It Doesn't Feel Safe Anymore

[Cryscat]

The energy out there feels dense and oppressive. People have become angry, self centered and impatient. It feels like evil is being treated like good and good is being treated like evil. It does not feel safe anymore.

I am speaking as a child of the cold war and it feels less safe now than it was then. I am really floundering around trying to describe the feeling. I've been become very selective on where I go and what I do. I have to get groceries, I have to get gas in the car, gotta get my hair cut. Those are the must do stuff. Otherwise, I am at home, because it feels safer there. I am going start smudging house and cars again. Don't know what else to do. Does anyone else feel this? Like people have changed and not for the better?

 

[baro-san]

There are many who feel the way you feel. I am sorry. I hoped somebody here would have something helpful to reply to you.

I know first hand people that to some degree feel the same way as you do, and I couldn't find a way to comfort them. All my attempts failed, no matter how mild and constructive.

It is also my belief, based on observation, that such feelings often materialize into physical illness, as a subconscious attempt to distract from the external sources of negative feelings. Dr. John Sarno is one of those who successfully treated physical pain based on a similar theory.

A few days ago I had an altered states experience that I posted here.

It made me experience that comforting peacefulness, undisturbed by fear, anger, desires, expectations. It feels like this inner peace gives a whole meaning to life. Nothing else could add to it. It feels like the optimum state of being, for whatever we are here to experience.

In that experience, the man who had found that inner-peace was a prisoner of war, in truly adverse conditions, but what he felt, and I through him, was overwhelmingly comforting.

I don't advocate for a religious approach, nor for a negation of senses, emotions, reason, but I think that there is in us a resource ready to guide us if we turn inward and ask. The help may come only as fast as we believe it can.

 

[Cryscat]

There are many who feel the way you feel. I am sorry. I hoped somebody here would have something helpful to reply to you.

I know first hand people that to some degree feel the same way as you do, and I couldn't find a way to comfort them. All my attempts failed, no matter how mild and constructive.

It is also my belief, based on observation, that such feelings often materialize into physical illness, as a subconscious attempt to distract from the external sources of negative feelings. Dr. John Sarno is one of those who successfully treated physical pain based on a similar theory.

A few days ago I had an altered states experience that I posted here.


In that experience, the man who had found that inner-peace was a prisoner of war, in truly adverse conditions, but what he felt, and I through him, was overwhelmingly comforting.

I don't advocate for a religious approach, nor for a negation of senses, emotions, reason, but I think that there is in us a resource ready to guide us if we turn inward and ask. The help may come only as fast as we believe it can.

Thanks for your reply. I am really just venting here and you confirmed that other people are feeling the same. That is its own comfort. I am not going to let it rule me, just do what I can to keep it our of my life and my loved ones lives.

 

[cloud potato]

Good morning!

I don't feel like people have changed for the worse. I am experiencing incredible realities in my groups, and I am seeing honest changes in people for the better.

That being said, last week I felt something rather ominous as a general sensation. The last time I felt something like that was the morning Charlie Kirk was assassinated which was/is a national tragedy. It was surreal timing. I remember telling my friend, "something feels off today" and when came back hours after running deliveries for my work he asked me, "did you see the news?" I had no clue who Charlie Kirk was until after his public assassination.

The US has witnessed increased violence in the political sphere. It really is heart wrenchingly disgusting.

Back to your present observation-

I don't know why I recently felt this ominous discomfort, I thought that something terrible was going to happen this week. Or that something bigger than covid is on the horizon. But I don't have time to worry about it. And, I'd rather be wrong.

Whatever happens, I really really admire baro-sans reply to you. I haven't been active here, but am really happy to have tuned in today. His post reminds me of a story I've read years ago of a woman who was arrested for practicing Falun-Gong. In her confinement she found liberation. That's a curious reality.

If I wish to utilize my free will, a sovereignty bestowed by God- then I see these sensations as an opportunity to practice the things I believe in. Smiling at strangers, kindness for others, feeling love- practicing love.

