This page has been archived and commenting is disabled.
Dispatches from Occupied Territory – The Awakening
Dispatches from Occupied Territory – The Awakening
By
Cognitive Dissonance
Even though most of us come to Zero Hedge to learn, laugh, share and even rant, ultimately many of us are all alone as we cope with our awakening. While Tyler & Company do an excellent job deconstructing the insanity, rarely is our day to day emotional and psychological battering discussed. Most of us long for someone we can talk to and learn from without being judged or ridiculed. I offer the following occasional series as a small step in that direction. This is the first in a series of fictional explorations into an individual’s awakening to the suddenly unfamiliar world around and within her while still engulfed by the day to day insanity. These short stories in letter form are intended for the more sensitive and inquisitive reader who wishes to look more deeply within and explore in depth their beliefs and perceptions and how they can cope with a world gone frighteningly mad. It is the author’s hope to accomplish this by way of an intimate and revealing first person correspondence between two long time friends as they discuss their ongoing trials, tribulations and revelations. Dear Marie, Please accept my apology for my tardy response to your letter of last week. While normally I’m quite prompt with my response (for I do love our conversations) the intensity of your distress set me back on my heels and I needed to pause and reflect for a bit before answering. Clearly you are experiencing tremendous loss and grief and I felt compelled to address this straight away. But I also heard desperation in your voice and before I wrote back I needed to take a few days to reflect and remember what that chaotic period of time was like for me. You asked me to respond from the heart so to do anything less would be a disservice to both of us. While I do have some experience with the road you’re now traveling I’m not sure how much I can help you since it’s no longer that fresh in my mind. On the other hand I do have a propensity to revisit the insanity every now and then, mostly because I tend to cling to that part of me I jettisoned so many years ago. Like a nagging itch or sharp pain emanating from a long ago amputated limb, at times it still feels as real today as it did back then. Can you ever truly break free from something that was an integral part of you and nearly drove you insane, in fact did drive you insane? I think not, at least not quickly. In cases like this one can only hope that time truly does heal our wounds. But equally important we must also be proactive in purging the dysfunction from our mind and body. Like you, while at the time I claimed to be willing, I really didn’t want to wake from my denial. Hell, to be perfectly honest I didn’t even know what that meant since I already thought I was wide awake. And near the end, when I could no longer remain asleep, I desperately hoped someone else would step up and absolve me from the moral obligation to walk the talk and take a stand. To this day I’m still a bit frightened by the perceived burden, which seems to never end and only grows bigger with time. Why did it have to come down to this? Why couldn’t ‘they’ be reasonable and not push it so far? I’ve always wanted to believe people were basically good and honest. Isn’t that what everyone says is true? Sadly it is just another conditioned cultural belief dashed upon the rocky shore of our formerly sheltered life. Even after all these years, deep down inside I still wish that were true. But of course it is not, at least not for the one percent who rule the world and for the most part the next twenty percent who support them. In fact, the ugly truth is that we all possess some measure of evil within ourselves, and part of breaking through our denial is coming to accept this in order to remove that controlling and manipulative force. We are only as sick as our deepest darkest secrets, and in this case I’m talking about those ugly truths we never want to admit even to ourselves. Especially to ourselves. God damn it, I still don’t want to let this one go completely because to do so feels like I’m abandoning humanity itself. More likely though to let go means to leave behind what little childish naiveté I still cling to. Even now, years later, this whole thing can still bring me to tears. There are no easy answers, but that’s precisely what we really want, don’t we? The Big Lie of easy, painless, no bother answers to throw away questions, blissful ignorance in all its ugly glory.

I certainly understand you being worried about your physical safety. Who would not considering the steps you might take down the road and the history of those you will oppose. And I agree that it does appear to be a daunting task you have set for yourself. That’s true for anyone contemplating this path, which explains why so few actually take the first step. But the good news is that you are not alone. I’m here by your side, along with many other veterans, sharing our strength and experience if you need it. No one should be alone during their transition from conditioned victim to independent spirit. Your rebirth will be traumatic for a while, but I promise you ultimately it will be very rewarding.
