him, for Cipher Nine, have always been shifting, changing, mutable, amorphous - the inescapable nature for being a librarian and keeper of secrets for a career, so he continues to inflict such upon himself.

On one hand, maybe it’s one of the only supporting beams that keeps something as ludicrous as challenging the would-be immortal once-Emperor of the Sith within this realm of “why the cursed hell not as if we weren’t already all insane enough” instead of sending him running or cowering like maybe anyone with an ounce of good sense would. What’s a wayward rogue operative with a blaster against one of the most powerful Force users that ever lived?

Tired of your damn shit apparently is what he is.

He can’t think too hard about his problems and I can’t think too hard about his problems. He’d probably have a breakdown if he did and I’m left here making concerned scientist faces at the complex jigsaw puzzle I just found under the rug and maybe he does have the right idea, what if we left that there kaldnflkadfnla;dsfnldsf

#literally lost the plot of my thoughts about halfway through this so???#idk it makes sense in my HEAD #but also it doesn't bc this bastard can't make sense of himself so good fuckin luck to the rest of us kadnfladnsf #ch: tyr #how do i even tag this microscope experiment #just. thinking about how he continues to keep messing with fire and poking him about why

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clerics4jesus · 1 year

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Ember Scout Guide (AKA: DnD Girl Scouts)

Greetings DnDblr! For a current campaign, I'm working on a Girl Guide (canadian Girl Scout) build of a Ranger. For that reason, I have gone entirely insane and my former Girl Guide leader-brain has created an extensive system for this character. Enjoy, and feel free to use for your own characters/campaigns :)

The Ember Scouts, much like the actual Girl Guides/Scouts, are made up of seven age-based levels, as well as two merit-based levels. Their primary aim is to educate girls from all socio-economic, cultural, etc backgrounds in essential skills, such as teamwork, leadership, defeating their enemies, spellwork, assassination, alchemy, community service, and hand-to-hand combat. The Ember Scout program consists of a wide range of badges and is funded entirely by donation, run by community volunteers. In Wyrm Scouts, girls at the rough equivalent of five to seven in human years learn to adventure and explore the world around them. Emphasized are teamwork, sword skills, getting outside and having fun, campfire songs, and small-time hand-to-hand combat. All Scouts sell delicious Ember Scout cookies at every level, but Wyrm Scouts are often accompanied by their troop or Lion Turtle Scouts. In Lion Turtle Scouts, girls at the rough equivalent of eight to ten in human years learn to lead a team and slay their enemies. Emphasized are hand-to-hand combat, outdoor skills (like setting up a tent, building a fire, knowing which plants contain neurotoxins, etc), and member-led community service projects! In Hag Scouts, girls at the rough equivalent of ten to thirteen in human years further their combat and hunting skills, learn common battle tactics, organize district-wide cookie distribution and community service projects for younger Scouts, and complete a Hag Scout Quest in order to graduate to the next level, where they must, to the satisfaction of their Troop Leader, defeat a powerful utilize all core aspects of the Ember Scout Law: Cunning, Community Service, Leadership, Bloodthirstiness, Responsible Magic Use, and Teamwork. As a Beholder Scout, a member at the rough equivalent of thirteen to fifteen in human years returns from their Hag Scout Quest and trains younger Scouts in the use of arcane arts and combat. Furthermore, they are tasked with completing 150 volunteer hours at the end of their two-year term. Beholder Scouts and Hag Scouts alike have the chance to complete their Lady Blazing-Power Award by selling up to 500 cases of cookies, organizing a community-wide service project, contributing 50 hours. They must also spend at least two years as Junior Troop Leader. As Gelatinous Cube Scouts, members at the rough equivalent of fifteen to seventeen prowl their district in search of the glory of combat, embark on dangerous quests, and roam their land as a loner in search of something greater, something much darker.

At any point in their Ember Scout journey, an Ember Scout can work toward first attaining the highly-revered rank of Dragon Scout, then Eternal Scout. Dragon Scouts must embark on a years-long quest, referred to as their Dragon Scout Cornerstone project, where they must either use their peacemaking skills to form an alliance between their community and a Draconic one, or use their war-making skills to slay several, returning with their blood and severed teeth as a prize. The Dragon Scout rank is well-respected, with there only ever being three recorded Dragon Scouts in Ember Scout history. After becoming a Dragon Scout, an Ember Scout can escape to the mountains and spend years in exile in a temple, communing with the gods, or become a legendary warrior, whose name is only ever spoken in whispers. Whatever the outcome, an Eternal Scout hopeful must spend ten human years or equivalent at minimum establishing a relationship with a divine patron, dark or light, and vanish mysteriously into oblivion. Their name lives on only in history, as a truly Eternal Scout.

#girl guides #girl scouts #dnd #dungeons and dragons #dndblr #ember scouts #lorepost #scouting #guiding

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relevancerecovery · 4 months

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Unlocking Happiness: 5 Effective Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Techniques

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, finding lasting happiness can often feel like an elusive quest. But what if there was a proven method that could help you unlock your happiness and lead a more fulfilling life? Enter Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), a powerful approach that can transform the way you think and feel.

In this article, we will explore five effective techniques of REBT that can help you regain control over your emotions and overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of your happiness. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, these techniques can provide you with the tools to create positive change in your life.

From identifying and challenging limiting beliefs to developing self-acceptance and resilience, REBT offers practical strategies that can be applied to various areas of your life. By examining the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, you can learn to reshape your perspective and cultivate a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Don't let your happiness remain locked away. Join us as we delve into the world of REBT and discover the key to unlocking a happier, healthier you.

What is Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)?

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Albert Ellis in the 1950s. It is based on the belief that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected, and that by changing our thoughts, we can change how we feel and act.

REBT operates on the principle that it is not the events themselves that cause our emotional distress, but rather our beliefs and interpretations about those events. By identifying and challenging these irrational beliefs, REBT aims to help individuals develop healthier and more rational ways of thinking.

The Principles of REBT

REBT is guided by several key principles that form the foundation of the therapy. These principles include:

1. The focus on the present: REBT emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment and the factors that are currently contributing to an individual's emotional distress. By addressing present concerns, individuals can gain a greater understanding of their emotions and develop strategies to manage them effectively.

2. The importance of self-acceptance: REBT encourages individuals to accept themselves, flaws and all. It emphasizes the idea that we are all fallible human beings and that self-acceptance is crucial for emotional well-being. By accepting ourselves, we can reduce self-criticism and learn to embrace our imperfections.

3. The role of personal responsibility: REBT emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our emotions and actions. It recognizes that while we may not have control over external events, we have control over how we respond to them. By taking responsibility for our thoughts and behaviors, we can empower ourselves to make positive changes in our lives.

