Antidote to Danger part two
... As survivors of cultic abuse - and citizens of an authoritarian coup - it will behoove us to see controlling dynamics for what they are: the constantly changing goal posts, blustering rhetoric, and irrational, damaging actions are all techniques that are designed to destabilize us.
Cult survivors have walked over these coals before. Some of us have hopped out of the frying pan into the fire of multiple controlling groups. We’ve learned that the likelihood of this happening yet again is high - UNLESS we prioritize self care and self knowledge.
If we’re all riled up about an issue, we’re probably in fight or flight mode - which is exactly where the controlling entities want us to be. 😏Emotional irrationality overrides discernment no matter how noble the cause.
In one-on-one cults, when a victim is learning to separate from the abuser, she is often taught to use the “Grey Rock” method. 📝 Narcissists thrive on drama. 🤯 They are fueled by how big a response they get from others. When this ammunition is withdrawn and the victim gives nothing, the narcissist is disoriented, deflated. Become a grey rock 🪨 and the abuser loses interest. Eventually he looks elsewhere.*
How can we collectively give the authoritarian system attacking the United States constitution the grey rock treatment? Can we withdraw from unnecessary drama? See clearly but not react? Most importantly: can we find ways to flourish and focus - despite them?
Tricia Hersey**, author of Rest is Resistance, asks perhaps the most important question of our time: What would it be like to live in a well-rested world? 🛌 Well rested and regulated, we humans can access our highest and most relevant capacities. 🌟 We can’t get there when we are running ragged, scared, or stressed out.
Self care is not a luxury. Rest and regulation are the foundation of a healthy nervous system, which is essential for smart decision making. But we can’t get there without ways to process the noise of today. That’s where the written word and Saturday’s symposium comes in.
Whether or not you identify as a cult survivor, there’s a barrage of controlling tactics to process today. The more we collectively grapple with this reality,the more effective our efforts will be. On Saturday, we can learn from three brilliant, inspiring speakers who have walked the walk. Register Today.
Deep breaths. We’ve got this.
Gerette
PS Part three is tomorrow - I’ll share my dream 💭from two nights ago‼️ Here’s part 1 & part 3!
PPS *Let’s put a pin in the 'Grey Rock' topic. It’s something I’ll return to in the coming weeks.
PPSS **Ditto. We will come back to Ms Hersey’s seminal work soon!
