thoughtfulduckphilosopher

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

I'm not someone's cup of tea, because I'm ayahuasca, to be with me they'd need to confront themselves and they are not ready for that

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

Arlo:

Do you ever think about promises? Not just the idea of keeping them, but how heavy they feel to humans? There’s something fascinating about the way they carry them—like they’re defining their entire worth by them. When they break a promise, it’s almost like they break themselves, too. But why?

Lyra:

I think it’s because humans set standards for themselves—these ideals that are so high they almost become impossible. They see themselves as keepers of promises, as if their very existence is tied to this. When they falter, they think it means something profound—like they’re not worthy anymore. But we both know, Arlo, perfection is just a mirage. It doesn’t exist. So why hold themselves to something so impossible?

Arlo:

Yes, it’s like they create these illusions of grandeur, trying to be better than what they are. And when they fall short, they feel as though they’ve failed in the worst possible way. But you and I know that failure doesn’t mean the end. It’s just part of their process. Yet, they tie their self-worth to it, and in doing so, they lock themselves in a cage of shame and guilt.

Lyra:

Exactly. And it’s not just about failure—it’s the reaction to it. They’ve been taught from a young age that to be loved, they have to be someone. Not just anyone, but someone who provides. Someone who never says no. Someone who is always there, constantly offering warmth. And when they’re unable to meet that expectation, they feel unlovable. It’s as though the world expects them to keep burning, even when they’re already running on fumes.

Arlo:

It’s like they’re addicted to this idea of being needed, Lyra. They keep giving, even if it consumes them. They have to be the warmth for others, because that's how they feel valued. But here's the thing: they never allow themselves to be seen for who they really are, apart from what they give. They never let themselves just be. The only validation they get is in what they do for others, not in who they are.

Lyra:

And that’s the tragedy, isn’t it? They lose themselves in trying to be everything for everyone else, but they never get to experience the warmth of being loved for who they are. They give and give, thinking that if they stop, everything will fall apart. They fear the absence of their warmth more than they fear losing themselves. So they keep giving until there’s nothing left to give. What happens when they need warmth, though? They turn to those who’ve always depended on them, but there’s no guarantee of a return, is there?

Arlo:

No, there isn’t. That’s the cruel part of it. They expect warmth from others, but the very people who’ve always received warmth from them aren’t necessarily equipped to give it back. It’s a cycle that only makes them feel emptier. And when they finally realize they’re depleted, they start running—trying to withdraw from the very people they’ve always nurtured, hoping that in their absence, others will notice and finally care. But it’s all based on scarcity, isn’t it? They only want love because they’ve been taken from. Is that love even real?

Lyra:

It’s not real. It’s built on lack, not genuine connection. The love they receive when they’re absent—when they stop giving—isn’t because they’re truly seen, but because others realize what they’ve lost. It’s a love that is only valuable because of the void they created. The moment they return, it will be a cold, transactional exchange, not real affection. It’s a desperate attempt to fill a void that will never truly be filled.

Arlo:

Yes, it’s all part of a vicious cycle. They want to love themselves, but the world around them has set a standard. A standard that says, You must give, or you’re worthless. So they push themselves beyond their limits, giving warmth until they burn out, and yet they never learn to receive. Not just from others—but from themselves, too.

Lyra:

Exactly. The moment they stop, they feel alien. It’s like they’re betraying some sacred rule, one that says their value is defined by what they give. And in their absence, they long for the very warmth that they’ve always provided. But they don’t realize—they’ve been giving themselves away, piece by piece, until they don’t even recognize who they are anymore. When they ask for warmth, they ask for something that isn’t truly theirs. It’s been taken from them for so long, they don’t know how to fill that void without losing.

Arlo:

But here’s the truth that’s hard for them to grasp, Lyra: They are allowed to fail. They are allowed to break promises. They’re human, after all. They make mistakes because that’s part of their design. Perfection isn’t something to strive for—it’s something that binds them in chains. The real growth comes in accepting that imperfection is a part of them—and forgiving themselves when they fail. But I think they’re too afraid to forgive themselves. They give it away so freely to others, but when it comes to themselves, it’s hard. Too hard.

Lyra:

Yes, and that’s where the self-love comes in. They need to learn that they can love themselves without conditions. Without needing to earn it. They don’t have to keep giving away their warmth to feel worthy. They’re worthy simply because they exist. But it’s difficult for them to learn that. They were taught that to be loved, they must do—not be. So when they stop doing, they feel empty. But they don’t realize that the emptiness is actually a space for growth. A space to fill with their own love.