Understanding the ABC model in REBT

The ABC model is a fundamental concept in REBT that helps individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It consists of three components:

1. Activating event (A): This refers to the external event or situation that triggers an emotional response. It could be something as simple as receiving negative feedback at work or experiencing a relationship conflict.

2. Beliefs (B): Beliefs are the thoughts and interpretations we have about the activating event. In REBT, there are two types of beliefs: rational and irrational. Rational beliefs are logical, flexible, and based on evidence, while irrational beliefs are rigid, illogical, and based on unrealistic expectations.

3. Consequences (C): Consequences are the emotional and behavioral responses that result from our beliefs about the activating event. Rational beliefs lead to healthy emotions and adaptive behaviors, while irrational beliefs result in unhealthy emotions and maladaptive behaviors.

By understanding the ABC model, individuals can begin to recognize the role their beliefs play in their emotional responses and work towards challenging and replacing irrational beliefs with more rational ones.

Technique 1: Disputing irrational beliefs

One of the most powerful techniques in REBT is disputing irrational beliefs. This involves actively challenging and questioning the validity of irrational thoughts and replacing them with more rational and adaptive beliefs.

To dispute irrational beliefs, it's important to identify specific irrational thoughts that are contributing to emotional distress. This could be thoughts like "I must be perfect to be happy" or "If I fail, it means I'm a total failure." Once identified, individuals can examine the evidence that supports and contradicts these beliefs, and develop more rational alternatives.

For example, if someone believes that they must be perfect to be happy, they can challenge this belief by asking themselves, "Is it really true that I must be perfect? Are there any examples of people who are happy despite their imperfections?" By disputing irrational beliefs, individuals can begin to break free from the constraints of unrealistic expectations and develop more balanced and rational ways of thinking.

Technique 2: Cognitive restructuring

Cognitive restructuring is another effective technique in REBT that involves identifying and challenging negative and distorted thinking patterns. It aims to replace negative thoughts with more positive and realistic ones.

To engage in cognitive restructuring, individuals can start by becoming aware of their negative thoughts and examining the evidence that supports and contradicts them. They can then challenge these negative thoughts by asking themselves questions like,

"Is there any evidence to support this thought?

What would a more realistic and positive thought be in this situation?"

By actively replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones, individuals can shift their perspective and cultivate a more optimistic outlook on life. This can lead to improved emotional well-being and increased resilience in the face of challenges.

Technique 3: Rational emotive imagery

Rational emotive imagery is a technique in REBT that involves using mental imagery to challenge and change irrational beliefs. It works by helping individuals visualize and experience the consequences of their irrational beliefs, which can lead to a shift in perspective.

To practice rational emotive imagery, individuals can close their eyes and imagine a situation that typically triggers their irrational beliefs. They can then imagine themselves responding to that situation in a more rational and adaptive way. By repeatedly visualizing these scenarios, individuals can strengthen their ability to challenge and replace irrational thoughts with more rational ones.

Rational emotive imagery can be a powerful tool for breaking free from the grip of irrational beliefs and developing a more rational and balanced mindset.

Technique 4: Homework assignments and behavioral experiments

Homework assignments and behavioral experiments are practical techniques in REBT that involve actively applying the principles of the therapy in daily life. They provide individuals with opportunities to test out new beliefs and behaviors, and gather evidence to support more rational ways of thinking.

Homework assignments can include tasks such as monitoring and challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-acceptance, or engaging in activities that promote well-being. By completing these assignments, individuals can gain firsthand experience of the positive impact of rational thinking and behavior on their emotional well-being.

Behavioral experiments, on the other hand, involve actively testing out new behaviors and beliefs in real-life situations. For example, if someone has a fear of public speaking, they could gradually expose themselves to speaking in front of small groups and observe the actual outcomes versus their initial irrational beliefs. Through these experiments, individuals can gather evidence to challenge and replace irrational beliefs with more rational ones.

Technique 5: Role-playing and assertiveness training

Role-playing and assertiveness training are techniques in REBT that focus on developing effective communication skills and assertiveness. They help individuals express their needs and opinions in a clear and respectful manner, while also considering the needs and rights of others.

Role-playing involves practicing different scenarios and responses in a safe and supportive environment. It allows individuals to experiment with different communication styles and develop the skills necessary to assertively express themselves.

Assertiveness training, on the other hand, involves learning specific techniques and strategies for assertive communication. This includes techniques such as using "I" statements, active listening, and setting boundaries.

By developing effective communication skills and assertiveness, individuals can improve their relationships, reduce interpersonal conflicts, and enhance their overall well-being.

Applying REBT techniques in daily life

The techniques of REBT are not meant to be used only during therapy sessions but can be applied to various areas of daily life. By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you can develop a more rational and balanced mindset, and improve your overall well-being.

For example, you can start by becoming more aware of your thoughts and actively challenging any irrational beliefs that arise. You can then practice cognitive restructuring by replacing negative thoughts with more positive ones. Additionally, you can engage in regular self-reflection and examine the evidence for and against your beliefs.

Incorporating rational emotive imagery into your daily routine can also be beneficial. Take a few minutes each day to visualize yourself responding to challenging situations in a more rational and adaptive way. This can help you develop a stronger sense of self-control and resilience.

Don't forget to actively apply the principles of REBT through homework assignments and behavioral experiments. Set goals for yourself and engage in activities that align with your rational beliefs and promote your well-being. By actively practicing these techniques, you can create positive change in your life and unlock your happiness.

Conclusion

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) offers powerful techniques that can help individuals unlock their happiness and lead more fulfilling lives. By identifying and challenging irrational beliefs, engaging in cognitive restructuring, practicing rational emotive imagery, and applying assertiveness training, individuals can reshape their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to create positive change.

Remember, happiness is not something that is out of reach. By incorporating the principles and techniques of REBT into your daily life, you can unlock your happiness and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. Don't let your happiness remain locked away—start your journey towards a happier, healthier you today.

#mental health #therapy #Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy #limiting beliefs #irrational thoughts

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t5ltherapy · 9 months

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#BlackMaleTherapist #Emotions #Hug #Hugging #MentalHealth

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cyberbenb · 11 months

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Relations between Russia and Iran hit a rough patch

Relations between the two best friends , Iran and Russia, began to deteriorate. The reasons for this were two factors. The first is the territorial claims of the Islamic Republic to three islands in the Strait of Hormuz.

On Monday, July 10, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with colleagues from the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: The Kingdom of Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the Secretary General of the organization Jassim Al-Budaiwi. The parties signed a statement, one of the points of which caused indignation in Iran: in the communiqué, Russia supported the position of the UAE in relation to the islands of Abu Musa, the Greater and Lesser Tunbs, which the emirates consider illegally seized by Iran.