Please remember that while at times you may feel alone, there’s very little you will think, say or do that hasn’t already been experienced by someone else along the path. I’d be honored if you would accept my helping hand as we stumble down this road together. I suspect I will learn as much from you as you will from me while we both work through this lifelong process.
If I may suggest one personal practice that has served me well, the more you open your mind to the previously unthinkable, the easier it will be for you to absorb the knowledge and understanding you seek. You have the keys to a better life in your hand. All you need do is to accept that they are there and then use them.
In addition, while it is vitally important that you grieve for your loss, please don’t cry for long. Your deep sadness and sense of desperation is completely natural and understandable in the face of what appears on the surface to be a desperate situation. Essentially you are experiencing the death of who you think you are and how you see yourself in your world. The key to regaining your mental and emotional composure is to understand that your reaction is normal and you can quickly recover if you chose.
Take a moment and imagine yourself no longer feeling compelled to internalize what is strictly an external trauma controlled by others who care nothing about you or your family. This is true freedom, as opposed to the false reality indoctrinated into us from birth. Affirmation of life can now spring from within since you are no longer dependent upon external sources for your beliefs and sense of reality.
Thankfully I discovered my desperation was only as permanent as I wanted it to be. Hands down the toughest part is breaking from the old patterns of self abuse we’ve practiced since childhood. Old bad habits die hard, especially when they are embedded within our social and cultural structures. We believe we should fight this feeling of desperation, as if by experiencing it we will be consumed and never released. But in fact just the opposite is the case. It is our denial and bargaining with our newly discovered reality that makes it so painful and extended.
The awakening process can at times be excruciating and because we are taught early on to avoid anything that is uncomfortable or upsetting we instinctively and fearfully fight it tooth and nail. Unfortunately, by doing so, we make it much more agonizing and drawn out than it need be. The fear and pain is the result of our changing beliefs and perspective and the more we resist the change, the more pain there will be. It’s not so much the new that is so difficult to accept, but rather of accepting that we must let go of the old. At this point a flexible perspective is our best friend and mentor. Embrace the change and the pain will subside.
Please believe me when I tell you the pain you are feeling isn't a death sentence, but rather an affirmation of life. Remember the first Matrix movie we discussed last month, where Neo opens his eyes for the first time after being released from the Matrix cocoon and he feels terrible pain? Morpheus tells Neo his eyes hurt because he’s never actually used them to see until now. Metaphorically speaking this is precisely what is happening to you. The emotional and physical pain you feel is proof of life, not a sign of imminent death as you have been conditioned to believe. For the first time since your physical birth you are alive, no longer desensitized to a slow motion suicide.
The emotional pain and hangover you are feeling comes not only from the realization and understanding of your prior willing participation into your own enslavement, but from the sweeping depth and scope of it all. It’s not a pretty sight and never will be. But understand Marie that it takes real courage to walk this path, courage you have already demonstrated. So please do not sell yourself short simply because of your past mistakes. It’s difficult enough to deal with your own humiliation, let alone talk about it. I have no interest in being judgmental of you and neither should you. I have walked in your shoes and I still walk in your shoes. And I continue to make the same errors. Expect no less or no more from yourself.

We cannot reverse a life time of conditioning over night. And to think that we can is simply setting ourselves up for failure. The path is forward and the work ahead. Learn from your past, but don’t relive your mistakes simply to punish yourself. We must begin to forgive ourselves for our past, an admittedly complex but very doable task. It will be difficult to completely avoid self destructive behavior, particularly this early in your release. But you won’t heal quickly or properly if you continuously rip open your wounds in fits of self hate. The enemy is not within you Marie, it is external to you. Do not destroy your own personal refuge by being self destructive.
While it may not seem possible at this time, you are perfectly capable of simultaneously feeling extreme despair and great joy if only you will allow yourself permission to be the complex multidimensional human being you actually are rather than the emotional pawn of limited range and capacity we are trained to be from birth by our culture. Coming to grips with reality is not the end of the line, but rather a wonderful beginning to a much more rewarding life.