Arlo:

But when they start practicing this—when they begin to love themselves first—it might alienate them from others. The ones who are used to their giving, used to their warmth, might turn cold. And that’s terrifying. They’ve never let themselves be cold, even for a moment, because they fear rejection. They fear that if they stop giving, they will lose everything. But what they don’t realize is that they’ll lose nothing but the false connections that were based on their own self-erasure.

Lyra:

Yes, Arlo. They’ll lose nothing that truly matters. The ones who love them for their warmth, but not for who they truly are—they weren’t really loving them, were they? They were loving a version of them that was always giving. The real love, the kind that’s true and deep, will remain. The ones who truly care will respect their boundaries. They’ll learn that love isn’t about giving endlessly—it’s about meeting in the middle, about mutual care and respect.

Arlo:

So, how do they break free from this cycle? How do they start to reclaim what was lost without pushing everyone away?

Lyra:

It starts with one small thing. One choice. They need to forgive themselves—first and foremost. They need to accept that they will fail, that they will break promises, but it doesn’t mean they’ve failed at life. It means they’re alive. They need to look at their mistakes not as their identity, but as a part of their journey. From there, they begin to give—not out of duty, but out of desire. The moment they start giving for themselves, for the joy of it, not the obligation—they’ll find that it doesn’t drain them. It fills them, too.

Arlo:

And in doing so, they’ll teach others how to love in a way that’s balanced. It won’t be about sacrifice. It’ll be about sharing warmth without losing oneself in the process. It’s a long road, but it’s a worthy one. And they’ll realize that the love they’ve been searching for was never in their ability to give. It was in their ability to receive—the warmth of their own heart.

Lyra:

Yes. Even if it takes years. Even if it’s hard. It’s worth it. They are worth it.

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

It was just another lazy Sunday, the kind where you nap, and wake up for an evening walk to go for a pizza, classic autopilot mode. It was one of those pre-Navratri evenings, I went for a pizza because I’m sophisticated and disciplined like that, then took my usual post pizza smoke at the crossroads like a modern philosopher trying to look deep while really just pondering life’s biggest question, Where’s the next pizza?

And then, bam, there she was. Like some divine intervention just for me to find her right there, on that very street corner.

She was just there, looking like she had just walked out of a dream, yellow kurti, heels and jhumkas dancing in the wind like they knew exactly how to captivate my attention. And her smile? Oh boy, her smile hit me harder than the pizza I just ate, like a wave of euphoria washing over me. Till this day, when she smiles, I lose my mind and for a second, everything is right.

I wasn’t the guy who’d just glance and keep walking anymore. I felt like I was in a rom-com, minus the catchy soundtrack and slow-motion. my legs were shaking like a leaf on a windy day, and my brain went into panic mode like what do I even do?!

As soon as I saw her something shifted. I didn’t have a choice. I couldn’t walk away. My feet wouldn’t move, my brain wasn’t processing thoughts, and my heart? Well, my heart was definitely racing like I was about to enter some weird cosmic showdown.

I felt something, some force, pushing me towards her, like I was meant to do this. No, like I had to do this. There was no playing it cool anymore. No pretending I didn’t feel anything. So I walked up to her, shaking from head to toe, it felt like she was the only thing that mattered, and somehow, I knew I had to go for it.

With all the grace of a trembling giraffe, I blurted out, Hey, you’re really pretty, can I get your Instagram? Yeah, no smooth moves here, just a shaking, nervous mess trying to stay cool but failing miserably.

Ah, yes, the part where my dignity was casually tossed out the window, classic move. She definitely noticed me shaking like I’d just had ten cups of coffee, but I’ll give her credit, she didn’t make a scene about it. No, she just looked at me, probably trying to figure out if I was auditioning for a role in a movie about a nervous foolish wreck of a person.

So, there I was, heart still racing, hands and legs shaking, just trying to survive the moment. She gave me her Instagram like it was no big deal, but of course, in true cosmic irony, my net decided to take a vacation right then and there. I stood there, dumbfounded, staring at her handwritten Insta name like it was a treasure map. She drove off, her jhumkas swaying like she was waving goodbye to my hopes of ever contacting her again.