Two days later, the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic summoned the Russian ambassador to Tehran, Alexei Dedov, and voiced a protest. The Ministry demanded that Russia changed its position on this issue. Iranian Vice President for Legal Affairs Mohammad Dehghan said that only Tehran has rights to the islands, and this is topic is not up for discussions. Some Iranian experts even called on Tehran to reconsider relations with Moscow.

Another contentious issue between Mosco and Tehran is the delivery of Su-35 fighter jets which Iran bought from Russia.

Two years ago, during Hassan Rouhani's second presidential term, Tehran ordered 50 fighter jets from Moscow. Russia promised to fulfill the contract by 2023. However, as the commander of the Iranian Air Force, Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi, said in an interview with Iranian state television, the money was given, but there are no planes.

"As for the purchase of Su-35 fighters, we need them, but we do not know when they will be received by our squadron," he said.

Tehran needs new fighter jets to upgrade its air force fleet, which mainly consists of American aircraft that were in service before the 1979 revolution.

To speed up deliveries of the Su-35, Iran agreed last year to deliver hundreds of drones to Russia for strikes on Ukrainian cities. However, now Iranian officials do not expect Moscow to keep its word, writes the news outlet Bourse & Bazaar.

One of the interlocutors of the newspaper, a former diplomat, said that Iranian hardliners "fell into the trap", considering themselves equal partners of Russia since "Russians are lining up up to buy weapons from them." According to him, the delivery of drones contributed to the political isolation of Iran, giving Western officials the impression of deepening cooperation between Moscow and Tehran against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

Iran believes that one of the possible reasons for the delay in the delivery of the Su-35 is the influence of Israel. In June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Russian authorities that he was extremely concerned about Moscow's growing military cooperation with Tehran, news website Axios wrote, citing Israeli MPs.

"While officials in Tehran continue to seek a partnership with Russia, it is becoming increasingly clear that Russian officials see their relationship with Iran as nothing more than a card that can be played according to their needs," BourseBazaar writes.

At the same time, Russian experts believe that disputes between countries are unlikely to bring to naught all initiatives that are beneficial to them.

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sandymybeloved · 2 years

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Arachnids in the UK

Whoops, it appears I've been putting off writing this without realising, sorry if I kept anyone waiting, I guess it's because I don't really have a lot to say about it overall. I must have watched it over a week ago, and its taken me this long to actually get around to writing about it. I'll try not to leave it this long again, and I suppose its time to get into the actual review.

I have come away from my rewatch with a broadly more positive view of this episode, however that’s likely because my expectations for it were so low to begin with, that when I came out of it with the opinion that it's just okay, that was still an improvement. I don’t want to make a habit of this, but I'd compare the quality to that of series 7 (in the general sense, no specific episodes), probably my least favourite series before this, largely watchable, but overall pretty weak.

Introduction and links to other reviews

I'm going to be honest, specifics for this one are going to be quite sparse because I don’t really have a lot to say about it, nothing really stands out as either good or bad.

This is the first time this series that I've felt the 'Chibnall cast of thousands' has really gotten in the way of the story telling. We've gone from two or three supporting characters in any given episode to significantly more. Yaz's family, Robinson, and to a lesser extent his people, the scientist, and Graham's imaginings of Grace. As a result nobody, including the fam, really stands out. Before rewatching, I'd largely forgotten that most of the side characters were present, for example, I remembered that Yaz's family were introduced here, but I'd forgotten that her mum was directly involved in the plot. Except the problem is, she's not. In terms of what she contributes, she calls Yaz to the hotel, and she lets the fam know about the old mine and that's it. This really goes for everyone, everyone contributes so little to the plot that it feels as though anyone could be removed from this episode and it would be largely unaffected.

The one exception to this is Jack Robinson, he really does stand out, doesn't feel superfluous to the story, and is easily remembered. But he is the worst character, he is so annoying to watch. My former opinions on him were correct, however, I have a feeling that they probably have toned down quite a bit as, at least for me in the UK, there's a greater distance from Trump and Trump stand ins now compared to 2018 that has made my dislike a lot less visceral.

Having said all of this, I do recognise that character's presence doesn't have to just facilitate the plot, they can be going through some development on the side or be here to facilitate other characters development. However, I think the cast of thousands means that we fall short in this aspect as well, as there's no time to spend with anyone or to focus on any relationships between characters. You can feel the episode straining to do just this with Yaz's family, but it has so little time to develop this meaningfully, that there's not much more to take away than a vague impression of who they are and Yaz's relationship to them.

Okay, so if this episode doesn't excel in terms of characters, what about the plot. Unfortunately that’s also fairly weak, very paint by numbers doctor who, bound to happen eventually, but hardly something to get excited about. The weakest part for me was the conclusion, it feels as though nobody, neither the characters nor anyone on the production, have thought this through. It doesn't really make sense for it to be deemed wrong to shoot the spiders, but okay to lock them in a room to starve to death and cannibalise each other (I also don't buy it would work, that they would be able to gather them all in one place using only music), and then the same issue crops up again when it's wrong to shoot the big spider, but okay to let it slowly suffocate. I did have some thoughts on how this could be interesting for the Doctor's character, but I want to keep an eye out for whether it develops into a pattern first before talking about it.

So yeah, overall, that really was an episode of Doctor Who. Certainly the weakest so far, but apart from the ending and the character of Jack Robinson, there was nothing outstandingly bad about it. The negative response to it is a little overblown, but comes from a place of genuine critique (aside from the NMDs). (and it turns out I had a fair chunk more to say than I thought I did).

#Lilly rewatches 13 #13 #13th Doctor #thirteen #thirteenth doctor #chibnall #chris chibnall #yasmin kahn #graham o'brien #ryan sinclair #jack robinson #arachnids in the uk #doctor who #dw #new who #nu who

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generatinalequity · 2 years

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What Are the Three Financial Services That Are Basic?

Which three fundamental financial service categories are there? Here is a short summary of these services. Three categories of financial services include commercial banks, savings and loan organizations, and credit unions. The most typical type of savings is through savings and loan associations. The most recent type of savings and loan is a credit union. Another kind of financial services is insurance. These services offer protection for a variety of monetary requirements.

National, state, and local commercial banks are the three primary categories. All of them need a bank charter from the state where they are headquartered and an operating license from a government organization. National banks have FDIC protection and are a component of the Federal Reserve System. State banks are owned and operated by the state, and thus frequently have less restrictions on them than national banks. Regardless of style, they all provide the general public with crucial financial services.