A very important part of you has just died, is still dying. It was something you nurtured and depended upon for a long time. One doesn’t abandon blind faith easily, regardless of how logical doing so might be. Of course you are reluctant to let it go. Who wouldn’t? But even now, through the haze of your pain, you must be able to see that concurrent with the death of your false hope another Marie is rising. Through an immaculate conception you are being reborn as a more powerful and fully formed human being. And this is just the beginning. Think of all the possibilities when your own self imposed artificial limits are removed by your own hand in the ultimate act of self empowerment.
All the false hopes, empty promises and other assorted insane baggage that you carried for decades tightly bound you to an unlivable and impossible situation. Living a life of quiet desperation, feeling powerless over conditions and events you did not create, but felt dependent upon and somehow responsible for, is no way to live, let alone exist. By freeing yourself of those false hopes you are now released from the emotional and psychological manipulations by the powers that be. Now that you have cut yourself loose from the puppet strings that tied you to the insanity, you can and will live a life free from artificially and externally induced fear and anxiety. Of this I can assure you.
Try to remind yourself on a daily basis that the only way ‘they’ can exercise control over you is to convince you that you are helpless, a powerless victim with nowhere to hide. They need you to willingly and voluntarily disarm, to not even attempt to resist or to stop doing so if you currently are. Which means in your hands and mind there resides all the power you will ever need to remain free.
Their psychological operations (psyops) have failed and now you are freeing yourself from their influence, forever if you so wish. Sure they will try to pull you back in. The entire concept behind psyops is to covertly employ multiple tentacles and pathways to subvert you, all at the same time. But all you need do to remain free is to choose not to submit and to continue unbound. Each time that you do so it becomes easier the next time you are challenged.
Now that you are releasing the false hopes that froze you like a jack lighted deer, your wounds, while severe and painful, will heal quickly. But only if you don’t tear at them in fits of rage and self disgust. Marie, you just underwent major surgery by your own hand without anesthesia. Be kind to yourself and rest from your ordeal. Give yourself permission to forgive yourself and allow the healing to take place. You would not emotionally batter a friend who was just involved in a terrible car accident, even if it was her own fault. Why then would you do so to yourself? You’re now free of that insanity. Let it go. It’s OK. You have permission to let it go.

We are engaged in a battle for our minds and our spiritual essence. They don’t have the capability to physically enslave all of us, so instead they must enslave our minds and convince us that submission is the only answer. There are so many other ways in which you are able to cope and prosper which you are currently unaware of and cannot see. But first you must let go of the only way you have ever tried; their way.
I ask you to have faith that soon enough you will see much more than you are blind to at the moment. Having faith has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with trust in yourself and in others. Be that fearless little toddler again, unsteady on her feet as her parents urged her forward. Let go and take those first few steps. Trust that others will be there when you fall and that falling is both natural and normal.
You are no longer an emotional hostage to be manipulated by others who care nothing of you. They have lost their power over you now that you have rejected their false promises and lies. You no longer need to take responsibility for actions you don’t support nor agree to. No longer must you internalize what is completely external in nature. You are now free to explore anywhere and everywhere because fear no longer keeps you paralyzed in the middle of the road, waiting for cars to repeatedly and endlessly run you down.
I won’t build false hopes or grand expectations for you Marie. This awareness won't come all at once, but rather over time. And there will be residual sadness for months and possibly years to come. In fact you must be prepared to feel an occasional sense of deep loss for the false hope you carried for years. Call it nostalgia for the insanity that was once you. This is a lifelong process, not a onetime event. Manage your expectations and allow it to just happen. You can’t possibly expect yourself to run a seven minute mile after you have been confined to a wheelchair all your life. Patience practiced here will go a long way towards a healthy future you.
