Archive for category: intuition

The Uncanny and A Sense of Things

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Intuition is a sense of things, what Freud called the uncanny. A New York colleague said, “I always know it’s the uncanny at work when the hairs on the back of my head go up.” The uncanny is an unexpected and often irrational but meaningful happening. It gives us a sense of things.

In the story of The Unholy, I write, “The hairs on the back of Claire’s neck stood on end. She clenched her teeth in anticipation of something worse about to happen….. Involuntarily, Claire shook her head as though waking from a bad dream.” A sense of the uncanny alerted Claire to what lay ahead.

One night, after receiving a dinner invitation from someone I hadn’t seen in years, I had a nightmare of this person’s home. It stood along a deserted street, a chill going up my spine as I saw a gargoyle perched atop its roof. My instincts went on high alert, a warning.

Still, the house beckoned. The door to the old Victorian creaked open. Overriding the voice of my intuition, I stepped inside. Shadowy figures emerged from the walls. I had stumbled upon a nest of malevolent spirits. The air was rank, fear gripping tight.

A sliver of light appeared at the far end of the home. I sprinted toward the back screen door and broke into the light of day. Relief washed over me. I awakened in my bed, my heart pounding.

An uncanny dream, a nightmare, stopped me in my tracks. I did not accept the dinner invitation. The uncanny, as does a metaphysical story, opens the mind to unseen realms. It gives us a sense of unseen things and tells us all we need to know.

Live Deeply . . . Read Daily!

Embracing the Archetypal Feminine in Storytelling and the Unconscious Mind

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Deep within the psyche lies an unexplored realm, an expanse where the archetypal feminine, imagination and the unconscious mind intertwine in storytelling. This is why stories nourish mind, soul, and the living out of daily life. We need a steady stream of stories to help us, little by little, become better human beings. The mysterious trio of the archetypal feminine, imagination, and stories weaves a tapestry of creativity, intuition, and wisdom. They offer insights into real-life experiences. They hold the key to unlocking our potential and shaping our future.

The archetypal feminine goes beyond gender concepts. It transcends boundaries to embody our potential for nurturing, compassion, and empathy. It represents the yin counterpart to yang – a creative force that balances out the assertive energies of masculinity. Embracing the feminine allows us to tap into our emotional intelligence, imaginative capacity, and human empathy as we seek harmony and balance.

Stories open and nourish our sensitivity to the archetypal feminine within. When imagination – that visionary force propelling humanity forward – is stimulated, we can draw inspiration from the feminine power of receptivity. We have a sense of involvement with what is happening to the protagonist, how it makes us feel, and how they deal with their challenges.

Writing metaphysical thrillers acts uniquely to open portals of the mind. It’s why some folks can’t read horror. It’s too much for them, too frightening, and that is to be respected. Knowing what stories draw us and which do not is part of listening to self and self-care. Then we’re better able to discover what stories can help us to transcend limitations and explore new possibilities. Storytelling that speaks to us kindles inspiration and gives birth to ideas that help shape our lives.

At the core of good storytelling lies a journey of self discovery. In The Unholy, Goddess of the Wild Thing, and Goddess of Everything, we confront primal fears, wounds that require healing, and the potential for transformation and evolution. It’s fascinating that my psyche was drawn to female protagonists. For over forty years, I’ve worked in depth psychotherapy with women and seen them through fears, rage, and horror.

Those who’ve hung in there and seen their way through dark times (understandably, not all have felt able) have inevitably emerged into an experience of feeling more empathic, integrated, and whole. It’s been the story of their life. And we touch a little of this magic when we delve into metaphysical stories that dramatize real-life horror, terrors, and the transformation and evolution that happen when courage trumps fear.

So, by embracing feminine archetypes in stories, heroic females who symbolize our courage to be empathic, loving, and real, we deepen our connections with self, others, and the world around us. Let yourself settle into a comfy chair, read a mysterious story and enter a world where intuition, magic, and love unlock powers latent in your imagination. By embracing the archetypal feminine in storytelling, you’ll find an openness and receptivity to magical energies and empowering feelings that will make a difference in how you dream, live, and love.

Live Deeply . . . Read Daily!

The Boy, the Words, and the Magic

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In a far-off land many years ago, a boy named Ayaan lived in a village surrounded by gentle hills and abundant forests. Ayaan was known for his warm nature, captivating eyes, and perpetual smile that could brighten even the dreariest days.

Ayaan’s days were brimming with thrilling escapades as he ventured into the woods, marveling at the flight of birds overhead and attentively listening to the secrets whispered by the wind among the leaves. He possessed a connection with nature and shared a special bond with all living beings.

One morning, while exploring deeper into the forest, Ayaan stumbled upon an oak tree. Its branches stretched towards the sky like weathered fingers yearning for heaven’s touch. Intrigued by its presence, Ayaan cautiously extended his hand and gently touched its bark. To his astonishment, he felt a comforting warmth coursing through his fingertips as if the tree had acknowledged him.

From that moment, something within Ayaan shifted. He began experiencing an exhilarating tingling sensation in his heart whenever he discovered places or met new people. It was as though an invisible guiding force was whispering clues and nudging him towards paths of goodness and peace.

Once while Ayaan was enjoying a moment by the river, he suddenly heard a voice in his mind. The voice warned him to step so he wouldn’t slip on a stone and fall into the water. This experience amazed him because it felt like something other than luck. It felt like magic.

As Ayaan grew older, his intuitive abilities blossomed. He had a talent for sensing when someone was feeling blue and always seemed to find the words to offer them comfort. The villagers were in awe of his ability to predict the weather. They started seeking his guidance on matters of love, nature, and life’s challenges.

However, along with Ayaan’s gift came difficulties. He felt the pain and hardships that others faced. It was overwhelming. Then, through his intuition, he discovered ways to alleviate suffering and lighten people’s burdens.

On an evening illuminated by moonlight, Ayaan sat beside an oak tree that seemed to radiate wisdom. As he closed his eyes in thought, he sensed a connection with the spirit of the old tree. In this moment of clarity, Ayaan realized intuition was a gift for fostering empathy and understanding.

From that point, Ayaan dedicated himself to using his intuition to assist those in need. He became a beacon of wisdom and understanding within his community, offering guidance with inspired words.

As days turned into years, Ayaan’s renown went beyond his hometown. Travelers from distant lands flocked to seek his guidance. And tales of the boy, the words, and the magic reverberated for generations.

Live Deeply . . . Read Daily!

Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D.

Paul DeBlassie III, Ph.D., is a psychologist and award-winning writer living in his native New Mexico, crafting visionary thrillers energized with trickster mischief and natural magic.

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