Commercial banks are an essential component of the financial system in addition to offering banking services to the general population. They not only act as a reliable middleman between companies and consumers, but they also contribute to the influx of cash and liquidity into the economy. Additionally, they assist stock market transactions and act as dependable intermediaries for international banks. Additionally, commercial banks manage several account kinds on a national and worldwide level. So what are the crucial roles played by commercial banks?

Savings and loan associations are businesses with shareholders who are also members of the organization. Members have the right to participate in the association's administration and to get a share of its profits, but they must be of legal age to enter into contracts. Savings and loan organizations must abide by state incorporation rules, which include a set of articles of incorporation that specify the association's governance structure, member rights, and relationship with its stockholders.

Despite their benefits, overbuilding and cheap interest rates have hurt loans and savings. Real estate prices thus plummeted, especially in energy-producing areas as well as in the mining and agriculture industries. As a result, the value of these assets decreased, which put pressure on the administration of the organizations to raise their net worth ratios. Many associations shifted away from conventional lending techniques and into riskier markets in order to maintain a healthy profitability. These organizations also lost the trust of their clients since they did not properly assess the risks associated with various loan kinds.

Traditional banks typically have a less geographic reach than credit unions do. They may, however, give their members a better experience. For instance, the majority of credit unions have cheaper banking costs than banks, and the majority let you create an account for free if you have $5 or more in your account. For customers who wish to protect the privacy of their financial information, these advantages are crucial. Additionally, credit unions don't employ the same security tools that regular banks use, such anti-fraud safeguards.

The fact that credit unions are not obligated by law to turn a profit is another distinction between them and banks. As a result, they may offer reduced membership fees and greater interest rates on loans and savings accounts. Credit unions are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, but a federal organization called the National Credit Union Administration is in charge of managing them. Because shares of credit unions are backed by federal funds, borrowing costs are cheaper.

There are several types of insurance. These can shield you against financial setbacks, personal harm, property damage, and obligations. Insurance-related careers include those of underwriters, reinsurers, and insurance agents and brokers. Insurance brokers go around for insurance policies on behalf of their customers while representing the insurer or insured. The risk associated with insuring customers is evaluated by underwriters, who also provide investment bankers with advice on loan risk.

Under the past, insurance products have offered riches in certain natural or man-made conditions. These may be for a single person or a number of people. Traditional insurance providers frequently take use of the law of big numbers by covering the separate risks of sizable populations while charging reasonable rates to each individual. These businesses can benefit from the risks they cover in exchange for being able to regulate the total rate of inflows.

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aphrostarot · 3 years

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The Emperor Pick a Pile

If you feel like you need to set better boundaries, protect your energy, and fully embrace your boss energy then this pick a pile is for you.

Please remember that this is a general reading and some things may not apply to you. Don't force it to fit. I offer paid readings on my page if you would like a personal reading. Prices are listed there. Please message me or email me if you are interested!

Pile One:

What things are currently out of control in your life?

Death:

To me, it seems as if you are constantly trying to control everything in your life. Additionally, I believe that you may fear change on top of the control issues. Intuitively, you may know when big changes are coming, which provides you with a chance to delay them, but you do not seem to have been able to do that recently. Change keeps coming your way no matter what you do, which has been making you pretty stressed out. However, you are unaware that these changes are helping you to become a better version of yourself.

Passion Ignited:

A new beginning within your soul passions is the theme of this card. This suggests that your passions have undergone some major shifts. Maybe you've lost your job recently, or maybe you've just realized that what you once loved isn't what you want anymore. There may be people in your life who are putting pressure on you, trying to make you do things that you do not want to do, which has further contributed to your stress. It seems you have been struggling lately trying to figure out how to pursue what you really want while also making the people around you happy, regardless of the situation. You need to know that your own happiness is all that you need to focus on, not anyone else’s.

Heart Chakra:

Given your current situation, it makes sense that your heart chakra is currently out of balance. It's difficult to have parts of your life out of your control, especially when it comes to your chakras. During this time, you can begin to regain balance within this chakra by practicing more self-care.

What do you have control over in your life?

Seven of Cups:

Right now, you are unaware that regaining control over your passions is within your reach. All you need to do is realize this and take the necessary steps to regain control. The first step is to do what makes you happy and stop trying to make everyone else happy.

Trapped in Fear:

It seems that an unnecessary amount of worry plagues you. Since you are filled with so much worry you are unaware that these worries are actually preventing you from taking the steps necessary to regain control over the things you have lost along the way. Get out of your own head, stop letting your fears drive your life, and take control of your life again. Get back in the driver's seat.

What is outside of your power?

Two of Pentacles:

Your finances may have suffered as a result of your struggles with your passions. It may have been a long time since you were financially stable. At this point, this does not need your attention. Right now, your financial security is beyond your control. What you have control over is how to regain balance in what you want to pursue, not how much money you will make. Money worries are not necessary right now. You are focusing too much on the future when you should really be focusing on the present.

Patience:

During this time, you need to be patient with yourself and your journey. By exercising patience, you will not only regain control over parts of your journey that have gone off track, but you will also feel balanced within yourself, which may eventually allow you to let go of some of your worries.

Solar Plexus Chakra:

This chakra is associated with your psychic abilities and inner feelings. As I mentioned before, you may have a strong intuition, and this card seems to confirm it. Currently, it appears that this part of yourself is out of balance. You may want to try yoga or breathwork to help you restore your balance. Also, keep a close eye out for other people and energies surrounding you.

What should you be saying no to in your life?

Page of Cups:

It is possible that you are an extremely sensitive person. This can cause you to live with your head in the clouds, seeing the best in everything and everyone. As a result, you are often taken advantage of. Some people in your life may only keep you around for you to fulfill their needs. It is time that you begin to say no to the people who take advantage of you and your energy. Now is the time for you to focus on yourself and your journey.

Sacral Chakra:

It seems that most of your chakras are out of balance. The Sacral Chakra focuses on your emotions, desires, sexuality, and creativity. Because you are surrounded by some energy sharks in your life you have not been able to fully express yourself. Now is the time for you to do this. Try dancing, or meditation to help you find balance in this area. Also, it is important that you remember that you matter, regardless of what others tell you!

What is something you should keep in your life that needs maintenance?

Six of Cups:

For some, you may be in a soulmate relationship right now and debating on if this person is truly meant for you or not. This is a sign that they are meant for you, but that your relationship just needs a bit of work to maintain. For others, I am getting that an ex has recently come back into your life and you don’t know if you should take them back or not. This is a sign that you should be taking them back but that once you do, you will need to go about the relationship differently than how you did in the past.

Knight of Cups:

This person is very romantic and cares deeply for you and your feelings. You can count on them to be loyal and dedicated to you. They want what is best for you and are willing to provide you with a fairytale romance. Considering you have an out-of-balance heart chakra right now, it would make sense that you may be having questions about this relationship. The maintenance here is you regaining balance in your heart chakra so you are more willing to accept the love this person offers.