And I'm no where near good at it. But I know it's a way for me to move out of general dread and towards a happy and peaceful reality- no matter what is going on in the world around me.

I live in the city, and its population has increased over the years I grew up here. The zoning and wealth distribution is awful. One block is full of mansions and a private gym with 7 different styled tennis courts, their own zoo(giraffes don't belong in this city), a lazy river, and all kinds of crazy modern amenities... And right across the street from this gym are ghetto-run downed apartments where I've seen a man crazily wield a machete- I've seen teenagers hustle the streets for money because some older adults in gang related activities are pushing them to do so and I've witnessed swat shut down the street and put a sniper on an unstable individual bunkering down in those apartments- all walking distance from the mansions with peacocks roaming around the streets.

F'in A. It was really easy for me to be discouraged, and to see all the crazy sh*t happening around me. A man stripping down naked and yelling at people on the streets. Young men coming up to me and threatening my life on multiple occasions. A murder at the gas station next to me. Someone breaking into my Dads car multiple times. It easy to become overwhelmed and not feel safe anymore. Just writing it now and I can feel so easily pulled back into that reality.

So how is it at the same time I am feeling so much peace and love? Precisely practicing the things I believe in, I am looking for it in the world around me. I have the most kind neighbors ever. We are surrounded by Love. I get to feel the smile from strangers, who have looked at me and thanked me for simple gestures and expressions. Who have shared their hearts with me, because the invitation for kindness was present. Despite being over-run by disparity, there is an even greater majority who desire Love and Goodness. And that needs to be the driving force, for all of us who wish for Peace on Earth.

My last story. Because your post is a time stamp that speaks to a deeper part of my spiritual journey. And I feel I can honor this spiritual experience by sharing with you, and perhaps bring myself closer towards this greater resonance of Love that we all very deeply deserve.

Not only is your time stamp an indication to me of something greater, there is a symbol in my personal discovery that speaks to me too. It's the Peacock. And just yesterday I was listening to an independent news show where they take callers from all over the world. I tuned in late, and only enough to tune in for this one caller. And in all my years of listening, I rarely hear callers go off topic and go into spiritual realities. But that's exactly what happened. She mentioned that the peacock is her familiar(this was my clue to pay attention). She has a pet peacock. Ok, I'm listening. And she was desperately imploring to the listening audience that, "Death is a lie. Christ overcame death. Fear is how they control us. They fear us when we stop fearing death."

Her words may seem very harsh, or poignant. Maybe that's the point. But the greater message being imparted to me this year has been-
"Fear not"
and, "Life after Life"

That there is something greater, communicating with us... And what is this forum all about?

I know you didn't ask for all of this. But I hope it is well received, for all who are tuning in.

And I hope you feel safe again. Remember how much Love you deserve, remember how much Joy there is in the little things. Remember to take a break from the overwhelming amount of information that pulls us away from ourselves. Remember to find the Love in the world around you....

And fear not.

Love.... Love to you.

Love to All.

Gentle regards....
~CP

 

[Cryscat]

Thank you for your reply CP! I've been looking into Jeane Dixon recently. She was around during my childhood and they thing she said are ringing true. That we are at the end of a karmic cycle, which is the reason for the chaos.

 

[Totoro]

It's the end of karma and by living in loops. We're moving into a purely choice based system and that can be scary for a lot of people.

Cloud potato has the right idea. We all have choices and we can choose to make them good ones

 

[Polaris8]

The energy out there feels dense and oppressive. People have become angry, self centered and impatient. It feels like evil is being treated like good and good is being treated like evil. It does not feel safe anymore.

I am speaking as a child of the cold war and it feels less safe now than it was then. I am really floundering around trying to describe the feeling. I've been become very selective on where I go and what I do. I have to get groceries, I have to get gas in the car, gotta get my hair cut. Those are the must do stuff. Otherwise, I am at home, because it feels safer there. I am going start smudging house and cars again. Don't know what else to do. Does anyone else feel this? Like people have changed and not for the better?