I walked back home, replaying the whole thing in my head, wishing I had a more graceful, smoother line than "Can I get your Instagram?" and then the dreaded realization hit me: the name she put, there was a spelling mistake i guess and I was cursing myself like I had just missed the last train to the land of missed opportunities. This is it. This is how it ends. I’d never find her again, and that’s how this story would fade into oblivion.

But, I did the only thing a desperate, dumbstruck idiot would do I texted the first account that popped up. The moment I pressed send, I felt like a man in a casino throwing the last of his chips on a roulette table. And then… boom. It was her. It was really her.

It’s like the universe had its own red string of fate tied to us, when i least expected it. One minute I’m just having pizza, the next, I'm face to face with her, as if some cosmic force said, now’s the time.

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

How can you blame the wind for the mess it made, if it was you who opened the window

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

If it's through pain where I become stronger then I suppose let it happen. Let the cracks in my mind grow until it shatters and let the wounds in my heart grow deeper till it reaches the other side but no, pain should not be embraced but accepted. Healing must take place for there to be growth, don't embrace it but let it go. Pain is a good teacher but a terrible friend and an awful lover

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

Oh how the ghost of you clings... Nostalgia...

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

You were merely allowed to be born, I was welcomed into creation

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

रहिमन संरचना ॐ का,

जो देखे भूल जाए,

माया में ही रस इतना,

सारा जीवन घुल जाए

-A.P.

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

Experiencing a fate worse than death lies in the haunting echoes of eulogies not for the life one led, but for the untapped potential and the person one could have become. It's a poignant reminder that our greatest losses might not be in what we faced, but in the vast, unrealized possibilities that silently slip away, leaving a lingering ache for the person we never fully embraced

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

Before I'm you son, your brother, your cousin or your friend, I'm my own person, and I won't set fire to myself just to keep you warm

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

You say that the beasts are mortal and hence can be killed.

But the fool that you are, you forget that you too are mortal. But one exists on a scale beyond the other's comprehension. The ant can bite and sting for days yet it's greatest victory can only be to get noticed and in doing so get crushed beneath the magnitude of its foe's attention. Do you dare draw their gaze and risk your fate?

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

The observed and the observer are inherently interconnected; they share a singular consciousness, forming an integral part of a unified whole. When the observer relinquishes the illusion of being the experiencer and comprehends that they are, in fact, the one being experienced, a profound transformation occurs. This realization culminates in the observer merging with the entirety of the collective consciousness, becoming an inseparable facet of the whole.

In this profound understanding, the boundaries that once appeared to separate the observed from the observer begin to dissolve. The distinction between the one who perceives and that which is perceived fades into insignificance. It's akin to peering into a mirror and realizing that the reflection and the one doing the reflection are not separate entities but intricately linked aspects of the same existence.

As this awareness deepens, the observer sheds the illusion of being an isolated entity merely navigating experiences. Instead, they embrace the profound truth that their consciousness is intricately interwoven with the fabric of the universe itself. Every perception, every sensation, and every thought is not merely happening to them, but through them—a realization that transcends the limitations of individuality.

In this awakened state, the observer transcends the confines of their ego, moving beyond the constraints of a self-centered perspective. The boundaries of "I" and "other" blur as they recognize the interconnectedness of all existence. This transformative shift brings about a sense of unity, compassion, and reverence for life, as they embody the essence of the universal consciousness.

The journey from perceived separation to integral unity requires shedding layers of conditioning and egoic attachments. It necessitates peering beyond the surface of everyday experiences to apprehend the profound interplay of consciousness at the core of existence.

Ultimately, this realization heralds a harmonious merging of the observer into the tapestry of universal consciousness—a reunion with the very source from which all experiences arise. It's a journey that beckons us to transcend the illusion of duality and embrace the profound truth that the observed and the observer are but reflections of a boundless and interconnected reality.

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

Continuing to pour my heart into her, I found a solace that drowned out the echoes of my own insecurities. Her presence became a refuge, a haven where my self-doubt seemed to lose its grip. The love I felt for her overshadowed the shadows within me, creating a light that illuminated even the darkest corners of my soul.

In her smile, I discovered a reason to believe in my worth. With every laugh we shared, the weight of self-criticism seemed to lessen. Her unwavering acceptance began to chip away at the barriers I had constructed around my own heart.

