The Coliseum Calls

  Thurston’s Thoughts

The Coliseum Calls

Retired Ego

Ego is much like an athlete who ignores the whispers of time. Often we only glimpse our self-image by the regression of encounters lacking the admiration we once enjoyed. This internal dissonance is a fatal deception until obvious after the realization is glaring. The face of the sport has become the shame of the competition by tarnishing our legacy when our ego stays too long. Now we are tormented like we had become accustomed to tormenting envy. Father time is undefeated not only in sports but also as a delusion suffered by all those whose ego’s time has passed.

Time cannot be frozen or returned, only relived through highlight reels and tall tales remembering when a great coliseum once stood here. The glory that was once present can only suffer by our complicity yielding to a caliber of circumstances unaccustomed to us at our peak. Keeping it a buck, when we are identified by a standard, the standard becomes synonymous with us. This means when the standard becomes a facade our ego fills the vacuum while we resent it because we ignore the reality we refuse to accept. Vanity and narcissism morphed from a raging ego epitomizes the athlete’s pretentious dilemma of a hollow ego gone rogue.

The Five Rings emphasizes not only the proper weapon applied but the wisest defense. However, vanity is not one of them and pride is the double edged sword that now cuts us more than it used to cut envy when our self-image is now shredded. The secret is the shredding is only in our mind double blindfolded by vanity and narcissism. There is never any shame in not being what we once were especially physically because time is a bandit. Quiet as it is kept, our potential sits like a tub on its own bottom aspiring to be the best we can be because external comparisons are dangerous.

The Five Rings speaks of the void. It is the void that attacks us like the imaginary ghost under the bed existing only in our mind. There are times when life takes a lot out of us but resiliency is the remedy for the peaks and valleys of living. We must only satisfy ourselves thereby attracting those who gravitate towards us by their satisfaction and appreciation of us and ours of them. Life comes with many more flavors than Baskin Robbins, so everyone can choose theirs.

This is not a lesson in sports, combat, or comparisons but a lesson in survival armed with self-love and grace as a work constantly in progress. The lesson is adapting to changing circumstances and conditions while anticipating the countermoves needed to rise above challenges by perspective. Perspective leads to perception manifesting the synchronicities of provisions along the journey towards a destination. Ever notice those who are most judgmental of others are the most dissatisfied with themselves unable to live and let live.

Just as the predator is unbothered by the prey, a triumphant perspective is unbothered by the distractions of derailment. Accordingly, the mind is the lens of perception, it is also the projector of perspective leading to triumph. So, there comes a time when the business of retiring self-defeating internalizations must face the integrity of self-evaluation. The anxiety of what others may or may not be thinking is for them to contemplate instead of our preoccupation with their validation of us.  

Even when the referee gets it wrong and the game is over, it is never one play that determined the outcome. We don’t attack the ref, we deal with the outcome and attack our process. Winners never quit and quitters always whine or something like that. It is the pessimism of a loser mentality to think they can whine their way to victory, improvement, or self-acceptance. The power of self-love measured to a full cup has no need for Bounty to absorb the overflow. This messy overflow is vanity and narcissism in need of a retirement without the party. They are the agony preventing the ecstasy of self-esteem and the trumpets of authenticity proclaiming our arrival. 

Whether living a memory or a mirage constantly on stage performing an illusion where the applause no longer are the ovations of approval but the kindly deceptions of memoirs refusing to acknowledge the curtain has fell silent. The gladiator’s conquest is not in reminiscing or hallucinating victory but adapting in the great coliseum of life. This arena’s erosion by time and events still echoes the gladiator’s feats of courage against the lions of self-doubt.

Our epithet of euphoric proclamations roars from the core of our self-determination shining for all who would observe them erected by our demonstration, resourcefulness, and resiliency. Victory of self is the only true adversary we will ever face. Sometimes there is no easy way to face it despite it facing us, similar to an athlete’s dilemma. The greater the distortion, the bigger the arena but not full of applause but instead of self-actualization. We must see it in ourselves or as an example to become it. But more importantly, we must stalk it as a persistent transition pursued as an opportunity for the glory  and serenity of self-fulfillment.

After all, there are only two alternatives, either be it or fake it keeping in mind the real McCoy can only be exposed as the real McCoy but not as the counterfeit of vanity or narcissism. The burden of being the real deal comes with benefits while the apprehension of faking it might get you there but not keep you there. It most likely will prevent you from even getting there when confronted by a real player. So when the coliseum calls, vanity and narcissism are retired to the agony of defeat. From the ashes of ego rises an alter-ego impervious to defeat, only seeing the victory.  Triumph raises above the crowd’s roar for the gladiator who courageously overcome the demons within by challenging the villain of surrender. Life is strange like that but not as much as living as a delusional ego.

