Previously, I stated that "pain was your friend", and although I mean that rather whole-heartedly, I was in no means condoning self mutilation. I'm speaking of people sometimes referred to as "cutters" .Those who take actions upon themselves in what psychologists call a "cry for help" by cutting themselves or taking sharp implements to their own flesh. Pain, be it mental or physical, should not mar or permanently scar the flesh.
The body, although it is naught more than a vessel to house the mind and spirit, should be kept free of disfigurement.
Think of it as a starship with your brain as the bridge. It houses an arsenal of photon torpedoes for which you may defend yourself (fists to punch, legs to kick). It has a sensor array called a nervous system and senses. They should be kept in prime condition to be aware of the world around you.You cannot master a world you are not aware of. The long range sensors would be your heightened inner senses or psionic abilities. The mind is your warp core. Increase power and you may (with the proper training) fire off phasers in the form of paranormal or mystical energy.
The ship may be painted and modified, yet it should be asthetically attractive. Scars are not. The key to controlling a situation and bending someone to your will is in breaking down their shields. We erect shields in many ways and one of them is emotionally. When you close yourself off emotionally, you are raising your shields and no one can get to you. Now how you would get them to lower their own screens is done by imagery and misdirection. You have to get their mind off of the defenses. Enhance what skills you have and you can open their mind. If you are a person who is very attractive, then disable their defenses with your sexuality. If you come off as kind, then kill them with your kindness to make them feel at ease. If you are an odd person or have an odd look, accentuate your style to make them wonder about you. Wonder often opens the mind best. Mix and match what ideals work best for you and you can open someone's mind to your charms more.
If you showed them that you don't care for yourself, how can they care for you?
In the world we're stuck in, simply being alive and breathing is something to be proud of, so be proud of yourself for doing so. Then build from there. You can't imagine what you can do with a foundation like that if you only believed you could create it from just that thought.
Bravo! Well said! Applause from the crowd!
Supplicated by: Out of Work Muse at November 19, 2003 01:28 PM