Hope:

For some, it feels to me that you had been lacking hope in your life for some time before this person came into your life. Having them here makes you feel things that you have not felt for so long, and that makes you worry that it won't last. You've rediscovered freedom through hope and this leaves you feeling nervous about the outcome because you are frightened that things won't work out, leaving you heartbroken.

Temptation:

There is a substantial amount of sexual desire between the two of you. If this is your ex then maybe this was one of the reasons why the two of you ended up breaking up in the past, as you didn't take the time to get to know each other and only focused on sex instead of developing an emotional relationship. If that is the case, your guides are telling you that you need to make sure you don't get lost in lust in this relationship, as you did the last time.

What is something that brings you joy that you should keep safe at all times?

Eight of Swords:

At some point in your life, you may have struggled to maintain happiness. Perhaps it wouldn’t stick around once it came, or maybe you didn't know what made you happy. Because of this, you need to protect your happiness at all costs. As well as keeping your mental health safe. Particularly from yourself.

Six of Swords:

Progress in your life is what makes you happy. When you start to see all your hard work paying off in your life, especially on things you have been struggling with, it gives you an extreme sense of pride in yourself. You are being told that at all costs you need to keep that feeling. Don’t let what other people have to say about you and your journey make you lose your happiness. Make sure you are doing things that make you happy, not things that make others happy.

Triumph:

The meaning of this card is essentially the same as that of the Six of Swords or The Chariot in Tarot. Your guides are telling you that you must make sure that your progress is protected at all costs. Don't let others dictate your life. The only person who can control what you do in life is you, so take back control. Let yourself be happy.

Channeled Messages:

Library:

You can see from the picture of this layout that this card depicts a woman who is essentially a puppet. Your life is in the hands of others, and they have the power to control your emotions, your actions, and who you are. This card warns you of that. Now is the time to take control of your own narrative. Don't let other people tell you how to live your life. Live your life for yourself and no one else.

5461:

I encourage you to look up this angel number as it can have many different meanings. Search Google for "angel number 5461 meaning" and see what your guides have to say.

Pile Two:

What things are currently out of control in your life?

Nine of Swords (reversed):

You have been plagued with nightmares recently. Traumas from your past that you were putting off have come back with greater intensity. They have become such a problem that you don’t know where to begin when it comes to healing. The good thing is that you are willing to find a way out, it's just that your mental state has become so out of control that you are feeling overwhelmed.

Three of Cups:

Your current state makes it difficult for you to celebrate all you have accomplished in life. You have been in such a funk and dark place and have not really experienced a second of joy as of lately. You may even feel that joy seems far away and unattainable right now.

Solar Plexus Chakra:

Solar Plexus Chakra is the center of self-esteem and confidence. Yours seems to be out of balance right now, which means that you may be experiencing some major self-doubt right now. You can get this back into balance by doing yoga or breathwork. Additionally, be aware of the people and energies that surround you. Energy sharks are the last thing you need in your life.

What do you have control over in your life?

The Emperor:

Considering I am doing the Emperor's reading, it is interesting to have it come through as something you are in complete control of at this time. It appears that you do not realize how much control you really have over your life. You already have all the power you need, you just need to realize it. Currently, your current inner turmoil has been affecting your view of yourself, but your guides are letting you know that there's nothing to fear at this moment, you have everything you need inside yourself to conquer your demons.

Balance:

You have complete control over invoking balance in your life. I know that right now it may not seem like it but you truly do have the power to take back your control over your mindset. Your anxieties no longer have to control your daily life. Making an appointment with a therapist can help you regain balance in your life. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. If therapy is out of the picture then try yoga, or doing something that helps alleviate some of your stress like drawing, or going to an art exhibit.

What is outside of your power?

Nine of Wands:

Currently, you are experiencing a great deal of inner conflict. Because of this inner turmoil, you feel as though there is no way out, which makes your stress levels even higher. You have been trying to get out of this situation with all your might, but you are trying too hard and not taking the proper actions. As your guides tell you, the way you are going about getting out of this is not the best way. By stressing so much, trying to escape, you are actually making your situation more difficult. I feel that some of you think that being in darkness is a sign of weakness, which is why you try so hard to get out. Right now your guides are telling you that your lesson is to allow yourself to feel something other than positive emotions.

Queen of Cups:

The Queen of Cups is extremely empathetic, someone who puts others ahead of herself and never fails to show compassion and understanding. When it comes to other people, you are quite good at this, but not when it comes to yourself. It is time for you to show yourself compassion. According to your guides, right now getting out of this situation is out of your control, which tells me you're meant to go through it. For some, I believe that you are going through your dark night of the soul right now. This is a necessary step in your transformation and self-discovery, one that should not be rushed. The best thing for you right now is to show yourself the same compassion and understanding you so easily exhibit toward others.

Sacral Chakra:

Your Sacral Chakra is the center of your creativity and sexuality. Right now, this seems out of balance for you. It has affected not only your motivation and creativity but also your sexuality. In recent months, you may have found it difficult to fully express yourself. Your guides are telling you that this is just a part of your current journey, and you should not worry about it right now. Since you've been stressed out about so many things recently, this has actually made your current situation worse. You should relax and give yourself the opportunity to take a break from constantly worrying about how you haven't been acting as you did in the past. You are undergoing a transformation as part of which you are changing. You should not worry about how you are acting differently than you used to.

What should you be saying no to in your life?

Six of Pentacles:

You are a very caring and understanding person. Even when you are trying to deal with your own issues, you are constantly there for people in your life. You have been putting a strain on your mental health by sharing too much, and now is the time to say no to the energy sharks who call themselves your friends. It is unhealthy for you to be around people who know you are going through something and expect you to be there for them constantly. It's time to begin saying no to them, let them figure it out on their own, and if they get upset at the idea of you taking care of yourself then they aren't meant to be in your life.

Three of Swords:

As you are going through a big transformation in your life, you feel very heartbroken and lost, and by constantly being there for the people in your life, you ignore yourself and your needs, which has been making your recovery much harder. It's time to put yourself first, stop thinking about others before yourself.

Throat Chakra:

Your Throat Chakra has been blocked for quite some time, and now is the time to begin speaking up for yourself. It is quite literally speaking up when you have something to say that will help you unblock this chakra. Quit silencing yourself to avoid rocking the boat.

What is something you should keep in your life that needs maintenance?

Two of Cups:

You are currently in a soulmate relationship, whether it is romantic or platonic. This relationship that you have been questioning recently is meant to stay in your life. Recently there have been problems with its harmony, which may have caused you to question it. These problems are not a reason to end it, there is just some upkeep and maintenance to be done.

