SubliminalGuy--A Continuing Journey

Day 9
3 minute loops of a Phoenix/LB custom
New Wanted stacked first week
1 listen of New GLM this week
I’ve been considering Chosen now as 2nd sub

I began my Phoenix/LB custom last week to change old negative life beliefs and thinking, and it’s working. Below are 2 clear signs that showed themself this week.

Monday morning of this week, after seeing little clear manifestations of change, something happened. I noticed my awareness was not clear, like a cloak was over my mind. And I’d just began my route, driving for my job.

I was leaving the gas station where I’d fueled up, and I was at a stop sign, waiting to pull onto the road. I looked both ways, saw it was clear, so I pulled out. But a guy on my left had turned the corner quickly and was heading my way. As planned, I turned left, noticing the driver was close to me.

But I didn’t care. My fear wasn’t running me. Something in me, some normal reaction, had been turned “off”. And here’s what was really different in ME.

I looked at this guy and considered that I’d done something wrong–and I kept looking at him (a 3 second span). He raised both arms quickly like “WTF!!!” That internal switch which normally make me feel SO responsible for other’s irritation and bad moods did NOT engage. I realized his mood didn’t own me. It didn’t even touch me.

That was crystal clear to me. It felt AWESOME.

My 2nd showing was today, and to my relief, it was LB. Midday, while driving, I felt attracted to shutting everyone out. It was noonish, so I pulled into a gas station to take lunch.

My feelings, a 3 out of 10 for stress, were a mix of “leave me alone” alongside…something I was afraid to put my finger on. I just wanted to shut my mind down. So I turned off the truck and headed toward the store.

This big black guy was coming out the store…and he treated me like I was a king or something. He looked at me wide-eyed and quickly opened the door, holding it open enthusiastically. My first thought was “what? Why?” I had been quietly kicking my own ass, and his CARING was loud to me.

It occurred to me that LB was blooming. I felt that internal hope rising quickly, and I cautiously welcomed it. And LB feels good–even though some battle had been going on. I reveled in it a few minutes. That’s when, like in prior subliminal experiences, I began considering writing here. I’ve had lots of anxiety when I thought I “should” write. But my normal thinking is being challenged. I don’t want to be the ultra-flexible “yes man” who gives anything to anyone just so I don’t have to face possible rejection. Because that’s led me ALL of my life.

I’m chose Phoenix to change me. To put light in my darkness.

That’s what I want.

NOTE: I’m concerned about something that’s sidelined me numerous times–a lack of attention and relationships in my life. I began this run using Wanted, but…I began reading my old Regeneration/Chosen journal and remembered this experience. I realized my thinking was much much clearer. I also used Chosen in my last DR run, and it really affected me positively.

Seriously, I’m feeling angry at myself feeling this fear tearing at me. It must be LB still blooming since I feel vulnerable and soft emotionally.

To clarify my Wanted anxiety: I’ve always associated romantic or sexual relationships with…not truly feeling my feelings. Not being me. Fake. Which is why I’ve had a single handful of girlfriends my whole life. LB is kicking up, so I’m feeling vulnerable. Maybe that calm recon on Wanted scared me away.

So I’m wondering. I’m finding myself seeking different answers and possibilities–which must be due to Phoenix. And Achilles’ Heel.

Do I want Wanted?

That’s major change for me. Fear and feelings rising, working something out. I desire to be wanted and desired–for who I am…yet recon is active. I won’t decide right now.

Edit: I just realized Phoenix is active. It’s challenging my templates in relationships. That’s been going on ALL DAY.

–I was going to listen to Phoenix tonight. I’m gonna wait until tomorrow so this recon can do it’s business.

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Day 11
Rest day

I chose Emperor as my 2nd sub, and I’ve had steady confirmation that it’s working well with Phoenix.

I worked today, feeling slightly pissy starting out since 1) I didn’t want to work today, and 2) Phoenix is continuing to bloom. I’m experiencing it working steadily.

And last night was a new experience for me.

An antagonist manager at work repeated a shaming tactic on me yesterday afternoon, this time in front of other managers. I tried to be cooperative, but I really wanted to ignore him. What I’ve sensed repeatedly is he’s trying to make himself look good, but at other’s expense.

Driving home, I allowed my anger and disgust to rise. It could have been triggered by Emperor, but Phoenix was definitely running me.

I couldn’t push it away or ignore it. I tried. I even turned on a movie 30 minutes later, hoping it’d die down. Made it over halfway. Finally turned it off and… gave up my pointless aim. I turned off the lights and allowed the subs to work. Phoenix was trying hard to make changes.

I don’t think I’ve ever had such awareness of a “non-hostile takeover” in my mind. It wouldn’t quit.

I keep thinking about resilience, partly because of sensing it last night, but also because I was pushed to do a lot more than I’d expected to today at work. I’d begun work with that whiny inner dialogue, wishing to finish and slide out, believing I’m powerless.