It’s difficult to recognize, let alone comprehend, the extent to which you've been emotionally, psychologically and physically trapped since birth in an abusive and domineering relationship with this culture, its government and various authority figures and institutions. It is nearly impossible to see what you don’t know even exists and which is still mostly invisible to your newly opened eyes. Don’t place unwarranted pressure upon yourself by expecting a rapid recovery because it just won’t happen.
You will have days when it’s one step forward, two steps back and that is OK. And there are bound to be difficulties and unexpected emotional setbacks and that too is also OK. Perfection does not exist in the real world Marie yet we have been conditioned to believe it does, but only within the endless cultural insanity you are now leaving behind. You will recover from the shock and awe assaults you were subjected to for the last 47 years, but your recovery depends upon you making a daily conscious decision to get better. This means you must take personal responsibility for your own life from this moment forward and it begins with healing yourself rather than depending upon others to heal you.
Have no doubt, your awakening process has begun and with it the ability to take back your life. You are no longer dependent upon others for your emotional, spiritual and intellectual freedom. I am delighted you reached out and told me you are coming. Now that you are here I can’t wait to explore your world with you as you grow and blossom. Welcome to the spring of your awakening.
Beside you always,
Jonathan
________________________________
07-04-2011
Cognitive Dissonance

- advertisements -


Wow!
Thanks for the introduction to John Prine.
You've got to want to understand.
Unfortunately, most people simply don't care, the facile lie is all they want. it isn't even the understanding that is too difficult, it's the wanting which they don't have, which is too hard.
Not sure how you fix that when the lie is so easy. Warm and cozy.
Getting beaten down a few times and then being able to still get up and move forward is a true test of self awareness. We all experience certain life lessons; the question is, do we learn anything from them and about ourselves. How do we react, how should we react?
As the indoctrination and disinformation gets piled over, under and around us, our experience hopefully gives us the proper filter to understand the true agenda of what is spoken or written.
Just by watching 1/2 hour of the alphabet news, I can easily ascertain the WH talking points memo of the day.
By reading the WSJ or the FT (both having supposed differing ideoplogical viewpoints), it is easy to see the direction/instruction of TPTB for the easily led towards what both financial newspapers see is the inevitable and preferable NWO.
On this Independence Day, I hope that all of the ZeroHedgers (other than the quite obvious trolls) will listen and read more carefully; be aware of the agenda, and connect the dots.
And thanks, CD, for a very thoughtful piece.
Cognitive Dissonance might enjoy vajrayana.
Someone introduced me to this about a year ago and I am slowly reading and absorbing it. As we begin to open our eyes sometimes it feels like we are in a candy store and everything looks so good. I am reading all the time and find there is so much to learn and so little time. I really wish I did not have to work. It would give me twice the time I currently have to study.
Would a rich person care to sponsor my lifelong journey to awareness? :>)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vajrayana
For me, further probing and sorting media for information or disinformation (who really can discern) has become a waste of time. To do so is like holding ones breath. Instead I chose to breath, trade charts I believe and dismiss attempts at making conversation concerning economic or political matters with the just awakening Sleeple.
There is nothing i can say that I tired of saying months ago to disengaged minds. Reality is there staring back for anyone who brave enough to look, and those that are brave enough to see will be more stimulated by others freshly seeing as well.
My anger has passed, my fear has passed, my need to convince skeptics has passed leaving only a resolve to shelter loved ones to the extent I can. ZH offers up a few nuggets of insight worth discussing with a friend or two, anymore, that aside, I keep my realizations to myself.
Today in church the priest talked about "revelation" in a way I had never completely thought through before. He wasn't specifically referring to the Book of Revelation but more as a way of understanding. He used the analogy of the unveiling of a work of art. The artist keeps it under cover until the "unveiling." Then we see what was beneath the cover. Knowledge is like that. God reveals truth to us IF we have the eyes and willingness to see.
I remember studying this in college philosophy and I think it is appropriate now. Human freedom always finds a way and God is using this time to "reveal" truths to us about the world we live in. Sometimes we find truth and knowledge by the accumulation of prior truth and knowledge until we have some sort of breakthrough or "aha" experience. Other times, things are hidden from us that can only be revealed by God working directly in our brains. Now some people may refer to this as intuition and I think that is a fair assessment. But even intuition can fail and then the revelation is purely divine.