Cryscat,

The physical plane is the lowest, heaviest and densest out of all the dimensions of our universe. Here soul struggles lifetime and lifetime in the cycle of reincarnation and the illusion of maya going from cradle to grave not knowing it's true purpose of who it really is as a divine spark of God.

We are at present living in the Kali Yuga, the final "Age of Vice" in the Hindu 4-yuga cycle, which is 432,000-year period which began in 3102 BCE. It is marked by moral decay, materialism and spiritual ignorance as many souls turn their face away from God. It is the fourth, and shortest of all the Yuga ages where dharma (righteousness) has become rare. This is why the world at large is so negative in general at present. The physical plane is a training ground if you will for soul to gain its experience. Think of it as spiritual boot camp. The lessons here are very hard for many but you must also realize there is also a lot of beautiful things here to experience as well along with loving souls you meet along the way. Which is why it is important to surround yourself with souls of like mind. You can't control what happens out there in the world nor should you. You can only control and create the world around your own personal space and perhaps uplift some people you come into contact with along the way to a higher more boarder state of awareness and unconditional love.

After all we are all going towards our journey home which resides in the higher god worlds. This place is where soul on a deeper level remembers where it came from. And where it wishes to return as a fully realized spiritual being once it has experienced all it can while here no matter how many lifetimes it may take. It's just that some of us take longer to get there than others. As everyone is exactly where they need to be in this very moment.

Peace and love to you always...

Polaris

 

[baro-san]

I felt that this fits some of our chats here too, somewhat

 

[baro-san]

ME: “I prefer mangoes to oranges ...”

RANDOM PERSON: “So basically what you’re saying is that you hate oranges? You also failed to mention pineapples, bananas and grapefruits. Educate yourself!”

ME (quietly reminding myself: “I react only to constructive suggestions, including from myself!”)

 

[SundayAtDuskReturns]

The energy out there feels dense and oppressive. People have become angry, self centered and impatient. It feels like evil is being treated like good and good is being treated like evil. It does not feel safe anymore.

I am speaking as a child of the cold war and it feels less safe now than it was then. I am really floundering around trying to describe the feeling. I've been become very selective on where I go and what I do. I have to get groceries, I have to get gas in the car, gotta get my hair cut. Those are the must do stuff. Otherwise, I am at home, because it feels safer there. I am going start smudging house and cars again. Don't know what else to do. Does anyone else feel this? Like people have changed and not for the better?

I think the biggest problem we have in our society right now is hatred has become normalized, and individuals feel they no longer have it hide it. They can speak out in hateful ways and commit hateful acts, and others will applaud them for doing so. They can find hateful people just like them on the internet and feel perfectly normal.

Back in the cold war days, there was always the general feeling good would prevail and the righteous would defeat the unrighteous. The government was good, the military was good, most people were good. Now self-righteousness and hatred has destroyed those feelings.

I can understand your fear, although I don't share it. I refuse to be frightened by hateful individuals, their ways and their voices. Yet where you live, as well as those who surround you, can greatly determine how safe and unsafe you feel.

 

[Elle C.]

You're not alone. I dont like going grocery shopping alone since a worker physically tried to intimidate me for asking a question.

Generally, I agree with you, but I try to do things that make me happy. I joined Red Hats and have my ladies that lunch group.

 

[lesserwatch]

I think you’re picking up on something real, and it doesn’t mean you’re weak or “making it up.” When the collective atmosphere is saturated with fear, outrage, and constant urgency, people start living in a defensive posture. Even if the events are real, the way they’re packaged and replayed can condition our nervous systems - and when enough people are conditioned at once, the world can feel colder, sharper, and less safe.

From a life continuity lens, attention is not just a mental habit - it’s an energetic channel. What we repeatedly take in becomes the tone of our inner space, and our inner space becomes the quality of presence we bring into every room, every store, every conversation. If we feed ourselves stress all day long, we start responding from stress. If we’re fed conflict all day long, we start interpreting strangers through conflict. That isn’t “who we are.” It’s who we become when our signal is constantly being disrupted.