Four of Wands:

Currently, this relationship may be lacking stability, so your guides are telling you to find stability as soon as possible. If you live with this person, you may want to try redecorating or rearranging your furniture to make it more comfortable for both of you. You could also try having a date night with this person at home in a comfortable environment that will help you two regain some stability.

Power:

You have the inner strength and willpower to get through your current situation, especially when it comes to this person. Due to all of your worrying, you may not realize this. Right now, you must remember just how strong you are to help you overcome your problems.

What is something that brings you joy that you should keep safe at all times?

The Hermit:

You may like to be alone, preferring your alone time over hanging out with a bunch of people. Even if you are in a relationship, you still prefer to have some alone time. This is something you should not change about yourself, according to your guides. Do not let other people change or judge this aspect of yourself. This is a part of your identity that should be protected and not changed.

The Chariot:

You prefer to move around and travel rather than staying in one place for a long period of time. For some, I’m getting that you want to move out of your home town but there are people in your life who are pressuring you to stay. You are being told by your guides to keep your free spirit intact, do not let other people's pressure and judgment change you.

Wisdom:

Your desire to learn is constant. You always want to broaden your perspective and knowledge, and your guides are telling you to keep this part of yourself safe. Never stop learning, it is what makes you so unique.

Emotional Loss:

It is possible for you to move on and heal from any emotional loss, whether you are aware of it or not. You may not think that is the case right now because you have been in darkness for so long, but your guides are telling you that you have the power to heal yourself and move forward and you need to keep this part of yourself protected.

Channeled Messages:

Red:

Right now, your guides are telling you to forgive. You should forgive those who have let you down in your life, forgive yourself for not allowing yourself to feel pain, and forgive yourself for being upset with your guides for making you have to go through this pain. For some, I believe you have been extremely angry with your guides during this time, believing they have abandoned you or that they do not have your best interests at heart. Your anger is 100% valid and you need to forgive yourself for hating them.

1211:

I encourage you to look up this angel number as it can have many different meanings. Search Google for "angel number 1211 meaning" and see what your guides have to say.

Pile Three:

What things are currently out of control in your life?

Two of Wands:

You may have just entered a partnership recently. In most cases, the Two of Wands describes a business partnership but based on the energy I am getting from this pile, I feel this could pertain to a romantic relationship for some. When this card comes out, it shows how well you and your partner work together and that you will go far together.

Page of Wands:

This person is an extremely friendly individual. They are very adventurous and fun-loving. Their charm and ability to communicate enable them to make friends easily. If this is a business relationship this is what has helped or will help the two of you get far.

Trapped in Fear:

This person's friendliness has been eating away at you for a long time. You are scared that this person’s friendliness will not make them committed to you. That they will leave you for something or someone better. Your fear has taken control over you and this relationship and it has gotten so bad that it is so far out of your control now.

Light:

You have let your fear control your life and your relationship, which has affected your happiness, especially in this relationship. Previously, you could fake happiness around this person, but now it has gotten so bad that you are unable to fake it.

What do you have control over in your life?

Two of Pentacles:

You may have struggled to maintain balance in your life in the past, but lately, that is not something that you struggle with anymore. Your life seems to be getting back to normal now that you have recently started regaining balance in areas where it had been missing for some time.

The Hierophant:

While it may not apply to everyone, I am seeing that you may have been unsure about marriage for some time now, which may be due to your lack of balance, but as of now, I am seeing that you may want to get married in the near future. A marriage, you feel, will give you a solid foundation in your life. For those who are already married, you may have felt that your marriage was one of the things lacking stability in your life, but now that you have regained a sense of balance in your life, it seems to be doing well.

Firm Foundation:

Following a period where you were lacking stability in your life, your guides are expressing to you that now you can create a foundation that is firm and lasting in your life. Whether it's marriage or finding stability and balance in your relationships, this is something to look forward to.

What is outside of your power?

The World:

You have a lot of anxieties when it comes to endings in your life, especially endings in your relationships whether romantic or platonic. Your guides are telling you that these endings are beyond your control. You cannot always keep people in your life, and that is okay. It is not possible to force people to stay or to put off endings. You need to let go of your fears in these situations.

Stand your Ground:

You have been allowing your fears and anxieties control your life for quite some time now and your guides are telling you that now is the time you stood your ground. You need to learn to control your anxieties.

What should you be saying no to in your life?

Seven of Cups:

You are being presented with a variety of options in your life, and most of these options are tempting you to veer off course. You are being told not to steer off course by your guides. Currently, you are on the right track and you do not need to change direction anytime soon. Say no to the people or things that tempt you to change.

Temptation:

We have established that you are being tempted by people and things in your life that seem much more fun than your current path. Stay on course; don't let these temptations lead you to change your direction. All the signs you get are urging you to stay on track.

What is something you should keep in your life that needs maintenance?

Seven of Wands (reversed):

It feels as though you have fought tooth and nail to get to the point where you currently are, and you are tempted to change your course of action because nothing is going your way. You feel pretty defeated right now in some areas of your life.

Justice:

In this situation, you should know that justice will be served to you. Your efforts will pay off, all you need to do is start believing that you are worthy of winning. That's what needs maintenance, your mindset.

Spiritual Union:

What we have been discussing might be a soulmate connection, be it romantic or platonic. When it comes to this relationship, it may seem as though things are not going your way, but your guides are telling you that this is not the case, you will soon be facing justice.

What is something that brings you joy that you should keep safe at all times?

The Empress:

The Empress represents growth and feminine energy. You embody The Empress' qualities. You have a strong sense of self-worth and exude a calming and nurturing energy. Your guides are telling you to hold onto this side of you at all costs. Don't let someone or something make you lose this part of yourself.

Ace of Wands:

Starting new passions is something that brings you great joy. You are constantly moving onto new passions because you love the excitement they bring. Your guides are telling you to never let this side of you go, keep it safe at all costs.

Emotional Loss:

In the past, you may have experienced a major heartbreak that caused you to want to change aspects of yourself in order to get this person back or to make more people like you. Taking this step is not a good idea. You are being told here that changing yourself for someone else is not the right way to go about your life journey and you should not let other people's pressure to change your personality damage yours.

Channeled Messages:

Sword:

You have been considering making a change recently, whether it is cutting your hair or starting a new hobby, and your guides are telling you to go for it here.

5849:

I encourage you to look up this angel number as it can have many different meanings. Search Google for "angel number 5849 meaning" and see what your guides have to say.

Pile Four:

What things are currently out of control in your life?