Thurston K Atlas

Creating a Buzz

America’s Most UnWanted



Unwanted Dead or Alive

Attention. Attention, we interrupt your programming to bring you this breaking news bulletin to alert you to America’s Most unwanted being spotted in your area. They should be considered dangerous and not to be entertained, engaged, or challenged. An all-points bulletin has been issued with this warning, so be on the lookout for them or their gang.

They have eluded our checkpoints, APBs, and capture. We ask for the public’s help to bring them under control and end their rampage throughout society. Unfortunately, they have become more emboldened and arrogant in the audacity of their attacks and penchant for crossing boundaries to elude detection. Our efforts have been to detect, identify, verify, and prevent their wanton disregard for social order.

As we increase our efforts to bring this gang under control and critical information continues to pour in, we will keep you abreast of any additional developments. There have been widely reported sightings and leads pouring in. Still, without the public’s diligence and performance of their civic duty, we may labor in our pursuits. But, again, I repeat, do not be lulled into or swindled by their unassuming demeanor and deception.

There have been reports of sympathizers who have aided and abetted this gang by harboring and nuturing them. It seems they are undoubtedly unaware of the risks and danger they assume by hiding them or their danger to the public. This gang is volatile and may ruthlessly turn on you without much provocation or warning.

Many documented instances have occurred where the aftermath of their wrath has devastated those who have harbored them. Be especially diligent regarding impressionable children as they are notably susceptible and preferred victims of this gang, as are developing young adults.

At this time, we want to share with you as much information as we can without jeopardizing our efforts to suppress this gang or endanger the public unnecessarily. We are working to identify the members further but are reasonably certain of their roles and areas of expertise.

Their two oldest members running this gang, referred to as Public Enemy one and two. They are believed to have started the gang and provide its direction. However, various gang members have been known to operate independently or in conjunction with other members. One element that makes this gang increasingly dangerous is they are all very proficient in their own right, but when combined or operating as a whole, they are very formidable.

The entire gang rarely works together simultaneously as their motives may differ. However, there are reliable reports that members may be present but not participate in the actions of the others. They all flee the area together despite their participation. Their descriptions and characteristics provide distinctly identifiable profiles.

Public Enemy number one is without denial the mastermind and orchestrator. Number one controlling the gang’s activities is an active participant at all times. The gang benefits from this member’s charismatic and alluring persuasion.

This member displays the ability to infiltrate the heart and minds of unsuspecting civilians and is ruthlessly determined to deceive and connive others into assisting. Logic, reasoning, outright deception, and persuasion are the specialties of this member.

Public Enemy number two may be the downfall of this outfit for the flashy and braggadocious manner brashly displayed. Not the most dangerous member, but the confidence projected along with the skill set possessed makes this member the driving force of the gang and to be revered.

The image of the gang is shaped by this member and generates an assuredness of unlimited power and invincibility. This member is always present, and the influence is active and compliments Public Enemy number one quite well. Number two has also been known to take charge directing the gang’s activities.

The next members are fraternal, not identical twins, although they bear a strong resemblance. They often act as one unit with many similarities in their behavior. They are by far the most dangerous of the gang. Like Public Enemy number two, they are revered but also feared for their insatiable anger and hostile anti-social disposition.

They are more controllable if kept separated but must be constantly monitored by the other gang members, wary of when they may explode. Unprovoked, they may become extremely callous and violent. It is a delight that they savor when getting their hands dirty or doing the heavy lifting for the gang. But, unshockingly, it seems to unleash their psychopathic appetite for violence.

Once uncorked, they are tough to bring under control until they satisfy their thirst and exhaust their rage. Their only value to the gang is to do the unspeakable without remorse. They are simply muscle without much thought or self-control, often displaying psychotic behavior.

This fifth member is the twins’ cousin and can also become unhinged by the slightest provocation with actions that range from petty to outrageous. It must run in the family being first cousins. Their behavior differs slightly, with this member having a more sociopathic lean, including impulsive behaviors and responses that are not justified by the circumstances.

This member is tolerated only because of the value of the twins but not trusted or well-liked because of constant complaining and petty tendencies. The displays of neediness, proclamations of possessiveness, and conspiracies of betrayal detract from any value to the gang.

The sixth member is known to contribute as much as is sometimes taken away, displaying a demeanor with aspirations much larger than capabilities. This member has lofty ambitions of one day running the outfit despite glaring limitations.

Additionally, number six is unreasonable and though clever, claims to know more than the other gang members. Though very determined and principled but always resisting suggestions and instructions. Being irreplaceable as encouragement and a go-getter when on point, this member is the checks and balances of the gang.

The following two are related, although uncertain how. These two have only one objective, which is what is in it for them.  Not surprisingly, they are the least trustworthy of the bunch and most likely to flip when confronted, possessing little fortitude and even less loyalty. They have a tight bond and high ambitions.