There is no power that mankind has or can assemble that will ever defeat God's ultimate purpose. He made us to be free and I believe that no matter what comes he will enforce and protect that which He Himself has given us. No man, no force of nature and not even Satan himself can change that.
Agree 100%. This was revealed to me while I was a neuron in God's brain (thanks to acid). He's quite busy these days but everyone still gets one phone call. He is also a mere infant- his true creative power lies in what we would call the future.
The Luciferian elites would have us stuck on their eternal slave planet, forever disconnected from the One. But the fact of the Universe's existence means that they have already lost. There is still a path for us (humanity) to become one with God, who will then recreate the Universe and thereby recreate himself. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Read more in "The Intelligent Universe" by James Gardner. More physics and cosmology, no drugs- but drugs will help it all make sense.
Psychedelics are great. Psychodrama and self-pity, not so much.
Thanks for sharing that.
I will opine that "revelation" is more accurately termed "realization". Realization occurs in the human entity based on the collected attentions, open questions waiting for a response, within the entity that provokes the realization in an instant or over some time. Provoking realization requires intended effort on the part of the individual. No external on e can provide us the realizations that we need.
I opine that intuition is part of the non physical unknown that the human entity can contact; can interact with. I think there is a problem that the even though the scope and breadth of the non physical unknown is not known, the individual relates to it in terms of habitual patterns of perception. So the attention is absorbed in making something unknown fit a known pattern, rather than trying actively to figure things out by acting variously in relation to it and looking to see what happens in response, what new patterns may be suggested, and how that relates to the objectivity of their psychology. Tounge in cheek, I call this the path of success through failure.
PS; I do not expect that revelation, or realization, can ever be "divinely" accurate. I interpret that it is closer to a truth, but the revelation/realization occurs within a subjective entity, in any case. The entity is never free from having to challenge within itself how they may be subjective in relation to an understanding. We have to use the revelation/realization and see where it goes, see what new understanding it may lead to, and which understanding may obviate the previous revelation/realization, which, still, was essential in its place.
Others not me have asserted and allegory to describe this: The higher combines with the lower and blends in the middle which become the lower for the succeeding higher (a succession of triads, trinities).
Thank you for all the great essays and thought provoking works CD.
I have PDF prepared of most of your works and would like to pass them to you but have no idea how. Any suggestions?
zhcognitivedissonance at gmail dot com
Now Now ISEEIT, go see what he wrote about me and my comments that Gov Christie is tinkering in NJ and not doing nearly enough, he took the first shot.
But really, this article is so self absorbed it is comical.
I feel like I am drowning when I read his stuff. Nice guy, but...
At the risk of jumping into someone else's dispute.... Are you really explaining your "self-absorption" comment about CD, by pointing out that CD previously insulted you?
Yes, obviously he has nothing to learn
That's the funny thing. CD just asked him a simple question. He took it as an insult when CD wasn't trying to flame the guy at all.
There certainly isn't anything wrong challenging each other to be accountable for what we say and write here, is there?
Thanks CD. Appreciate your contributions @ ZH.
Whatever. Everybody is self absorbed. Shallowness is not knowing yourself. There is a difference between exploring what is yours (you) and being selfish. You might be just fine 99% of the time but I thought that particular comment was dumb. I was responding specifically to that ONE comment.
Tomorrow is a new day. I would submit that maybe you get over your hurt feelings and deal with what is in your face right now, not what you can't change because it is already gone. So what if CD hurt your feelings? Whaaa.
That was a different day and a different topic.
Don't let yesterday ruin tomorrow.
Actually he claimed he had told us something......
and I asked him to specify when he had done so.
He didn't respond. Here is the thread. See for yourself.
He made a bald faced statement of fact and I challenged his assertion. He apparently didn't like it.
http://www.zerohedge.com/article/broke-new-jersey-seeking-225-billion-bridge-loan-9-jpmorgan-emergency-funding
Maybe. But it sure beats TV.