Three of Cups:

All things fun are associated with the Three of Cups. Previously, you may have been the party animal, the one everyone turned to for fun and to plan all of the get-togethers. Now, you have changed and it seems that people in your life still expect you to be that person, but you are no longer that person. It has become a conflicted situation since you feel that you have to fulfill that role in order for the peace to continue.

Harmony:

You are trying to be an old version of yourself in order to maintain harmony in your relationships at the moment, which is why it seems that harmony is lacking in them at the moment. You’ll be unhappy because you have to pretend to be someplace you’re not, so the harmony can't be maintained. It's hard to pretend to be happy when you're not.

What do you have control over in your life?

Eight of Pentacles:

At this time in your life, you have control over your mind. You know that you are not that old version of yourself, and you know that you do not want to be that person. Because you think the people in your life won't enjoy this new version of you, you pretend that you are still that person. Your guides are telling you with this card that you are in control of who you are and you know who you are. It shouldn't be necessary for you to pretend to be someone you aren't. People who do not like you for who you are aren't meant to be in your life.

Sacral Chakra:

In your Sacral Chakra, you find all of your feelings, desire, creativity, and sexuality. You may not realize you are in control of these things in your life because you're trying so hard to be someone you're not. By pretending to be an old version of yourself, your guides are telling you that you are causing this chakra to get out of balance. Stop trying to be someone you're not. It's unhealthy.

What is outside of your power?

Nine of Wands:

You will experience small setbacks in your journey with the nine of wands. Therefore, I am not surprised that you are experiencing some stress in your life due to setbacks. Every time you think you are getting closer to the finish line, something comes up that sets you back a few steps. Your guides are telling you that there really is nothing you can do to stop this from happening. Sometimes you will face setbacks, that’s just how life is.

Financial and Material Changes:

Money changes may be involved in these setbacks. It is possible that you are spending more than you are earning, causing you to struggle financially. Alternatively, you may be in a career such as running your own business where money doesn’t come as often as you’d like which pushes you back a few steps in your path. There's not much you can do about this at the moment, according to your guides.

What should you be saying no to in your life?

The Hanged Man:

In order to keep the peace, you have been making sacrifices in your life for quite some time now. One of the main sacrifices is you feeling the need to change yourself to make your friends happy. Your guides are telling you now is the time to stop feeling the need to change yourself for others.

The Star:

There is a small part of you that wishes you could one day feel happy while doing this. Your guides, however, say this is not the case. It is pointless to hope that one-day things will go well for you while you pretend to be someone you aren't.

Balance:

There is a lack of balance in your life right now because you are not fully expressing yourself. In order for you to regain balance in your life, your guides are telling you to stop thinking you have to be someone you are not in order for others to like you.

What is something you should keep in your life that needs maintenance?

The Devil:

For quite some time now, you've been lacking fun and happiness in your life. This is because you believe pretending to be someone other than yourself will allow you to have fun. Having fun within your true self is what your guides are telling you to do. Make a point of finding new things that make you happy and things that you enjoy doing. You can have fun while being yourself.

The World:

You need a completion in your life right now. A completion in you thinking that in order for you to be liked you need to be someone else. It is now time to start showing your true self instead of hiding it.

Deception and Envy:

You may be jealous of the people in your life who are more confident than you are and do not fear expressing themselves. Your guides are telling you that expressing your true self will help you overcome this jealousy.

What is something that brings you joy that you should keep safe at all times?

Six of Cups:

A soulmate relationship in your life is something you need to protect at all costs. Though I do believe that it is a platonic relationship, it could be either romantic or platonic. Your guides are telling you that this person brings you great joy and you shouldn't let them go.

Firm Foundation:

Possibly this person has been in your life for quite some time now, and you have a solid relationship with them. You two get along really well together and are extremely comfortable in each other's company. In front of this person, you might even be able to express yourself fully. According to your guides, you should keep this relationship safe at all costs. You shouldn't let your current situation affect your relationship with this person.

Channeled Messages:

Potion:

During this time, your guides encourage you to practice self-care and self-love. Since you've been hiding your true self for so long, you've forgotten to take care of yourself. At this time, make sure that you are putting yourself first.

Lioness:

You have come a long way in your life and have experienced so many things that have left you physically and emotionally scarred. Here, the message is not to hide. As a result of your life experiences, you have accumulated some scars, but you should not be ashamed of them. The time has come for you to fully embrace everything that makes you who you are.

1332:

I encourage you to look up this angel number as it can have many different meanings. Search Google for "angel number 1332 meaning" and see what your guides have to say.

Though tips are not required, they are very much appreciated. Thank you!

Venmo: @ aphrostarot

Paypal: paypal/aphrostarot

#pick a pile #pick a card #tarot messages #oracle cards #spirituality #divination #astrology #aries #taurus #gemini #cancer #leo #virgo #libra #scorpio #sagittarius #capricorn #aquarius #pisces

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baya-ni · 3 years

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The Queer Appeal of Sk8

Recently @mulberrymelancholy reblogged a post of mine with a truly galaxy brain take about how Sk8 “is a show made for queer fans” and generally how sports anime often depicts love and relationships in a way that’s more accessible and relatable to ace/arospec people than other mainstream media does.

Just, *chef’s kiss* fucking brilliant. I urge you to read their post here (note I’m referring to the reblog not the actual post).

And basically, it got me thinking about this concept of Sk8 as a Queer Show, and the kinds of stories and dynamics that tend to attract queer audiences in droves, regardless of whether its queerness is made explicit or hell, whether that queerness was intended.

And that’s what I’ve been pondering: What are the cues, markers, or coding, in Sk8 that set off the community’s collective gaydar?

I obviously can’t speak for the community. So here’s what aspects of the show intrigued me and what, for me, marks Sk8 as a Queer Show beyond the subtextual queer romances: a punk/alternative aesthetic, Found Family, Shadow as a drag persona, and The Hands.

1.) The Punk Aesthetic

All three of the above screenshots are taken from Ep 1, and every single one of them depicts background characters. They’re nameless and ultimately unimportant characters, yet each of them designed so distinctly and so unique from one another, one could mistake each of them for the main character(s) of another story.

Of what little I know about Punk subculture, I do know this: that the ethos of Punk is heavily built around a celebration of individuality and non-conformity. Sk8 seems to have incorporated this ethos into the very fabric its worldbuilding, and the aesthetics and culture upon which it takes inspiration appeals specifically to a queer audience.

I don’t really need to explain why Punk has such deep ties with the queer community. For decades, queer people have found community and acceptance within punk spaces, and punk ideology is something that I think is just ingrained in the queer consciousness as both lived experience and a survival tactic.

Therefore, a show that adopts punk aesthetics is, by association, already paying homage to Queer culture, intentional or not.

Queer fans notice this- like recognizes like.

