#tw escapism

[ask-susie]

So Susie

What do you think of the people in the Dark World? In general really.

*I´d stay there forever if i could. I´d get to have an adventure with my friends every day...

[romeshifting]

Hi! I don't know if this is a stupid question or not, but—as someone who hasn't fully shifted yet—what does it feel like to return to your CR after being in your DR? I've been thinking about it a lot recently... because, I have the things I desire there, obviously, it's my DR... but, what I mean is, could getting things I want and can't ever have in my CR be harmful to my mental health? The absence of them after returning? I hope I make sense.

On another note (since I couldn't find it anywhere), for how long do people usually stay in their DR? Or what is the longest period you'd recommend staying (like, in one go)?

Thank you

Heya, anon!

I haven’t fully shifted yet either, but I can share some information and beliefs based on the information I know and some practiced logic. 

But fair warning: My beliefs will be different than other shifters, and that’s alright! We’re all entitled to our own beliefs, and I don’t claim that mine are “better” or “more right” than anyone else’s. 

I say this because this is on the topic of escapism and using shifting as either a hobby or an escape, and I know that topic has been discussed and debated in the community.

I’ll put my thoughts and answer this question under the read more. TW for potential shifting doubts, escapism, mental health.

Alright, so I personally believe that shifting should be something to better yourself, like yoga or exercise. You are learning to re-program your subconscious and go into a meditative state. I know that in these last few months, I’ve certainly become more mentally aware and calm after trying meditation. I also believe that shifting is a good thing. 

However, I also believe that everything happens for a reason. It may seem cliche, but I do. When you shift, that is because of some purpose. And there is some purpose that is keeping you in this reality, your CR. That is not to say that you can’t shift, that it’s not possible, that is not what I am saying; I mean that, while shifting is possible, it should be taken as a temporary escape and a fun thing to do.   

I know these beliefs arn’t shared with some (or most) of the shiftblr community, and everyone is valid in their own belief. 

Now, with that out of the way, let’s get to the question. 

What does it feel like to return to your CR after being in your DR?

I can understand why you would be worried. If you shift to a DR where you could have everything you’ve ever wanted and more--such as meeting your comfort characters or finally getting away from something that was bothering you--it may be hard to go back. I know I’ve heard stories of good and bad things that happened to shifters who have successfully shifted, of how they reached to wave their wand and realized they weren’t in their DR anymore. Going back to the reality you started with may feel like moving from a mansion to a box on the streets. 

But that mindset can be harmful to your mental health. 

Focusing on the absence in your CR will be harmful to your mental health. It already is, even if you arn’t a shifter! I can understand that this reality can be harmful or bad to you, but it’s your reality. 

In my belief: You were put in this reality for a reason, a good reason. I know it seems tough, but something will happen and you will have a good life. And of course, your decisions are still your decisions--you can shift or do anything else whenever you want. 

There are a lot of good things that your CR has that your DR doesn’t, and focusing on those may help that problem. But if you feel like you need serious help, maybe therapy would be a good option. 

Another thought: Once you successfully shift, it will be much easier to go back. While you should keep the balance between your DR and your CR and some moderation between the two, you can go back.  

How long do people stay in their DR?

Honestly, I think it depends on the person. I’ve heard many stories, and they’ve all been varied. People have stayed for 80 years, 40 years, a week, etc. 

It depends on your CR/DR time ratio and how long you actually want to shift for. 

What is the longest period you’d recommend staying for?

Going on again with my beliefs: I don’t recommend staying for all those 80 years or whatever. When you finally shift, it’s tempting to just. not leave. But for a beginner shifter, you need to get used to it. I’d say shift for only a week your first time, then maybe a month, then you can go longer. Don’t rush things. 

But for a max time? Personally, I’d say three months per go, but that’s just my personal opinion. 

How long you shift is up to you, but I don’t believe it should be used to escape from this reality. 

Hope this helps, and feel free to send an ask with follow-up questions!

-Rome

[the-blood-moon-society-official]

Assessment of Readiness #1 - endangered species Subject: Dr. Philip Brandy Reason for Assessment: Shown hatred for current life, as well as escapism and trauma related to current situation Assessment taken in the form of: induced reflection of life via forced intoxication and interview

Assessment supervised by: Jasper Sharp (Transcriber, acted as the cow), Cosset Rouxe (Interviewer) Transcription begins:

Why do- Why do I have to keep doing this!? I escaped the hospital because I was done with that fucking life! Thought living on a farm would be easier. But no. Instead of dying people it's dying animals. I really thought treating it would be the same. I really did... The puss filled sack under that cow's chin just needed to be drained. I could do it... I've done it before... When I cut it open though... It took a second to realize what fell out. It was an egg... Last time I checked, cows didn't lay eggs. But there it was... In all its glory... It was black... With white flecks... And it had a... It had a loud thumping and rhythmic heartbeat. That's when I dropped it of course. A dark goo oozed out of the broken shell. And I ran. I am a coward cause I ran and that cow didn't follow me... But I ran and ran and ran until I couldn't... Then I saw your car and I... Well my life is already over so what harm could be done? So, do you think I'm ready to change it all? I'd certainly hope so... [END] Result: Subject will not be joining the society.

[forget-me-where-the-lilies-sleep]

That's a shame. It's a lovely day out, warm, but not too hot, nice breeze, lots of lovely flowers. What about being out there don't you like?

-@gryphonanon

“It hurts. I like it in here. I can believe whatever I want in here.”

[itspixthecrazybitch]

My childhood escapist fantasy is coming back to haunt me again 😭

[liliallowed]

What was Crimson's reaction to this dialog from flowey in-game?

they've heard it so many times.

no. they really don't have anything better to do.

even if they did the attachment they have to this world is too strong to allow the to let go.

the first time they heard it they froze for a moment pondering over what else they could be doing...

well, even if it's a waste of time, isn't that the whole point?

they chuckled. they aren't sure why themself. they just know that there's no other thing they'd rather be doing than messing around the timeline.

seems like even flowey didn't completely understand. or maybe he did and he was projecting his own former actions to them.

no. they don't.

they don't have anything better to do.

because change is scary and a painful repeative wound feels safer than new unexpected stitches.

they don't want to leave their comfort bubble. even if it's poison.

they will deny it.

[boxedforyourdemise]

Am I about to attempt further escapism? Absolutely!

[futureboii-archive-blog]

.

So to make this winter even better, my other nan, on my dad’s side had a stroke yesterday. My brother and his long term girlfriend have split up and my nan on my mum’s side is sleeping more and more. Like can it get any worse?  Oh yeah. I have to go to fucking work today.  And the thing is, it’s not the child’s fault. I know what to expect from them. I expect them to be nasty and mean and horrible, and to make fun of my geekiness and for the most part I roll my eyes and be all ‘whatever mate lets just learn’ but this week, and the week before I haven’t had my shields so high and just, I don’t know if I can cope with it this term much longer if things get worse. 

So, my coping strategy is being here as much as possible. Healthy or not I don’t know, quite honestly I don’t much care at this point. Hiding in my drafts for baby henry and helping him through his pain is easier than dealing with mine so.... I don’t even know why I’m telling you all this. I just. I think I needed to write it somewhere, to get it off my chest. 

If you have read this far, you’re a super hero I guess? Anyway, I’d better get back to those drafts.....