Miscellaneous
“You think you know how the world works? You think that this material universe is all there is? What is real? What mysteries lie beyond the reach of your senses? At the root of existence, mind and matter meet. Thoughts form reality...who are you in this vast multiverse, Mr. Strange?” ~The Ancient One, From Doctor Strange The first lesson in your hero training is about how important it is to understand the power of your mind. You create your own reality. The last time you were depressed (maybe it’s right now), did you have people telling you that you should be happy? Isn’t it the worst? You know their intentions are good. You know they mean well. You know you probably should be happy. So why is it so annoying to be told that? It’s because it goes directly against a belief you are holding within you. A belief that you are depressed. A belief that it’s too hard to change. A belief that it’s hopeless. It annoys you for the same reason you feel like scratching someone’s eyeballs out when you play them your favorite song - you know the one that gives you goosebumps all over? - and they go, “I don’t really like that song.” How could they not like the best song ever? What is wrong with them??? It’s the same annoying feeling we have when we wonder, how could they tell us to be happy when we clearly can’t be? We get frustrated because it goes against what we feel and what we believe. And depression is one of the hardest beliefs to change, in my experience. But when we start accepting that we are the ones who choose our beliefs, and that everyone else is choosing their own, we can’t take it personally any more. Their thoughts and opinions have nothing to do with us and everything to do with their own beliefs and biases. Once I realized I can create my own reality by changing my beliefs, I started to get curious about where my beliefs came from anyway. If we’re not choosing them for ourselves, then society and outside influences are choosing them for us.