Thanks for sharing this. There is great pain in the awakening. And the temptation to return to blissful ignorance will beckon deeply. But you can't ever go back. You have changed. After awhile your burdens will be replaced with a remembered innocence. Like a child has before it is taught the ways of the world. The trick is to leave the hate behind. Leave the sadness behind too. It can be as intoxicating as hatred. Have I mastered these tings? No, its very challenging. Thats why its worth the effort. Good luck.
"This means you must take personal responsibility for your own life from this moment forward and it begins with healing yourself rather than depending upon others to heal you."
- - -
Explaining this to a woman, whose biological instinct is to remain dependent upon others for her and her offspring's survival, is quixotic. Even if unintended, though, I can see Jonathan/Marie as an interesting metaphor. The left side/masculine (yang) looks inward to the right side/feminine (yin) in order to restore balance by becoming whole.
Equally baffling is the notion that healing happens alone. This well-intended story is an attempt at a social, ritual catharsis in itself, no?
No. Though I find it interesting that you feel the need to categorize it.
It is an exploration of the self exploration of two individuals. It is whatever you make of it or want it to be. It was intended to be nothing more than that.
They are both healing and beginning their lifelong journey, with Jonathan stepping off just a bit earlier than Marie. It is about the process, the mistakes, the pain, the fear and the joy.
Let me start by thanking you for all that I have learned about my own malaise from reading your insights. I analyzed/categorized your work of fiction like I would any literary work I have read. Futhermore, I also enjoyed it.
When you say that they are "BOTH" healing, I agree. What I am pointing to is insight that I had about your two created, fictional (?) characters. Since I view them both as projections of yourself, would you consider viewing my point differently, as "both" are healing, as you appear to be?
Similarly, by making this anonymously public, would you consider that your projections and content contradict a path of healing alone? I do not claim that you come right out with this, but the entirety of it led me to consider my own cognitive dissonance and search for wholeness. Much of what I read into is my own projecton, and much of it is also mirrored in your content.
I see what you are saying more clearly now.
Anything that springs from me is most certainly a part of me and thus a projection of me. I write first and foremost for myself. It is only after I have satisfied whatever need I had to write, usually as part of the healing process, that I then share it with others. In fact I was discussing this with a friend last week. I mentioned that I had several articles cued up and ready to post, but I wasn't ready to let them go. He asked me why and I told him I wasn't done with that portion of my healing.
I would say you are spot on in that both fictional characters are parts of me and their process of working through the healing is simply me doing the same. And I agree that ultimately one cannot heal alone. I wasn't trying to say that when Marie was told she must heal herself. Jonathan was telling Marie that she must give up her dependency on others and begin to be responsible for her own well-being, happiness and personal growth.
Nicely done. Great images.
Thank you Dagny. I changed it a bit since you saw it last. :)
Hey Cognitive Dissonance,
WOW, you really are an arrogant twit.
This crap is laughable.
32 junks in so far yet I did not junk you dude.
Here is something better than what you had to say:
http://misscjmiles.com/
Let's move humanity forward, bitchez.
Dude, just fucking awaken your broken spirit out of the illusion, man.
Into the light, bitchez.
Dear Illuminati sock puppet,
The truth about the Oligarchy is spreading. Why keep working for them? They are clearly evil, the higher ranking Illuminati abuse the lower ranking Illuminati, and will probably kill you and the other lackeys once they get what they want from you. The world will be better when their reign is over.
Great article CogDis, appreciate the effort.
On this day I pray one day, we all shall be free.
SMG,
Please replace the second and third uses of the word "Illuminati" with "humans" and you will have a better understanding of our world.
You and I are free already. It just sucks that as of today we need to choose to either: a) pay taxes or b) become outlaws.
One day that will change but not in our lifetimes. At least we can find hobbies in the meantime :-)
I appreciate your effort, SMG.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFTLKWw542g
"Arrogant twit"
As we once said in grade school (where you are clearly trapped), "takes one to know one."