But throughout the day I began feeling stronger. More powerful. Emperor must have been blooming. I even felt “noticed” by others while driving (I know it’s blooming when I’m sensing other’s attention in my vicinity). I also sensed and welcomed a different mindset. Something like…

“Problems are being faced. Confronted. Pushed through. I am a winner. This IS possible”.

Me choosing Emperor to work with Phoenix was a great choice.

Edit: I’ve attempted peaceful confrontations with the manager in my head numerous times, not feeling satisfied. I’m slowly realizing I’d just like to feel my own anger. F him.

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Day 12
Phoenix custom tonight
Emperor tomorrow morning

Thinking of what I’m experiencing, and it’s beautiful. Phoenix speaks of taking action, and this morning, I’ve been imagining taking just small steps…nah, not being honest there.

I’ve been seeing things right in front of me which, in times past, locked me up emotionally. I’d quickly remember failing in something before, and I would choose to stay stuck feeling that repeatedly. I’d also believe I failed myself, perpetuating the cycle. Fucking going round and round…all to get the same 'ol nothing. --now, a part of me seems angry and hurt, screaming “THAT’S NOT WHO I AM!!”

It’s just been hidden underneath these old defunct beliefs.

What I’m seeing clearly is I chose to mess myself up–it was my “easy” way out of taking responsibility for it, and I’ve been doing this for years…decades even. Some stuff is small, like me cleaning my room (I saw this this morning), or larger things like acting and believing like I could be successful in business ventures. Failing seemed infinitely easier, or safer to me. Outdated and beliefs are being challenged. Thank God.

I’m grateful I’m stacking this with Emperor since it brings in things I’ve needed tending to.

  • Relationships. Romantic ones mainly, but also friendships and also family relationships. As Phoenix rewrites relational beliefs, I’m feeling an opening to letting others in. This is my biggest focus using Phoenix presently.

  • Income opportunities in front of me. I’ve made the success-avoidant decisions in the past. Phoenix is changing my perspective. I believe…a lot of my financial choices were based on relational beliefs. In short, I’d look at all relationships I have or could create, I’d link them with financial success…and I cowered since all relationships had fears of being hurt or abandoned.

So so true. I’ve abandoned business opportunities first since I imagined/believed someone would leave me FIRST. That encapsulates every business decision I’ve EVER made. Every. Single. One. In all jobs too.


And Emperor is a good mix since, just like seconds back, I’d have fears surface in the middle of imagining feeling good, and to my pleasant surprise, Emperor would jump in and I’d begin seeing myself as…successful. THAT’S why I’m pulled towards Emperor.

Because shit hits my awareness throughout the day. And Emperor says “We’re gonna get THROUGH this!! LET’S GO!!”

Incredibly amazing subliminals.

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I did my Phoenix custom 2 hours ago after feeling uncomfortable with myself. My Saturday was blown due to a long day at work, so I disconnected today.

However, Emperor seemed to be in my head still, as I was actively NOT taking any risks. Nothing gained. This was realized after re-reading the Phoenix sales page. Action is a big part of making progress. So, I took a shower and went shopping, got some grub, then spent an hour in the kitchen deboning a rotisserie chicken for future meals. In other words, the opposite of sitting home alone and feeling helpless and missing opportunities.

–Note: when I’m in old thinking, I’m hiding and listening to fear messages in my head. But reading the Phoenix page helped me see that I was recycling old ways. So I got out. Even had a quick pass of a girl in the store which absolutely felt like sexual tension from her. Nice.

And why I originally came to write this evening:

Recon is slippery. But I hung on (not taking too long actually), and I saw what Phoenix was doing.

In the sales page, it repeatedly states Phoenix will transform you and burn off the old you, and to me, who’s been around psychology related issues and “solutions” for decades, such claims don’t have so much hold on me. I’ve had great experiences with SC subs. But my confession is I’ve been afraid of making such changes. I said it. Probably obvious to those who’ve seen me do the roller coaster healing, then go incognito for months.

Well, this showed up when I actively tried to approach my internal fear of losing myself here. I’ve wanted to write today…and I’ve not wanted to be “not me”, or a perpetual chameleon. Just to be loved. Or liked. Valuing myself isn’t a regular habit of mine.

When I felt and faced this fear…I realized I couldn’t find my usual “on demand” beliefs about myself. I thought “Holy shit. This is actually working!” I couldn’t find my old self-pitying, self-sabotaging beliefs. No “I’m shit” beliefs either. Just silence. Peaceful quiet.

What the hell is happening to me? ← that’s me acting out the “I can’t do this” mentality. I’m not sure I can. But maybe I’m not alone. Maybe…very likely…I’ve not had accurate assessments of people. Maybe…yes…I’ve not seen who I am accurately either.

It feels better to consider I’m not seeing the truth yet. Phoenix is definitely working.

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Day 13
Phoenix custom last night

I woke up to play my Emperor loop. And when I loaded VLC, it offered to resume playing my Phoenix custom. Being eager to listen, I played it.

Not until almost 3 whole minutes played did I realize I wasn’t playing Emperor. I do 3 minute loops.