So I don’t think the answer is paranoia. I think the answer is consciousness - not as a lofty idea, but as a practical discipline. Asking, in real time: What is this input doing to my spirit? What is it training me to expect from other people? Is it making me clearer, kinder, and more anchored - or more reactive, suspicious, and exhausted?

That’s why protecting your peace is not avoidance; it’s stewardship. Limiting noise is not denial; it’s boundary-setting. Choosing where you place your attention is not indifference; it’s leadership. Small acts of kindness matter because they restore the human field locally. Real conversations matter because they reconnect us to what’s actually here, not what’s being projected at scale. The more distorted the atmosphere gets, the more important it is to stay grounded in what is real, local, human, and good.

So yes - I think many people feel this shift. But I don’t think the invitation is to surrender to dread. It’s to live more deliberately: to curate inputs, to return to your center, and to bring a steadier presence into the spaces you still have to move through. If life continues, then how we hold our consciousness in hard seasons matters - not just for survival, but for what we carry forward.

 

[cloud potato]

Hi lesserwatch, this is a beautiful reply and I so appreciate the wisdom you've brought forward.

Thank you ~

 

[Cryscat]

lesserwatch, thank you for your comments. There is wisdom in them. Its what we have been doing for over a year now.

 

[baro-san]

Over time, I had several intuitive insights about negative emotions, and about how to deal with them.

Recently, contacting the surviving personality of my late father, I found him reliving happy moments of his life; not as memories, but actually reliving them and being happy; in a loop.

I learned that the surviving personality retains only the happy moments of the physical life, discarding everything else. The higher levels of the whole self retain only what is distilled from the experience for growth.

From the surviving personality's perspective, the advice is to accumulate happy memories.

Suffering is not only unnecessary, but irrelevant.

An instructive experience can be to see which are the happy moments of my life, those that I remember immediately and more intensely; a sneak-preview of with what, and with whom, I might spend my eternity.

 

[Totoro]

I've been meaning to chime in a bit more but I've just been so busy lately

I think the world in general is just unhappier and that's largely because we're so delocalized now, so to speak. We have 24 hour news cycles of nothing but bad news, news is just opinions now, not facts, we never see anything uplifting, interesting or engaging without having to put in some serious effort to block out the bad stuff and focus on the good stuff.

Everything is designed now to make the unhappy and angry things louder and more in your face and I think it's just harder for us to turn it off and find our own peace. They say the cure will be the return of third spaces, local book stories, libraries, communities etc. I certainly hope so.

I've made an effort to only use the internet or social media on a desktop PC, I've largely taken everything off of my phone. I even want to get an MP3 player to use, so I can carry around my CD collection and I keep saying I'll do it if I find the time, but I'd really like to go to the local library and browse the DVDs they have to lend.

Think of how many little joys we're robbed of daily because we scroll through content that doesn't interest us and we don't work to change it. The joy of just finding an old favorite movie you forgot about on a shelf, a book that inspires you... Everything online is suggested content. I want to feel free again to wander, discover and explore.

The world is still out there and it's still an amazing place. Maybe if everyone put down there phones and explored it more, these companies would lose the power they have over us. We literally have the power to create the world we want to live in, through our actions.

 

[SundayAtDuskReturns]

Over time, I had several intuitive insights about negative emotions, and about how to deal with them.

Recently, contacting the surviving personality of my late father, I found him reliving happy moments of his life; not as memories, but actually reliving them and being happy; in a loop.

I learned that the surviving personality retains only the happy moments of the physical life, discarding everything else. The higher levels of the whole self retain only what is distilled from the experience for growth.

From the surviving personality's perspective, the advice is to accumulate happy memories.

Suffering is not only unnecessary, but irrelevant.

An instructive experience can be to see which are the happy moments of my life, those that I remember immediately and more intensely; a sneak-preview of with what, and with whom, I might spend my eternity.

This reminds me of how many individuals, although not all, remember only happy things as they get much older. Bad memories don't seem to be that important any longer. I had an older friend who was dumbfounded when her husband started remembering good things about his father; because he was terrified of his father as a child and only talked badly of him as an adult. Suddenly, there were memories of good times with his father and his father did have some good qualities after all.