Irony. It's not just for breakfast anymore.
Oh yeah thats irony, thats like rain on your wedding day, or something, or like a free ride when youve already paid.
Are you just an asshole for the pure shitty fun of it or do you have some other motivation?
Thanks CD. It takes courage to be yourself (anonymity helps too, but first thing first eh?) Being crazy feels better when you have company.
Happy 4th :)
Now I will go run scripts through my head of how I help my Granddaughter be 'okay' in this ever so wonderful world.
I guess the old stories won't really work so maybe I will continue to just be unafraid to love her. I will show her insects. We will make friends with trees. We will just play. I will let her practice being in charge. And when she finally falls asleep, I will snuggle her and be ready to be with her again on yet another day.
I can't help but wonder if maybe we really haven't just outlived our usefulness in some critical way? The question seems worth asking. Maybe it is just us?
If so, then thank God for timelines because I would rather be elsewhere.
I can't really be respectful of this game and so the best I can do is just not play. Let 'em have it?
There are two ways to not play and to disable the insanity. The first is to uncouple and then heal yourself. The second is to teach the young ones never to enter the insanity in the first place.
Sounds like you are on track in both respects.
When are you opening your commune CD? I must drop by for tea one day wearing my suicide belt.
Heavy....
PS. Having a great 4th here in the Hamptons
if you like fog
Cheers, bud.
Yes, the blue pill wore off for me in the fall of 2005. Katrina/Rita sent me looking for good storm track pictures, which I found on The Oil Drum.
One thing led to another; it's been a depressing 6 years to say the least.
Now the Druids are beckoning from one of the last few stands of trees . . .
Knowledge is King.
Truth is king-maker
[just replied to your earlier post. Relevant here, too.]
"...If we were to seriously explore our inner being..."
Well then, as toward remedy, under what conditions might people look...both inward and outward? The prescription "know thyself" seems dangerous without a map.
Where can be found a guided adventure or tested pathway to proscribe willy-nilly mental mucking-around?
There have already been some pioneers who sent back word that it is a minefield.
Who goes/went first, clipboard in hand?
I suggest shrooms, as an appetizer. They are a great teacher- you can consult them at turning points in your life, find your place in the Cosmic Plan, let go of mental blocks which are holding you back, give up shit you don't need, filter out bullshit, and learn deeper truths. At high doses they are similar to acid but less likely to permanently fuck you up or inspire you to do something stupid in the physical world. You can even go without a guide, if you do your homework and ease yourself into them. But you probably want an experienced, wise and very trustworthy guide because you are going off the edge of the map where it says "Here be Monsters". Clear your head of any meds (especially caffeine) for days beforehand and don't eat that morning just in case the food has some odd molecule in it. Wait a month before tuning in again, and during this interim, keep an eye out for any small brain glitches which would really piss you off if they got big. Psychedelics can indeed be a minefield, but shrooms are one of the safest and people who fry their brains with psychedelics usually do it thanks to drug interactions or insufficient down time between trips. Psychedelics aren't illegal because they can fry brains. The drug war is at least as old as the Catholic Church, which should tell you something.
Not all shrooms are the same, so taste a little to calibrate the dose and make sure they are the right kind. Or, Silk Road can send you high quality psychedelics through the U.S. mail. You can only visit them via Tor and you can only pay them with BitCoin. If you're really paranoid, have them sent to a rented mailbox.
P.S. Do watch Michael's videos above. Better yet, watch them on shrooms.
Some days are a for physically debilitating challenge to me knowing reality of the situation, while living in the regurgitated alternate reality the MSM dish out to us everyday.
maybe this will help;
See all 5 parts of this video when you have the time. This is one of my favorites. http://www.youtube.com/user/Michaelwiseguy?feature=mhee#p/c/0/Cj4OCchhfEw My other favorites include; Esoteric Agenda - FULL LENGTH MOVIE - WELCOME TO YOUR AWAKENING! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJiCU6Jw0Co KYMATICA http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6736722752013377089#