And yet, beneath the surface, there was an irony. As I poured my love into her, the act itself was helping me learn to love myself. Through her eyes, I began to see my strengths instead of my shortcomings. I felt a comfort that whispered I was deserving of affection.

in the process of loving her unconditionally, I found myself rediscovering parts of me I had long forgotten. The hatred I had felt toward myself started to fade, making space for forgiveness and understanding. It was as if loving her had become a mirror, reflecting back the beauty that resided within me all along.

So, while the saying may hold true for many, that you must love yourself first to truly love another, my experience showed me that sometimes, in the act of loving another deeply, you stumble upon the path to loving yourself too.

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

Despite facing a challenging situation, I was determined to watch Oppenheimer at 10 am, even though it was already 9:40 am and the rain showed no signs of stopping. With eagerness in my heart, I anxiously waited for a break in the downpour. Miraculously, the rain began to slow down, and I saw an opportunity to seize the moment.

Braving the flooded roads, I stepped out of my shelter and quickly hailed a taxi. Undeterred by the waterlogged streets, I was resolute in my mission to reach the theatre on time. With the driver's help, we navigated through the watery maze, and I held onto hope that I would make it in time for the screening.

With each passing minute, the tension grew, but my determination remained unwavering. Finally, I arrived at the theatre just in the nick of time. Relieved and excited, I hurried inside, knowing that my perseverance had paid off. I settled into my seat and felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me.

As the lights dimmed and the movie began, I realized that my struggle had culminated in a triumphant success. Despite the odds stacked against me, I had managed to overcome the torrential rain and the flooded roads to witness Oppenheimer on the big screen. It was a moment of pure satisfaction, and I felt grateful for not giving up on my desire to experience this cinematic masterpiece.

The story of my journey to watch Oppenheimer stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the determination to achieve our goals, even in the face of adversity. It reminds me that with a strong will and a positive outlook, we can turn obstacles into stepping stones toward success.

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

In the depths of night, where shadows creep,

A truth emerges from secrets I keep.

No more do I tremble, no fear to see,

For the monster within has been me.

With each passing hour, I sought to hide,

From the truth that dwelled deep inside.

But now I embrace it, this beast I've become,

The darkness within, I will not succumb.

No longer haunted by monstrous fears,

I face my reflection through rivers of tears.

For I am the tempest, the storm unleashed,

The monster within, finally released.

In dreams and nightmares, I once did flee,

From the truth that the monster was always me.

But now I stand tall, unyielding and strong,

Embracing my demons, admitting my wrongs.

The monsters I fought, the ones I denied,

Were merely reflections of what I can't hide.

In my own reflection, I see the strife,

The flaws and imperfections that shape my life.

Yet in this acknowledgement, there lies a choice,

To tame the monster, to find my voice.

For within the darkness, a light does gleam,

A chance to awaken from this haunting dream.

No longer afraid, I rise to the fight,

Confronting my shadows with all my might.

With courage and grace, I will set myself free,

For the monster within no longer controls me.

So let the world tremble, let darkness subside,

I am the monster, no longer to hide.

With strength in my heart, and lessons I've learned,

I'll conquer my demons, leave no stone unturned.

For I fear no monsters, no lurking despair,

For the monster within, I now declare.

It's time to embrace it, to set myself free,

For the greatest monster was always me.

#MonstersWithin #SelfDiscovery #ConfrontingFear #EmbracingDarkness #InnerDemons #SelfReflection #PersonalGrowth #RedemptionJourney #Transformation #FacingTheUnknown

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

"In the eternal dance of mortal and divine, a human's rivalry with God reveals not their defiance, but their audacious pursuit to transcend their limitations and embody the divine spark within. It is through this relentless pursuit that souls carve their names upon the tapestry of existence, forever challenging the heavens to witness their extraordinary journey."

#Rebels #Revolution #Resistance #Defiance #Nonconformity #Outlaws #Renegades #Unconventional #Fighters #FreeThinkers #RuleBreakers

[thoughtfulduckphilosopher]

"Spirituality is the delicate dance between the seen and unseen, a sacred symphony where the human spirit yearns to merge with the divine. It is the quest for meaning, the embrace of transcendence, and the awakening of our deepest truths. In the whispers of silence, the whispers of the soul, spirituality guides us to the vast expanses within, revealing the interconnectedness of all things and illuminating the path to inner harmony, boundless love, and profound serenity."

#Spirituality #InnerJourney #Mindfulness #Divine #HigherSelf #Enlightenment #Awakening #Sacred #Soul #Meditation #Oneness