Their tools of the trade are an eye for big-time scores and corruption of others’ vulnerabilities. They are first-class high-stakes grifters. Every outfit of ill repute can find value in their talents.

The last to round out the crew is the getaway driver providing a hideout to meet when something goes wrong or if separated. But, wait, what’s that? Our top-notch inspector spotted them and tracked them to their hideout with no time to call more backup. Therefore, they must act immediately, not knowing if and when a chance like this will present itself again.

They have the place surrounded, and apprehension is imminent. However, They must move quickly and use the element of surprise on a gang that often disappears as ghosts that transcend time, space, and body. Hence, the go-ahead has been given to execute the raid with extreme caution. We are awaiting word of the all-clear.

We are proud and relieved to let you know that the raid was an overwhelming success. All members have been apprehended and identification now known. The identifications are as follows; the leader Public Enemy number one is the Conscious Mind, a notorious enabler and deceiver. Public Enemy number two is the Ego, known to initiate bloated perceptions of self.

The twins are Hatred and Evil wanted for many unspeakable crimes of brutality. Member five is the cousin Jealousy, aka Envy, wanted for pettiness due to easily hurt feelings or bemoaning other’s good fortune, a real hater.

Member six is Pride, who led to the gangs’ downfall and a real know it all. The following two found hiding together, Greed and Lust, were no doubt hoping to hide the goods and escape discovery. Lastly, the getaway driver, Denial aka Ignore, was found to use the same pattern of getaway when returning to the gang’s hideout, the heart and minds of compromised individuals.

We and the public would like to recognize and thank the one responsible for figuring out this group of punks, tracking them down, and bringing them to accountability. Furthermore, we are indebted to the only one possessing the cunning to corral this gang, which is the one and only Subconscious Mind.

The subconscious mind is the most powerful computer known to man and not even remotely understood for its full range of capabilities. The subconscious mind is the unregulated truth, where change occurs and is a servant guiding our actions and beliefs. It controls not only our bodily functions but our perspectives and resulting accomplishments.

Unleashing the subconscious mind’s power controls our conscious mind and well-being. But, we must recognize and allow it to “apprehend” the deceptions of the conscious mind and the ego where these henchmen get their direction and permission.

Allow your subconscious mind to control your conscious mind and ego to overcome any insecurities and self-limiting behaviors. It is the direct path to correcting your flaws and controlling your emotions. Please further research the subconscious mind to understand its function and unlimited power.

Your conscious mind is designed to justify your thoughts and actions, no matter how unreasonable according to your self-justifications and weaknesses, making it easier to succumb to insecurities, fears, and delusions. This is the core of hatred and jealousy. In addition, it creates dangerous comparisons of self inadequacies. Thus, it develops either an inferiority or a superiority complex in contrast to the comparison. It can therefore generate evil validations.

The ego is a creation of the conscious mind and leads to excesses. It generates actions that crave confirmation and validation outside of yourself. It forces you to develop needy low self-esteem and self-doubt or a narcissistic exaggerated alter ego. Pride and denial often deceives what we know to be true. The result is a masquerade that fluctuates based on flattery and constant external validation. 

Interrupting your programming is a reference to the psychology of your conditioned perspective. It refers to the undetected forces that distract your focus, scattering your concentration exaggerating the symptoms while disguising the cause leading to the cure. 

The cure resides in the subconscious mind to directly address the compulsion instead of the manifestations presented by the conscious mind. Consequently, the command resides in the subconscious mind, while its resistance will be mounted in the conscious mind by default.

The conscious mind is the hardware. The ego and the enemies mentioned above are acquired perspectives, the apps. The subconscious mind is the software and coding or operating system. The operating system dictates the functions of the hardware providing the hardware has compatible and accommodating  capacity.

Extraordinary power exists in everyone to command the subconscious mind’s services and benefits. Those who can access this power on demand discover an amazing ability to develop willpower, discipline, and peacefulness creating their success.

Consider how anger, desperation, dealing with pain, or dire circumstances produce some of your best efforts because they take the thought or conscious mind out of the equation. It removes the limitations that can only thrive and persist in the conscious mind allowing the subconscious mind to excel.

The subconscious mind serves at your discretion like a machine to do what it is told, making the key to its effectiveness removing the coding limitations. The ascension process is reprogramming it with empowering affirmations, positive instructions, and removing self-limiting negative programming. This extradinaily effective apprehension unit stops public enemies before they can rummage or obstruct your potential. Your mind can be an elite weapon.

MAKE YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS MIND YOUR SUPERPOWER. YOUR DOUBT IS YOUR LIMITATION! YOU BECOME WHAT YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE. PLOT YOUR COURSE AND POSITION YOURSELF ACCORDINGLY.

 

 

Thurston K. Atlas
Creating A Buzz