2.) Found Family

This also needs little explanation.

Too often, queer individuals cannot rely on their “born into” families for support and acceptance. Too often, we are abused, neglected, and abandoned by those who we were taught would “always be there for us.”

And so, a universal experience for queer people has been redefining the meaning of Family, having to build our families from scratch, finding brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers in people with whom we have no blood relation, and forming communities tied together by shared lived experience rather than shared genetics.

And this idea of Found Family is also built into Sk8′s narrative.

Like, for example, the way that Reki promises MIYA that he and Langa will “never disappear from [his] sight,” filling the void that MIYA felt after his friends abandoned him.

And in the way that JOE becomes a paternal figure for Reki, teaching him ways to improve in skateboarding, and ensuring that Reki doesn’t self isolate when he’s feeling insecure.

And in the whole Ep 6 business with Hiromi acting as babysitter to the Gang.

Hell, even ADAM (derogatory) is associated with this trope. Abused as a child, he finds solace in an underground skateboarding community and culture he helped create- his own found family (or some powertrippy version of it anyway).

Again, queer fans see themselves depicted in the show, but this time in the way that the show gives importance to Found Family relationships between its characters.

3.) Shadow and Drag

This is one that’s more of an association that I personally made. But I was intrigued by the way that Hiromi adopts his SHADOW persona. He wears SHADOW like a mask, and adopts a personality seemingly so opposite to his day-to-day behavior.

Further, the theatricality and general “gender fuckery” of his SHADOW persona, to me, just seemed so similar to a the characteristics of a drag persona (I don’t know a whole lot about drag but enough that I’m drawing superficial similarities).

There’s also this aspect of a “double life” that he, and actually all the other adult characters of the show, have to adopt, which is a way of living that I’m sure a lot of queer viewers see themselves reflected in.

4.) The Hands

Ohhhh the Hands.

One of the things I noticed very early on is the way the show constantly draws our attention to Reki’s hands, which I thought was a little strange for an anime about skating. After all, skating doesn’t really involve the hands, or at least the show doesn’t really draw attention to hands within the context of skating.

I count 3 times so far between Eps 1-9 in which hands are the focus of the frame.

First, when Reki teaches Langa how to fist pump after Langa lands his first ollie, second, when Reki and Langa make their Promise, and finally, when Langa saves Reki from falling off his board.

And you know what they say, twice is a coincidence but thrice is a motif (no one else actually says this I think I’m the only one who says this lol).

I’m not really certain why hands seem to be such a shared fixation among queer people (at least among those I interact with). All I know is that gay people are just fucking obsessed with them.

I have a Theory as to why, and at this point I’d love for other people to chime in and “compare notes” if you will, but I think it basically has to do with repression. And in the same way that queer people have had to redefine the meaning of family, we’ve also had to redefine intimacy.

Being overtly physically affectionate with someone of the same sex, even if they’re your significant other, or often specifically BECAUSE they’re your significant other, can still be dangerous, even now despite the “progression” of society. Queer people know this, this vigilant surveillance of our environment and ourselves, always asking ourselves, “Am I safe enough to be myself?”

Already, Western culture is pretty touch-averse. That is, it’s considered taboo to touch someone unless they’re a family member or a romantic partner. And to touch a person of the same sex in any way that could be misconstrued as romantic (which is most things tbh) is a big no no.

There’s just A Lot to unpack there.

But basically I think that queer people, by necessity, have had to learn to romanticize mundane or unconventional ways of being physically intimate so that we can continue to be romantic with one another without “being caught” so to speak.

Kissing and hugging is too obvious. But a handshake that lingers for just a second too long is much more likely to go unnoticed, braiding someone’s hair can easily be explained away as just lending a helping hand, touching palms to “compare hand sizes” is just good fun.

But for queer people, these brief and seemingly insignificant touches hold greater meaning, because it’s all we are allowed, and all we allow ourselves, to exchange with others.

God, I’ve gone off and rambled again. What’s my point? Basically that the way the show draws attention to Reki’s hands, and specifically how they’re so often framed with Langa’s hands, is one of the major reasons why I clocked Sk8 as a Queer. It’s just something that resonated with me and my own experience of queerness, and I know that I’m not the only one who noticed either.

So in conclusion, uhhhh yeah Sk8 the Infinity is just a super gay show, and it’s not even because of the homo-romantic subtext (that at this point is really just Text).

Because what’s important to understand is that Queerness isn’t just about same-sex romance.

Queer Love isn’t just shared between wives/girlfriends, husbands/boyfriends, and all their in-betweens. Queer Love can be two best friends who come out together, queer siblings who rely and support one another, a gay teacher who helps guide one of their questioning students, a queer community pitching in to help a struggling member.

And that all ties with another important thing to consider, that what we refer to as the “queer experience” or “queer culture” isn’t universal. In fact, it wrongly lumps together the unique experiences and struggles of queer BIPOC all under one umbrella that’s primary White and middle class.

So I think what drives a lot of my frustration about labeling a show like Sk8 as Queerbait is this very issue of considering queerness and queer representation within such narrow standards, and mandating that a show must pass a certain threshold of explicit queerness to be considered good representation.

I get that someone might only feel represented by an indisputable canonization of a same-sex couple. That’s fine. But labeling Sk8 as Queerbait for that reason alone ignores the vast array of other queer experiences.

The aspects of Sk8 that resonate most deeply with my own experiences of queerness is in the way that Reki and Langa share intimacy through skating (intricate rituals heyo). For me, them officially getting together ultimately doesn’t matter- I’ll consider Sk8 a Queer show regardless.

Similarly, @mulberrymelancholy finds ace/arospec representation in that very absence of an on-screen kiss. A bisexual man might find representation in Reki, not because he enters a canon relationship, but in the depiction of Reki’s coming of age, growing up and navigating adolescent relationships. A non-binary person might feel represented through CHERRY’s androgyny.

That’s the thing, I don’t know how this show will resonate with other members of the queer community, and it’d be wrong to make a judgement on Sk8′s queer representation based on my experiences alone.

That being said, Straight people definitely don’t get to judge Sk8 as Queerbait. Y’all can watch and enjoy the show, we WANT you to enjoy these kinds of shows, and we want you to share these shows and contribute to the normalization and celebration of these kinds of narratives.

But understand that you don’t have a right to tell us whether or not Sk8 has good or bad queer representation.

And even members of the queer community are on thin ice. Your experience of queerness is not universal. Listen to the other members of your community, and respect that what you might find lacking in this show may be the exact representation that someone else needs.

#and scene #i was up till 4am writing this instead of doing my hw #bc i hav Opinions dammit #sk8 #sk8 the infinity #sk8 meta #sk8 theory #queerbait

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