I’ve never done this, but I’m considering doing Emperor midday.

I just don’t want to bring on extra recon. Is this wise?

Edit. I’ll likely do 1 minute midday

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Wow. Today’s still brewing in my head.

Accidental 2nd loop of Phoenix this morning. 3 minutes of Emperor midday. I saw something in my head today, and I’m unsure if I’ll see it again.

Suddenly, I imagined a part of me exactly like I’ve not been: he was unowned by other’s opinions completely. This happened in 3 seconds maybe, and he’s remembered. His intention was clear. No bs’ing, no constantly “trying” to be good enough for others’ acceptance. None of that. Part of this got into me, because I didn’t try to hang onto it like I normally do.

I also didn’t check the forum all day. I finally did when I got home. I read @Michel’s latest post…and damn I recognized my struggle in his words: trying to be “in control”—but seeing clear evidence of a sub executing when I don’t feel in control. I felt a despair knowing I still try to control outcomes, probably missing so much going on around me. And today, having too much exposure running in my head, I felt out of my normal control. I’ve felt a continual push to let some emotion go, and I had a tiny, welcome release during my lunchtime.

I did feel resilience digging in. I felt pressured to perform and achieve at work (me doing this to myself)–and that’s when I had that quick vision of myself. Me in that imagination wasn’t trying to do shit—but he got loads of attention. He just wasn’t playing games to get people’s attention. To me, that’s why he got so much.

That’s an ultimate letting go, to me.

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Day 14
Phoenix tonight

Do I have value?

I woke up thinking that, feeling good about the answer.

I’ve had 2 realities since starting Phoenix. One is full of fear and completely filled with self-doubt. The other one was like yesterday. An unfamiliar though desired part of me. Unpretentious. Not expecting anything.

The second part I desire. But it’s growth, not just installation. It’s acceptance of me ← that’s a bridge to cross.

At this moment, I don’t know what to do. And I’m feeling ok about that. Feels like LB is working on me now.

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I just realized something. I’ve been insecure a lot lately at work and around others since I’m not using the same mentality, the same tools, to handle life.

I’ve been using fear my entire life to direct me. And lately, I just known I felt without the same pair of crutches I’ve been using all my life. I feel forgetful. Very very forgetful, as I don’t have my ready to go choices available. I didn’t realize fear was my ready to go choice most of the time.

I’m heading into work now. Feeling a bit of sadness admitting this. I’m losing the me that I’ve always known.

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I had a very good day–and I have no reason for it. I just felt good.

I realized this as I drove into my driveway. Many times in recent months, I’d arrive home and give way to negative feelings and beliefs. Stuff like “I’m alone” or “I’m not really wanted or loved”.

That didn’t hit me when I drove up to my place.

That’s significant. I DIDN’T EARN THAT TODAY. I JUST FELT GOOD!

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Day 15
Phoenix last night
Emperor just now
3 minute loops

30 minutes ago I woke feeling ecstatic. I felt so free. No shame, no fear, no guilt.

This freedom is what I’ve sought all these years.

My mind is still looking for old patterns. Looking for loopholes. Yet I feel good.

This is awesome :sunglasses:

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Day 16
Unsure about Phoenix tonight
Emperor tomorrow morning

Something is shifting rapidly. It started last night.

I overheated working outside yesterday, and my balance was shaky, even this morning. I considered calling out, and that’s when I felt different. I’ll give a short backstory first.

I grew up with mother who had been traumatized, and the very restrictions she gave herself she also gave all her children. She told us ‘no’ constantly. What I’m realizing is that ‘no’ has been my default response internally.

I only know that since I usually feel very conflicted about being good to myself. Even small decisions, like buying a 25 cent candy, is usually met with an unclear jumble of feelings. ‘No’ has been running every part of my life.

Back to my story. I was pleasantly surprised to find that iron barricade called ‘no’… was not there when I considered calling out.

I was allowed to relax. To breathe. To be me. I actually went to work because I didn’t feel restricted and conflicted internally.

I rarely rarely rarely allow myself freedom. I usually lock into some ritual and play a role with clear, narrow boundaries.

I don’t listen to myself a lot. Most of the time I’m focused on what you want, what you need, and worse, what I should do or not do to earn your attention. Life has sucked. There’s been no room for me.

But I’m (both afraid and excited by this)… trying to step down from this. Like a part of me is trying to wiggle through the iron barricade.

And another clear awareness showed up when I got home from work. My housemate has a cute, demanding Jack Russell terrier, and I go into nice guy mentality often with him since he’s always seeking scraps of food.

I didn’t realize this until I’d arrived in my room–but I completely ignored him when I stepped in the front door. That’s a first. Usually I feel guilty just looking in his eyes. I did give him a little attention later. But I was aware of the state I normally give in to, and it wasn’t comfortable.

So, something’s changing.

I’m still feeling a lot of processing, so I’m going to skip listening tonight. I am considering doing 2 rest days for a while, but I’m not sure yet. I just know every weekend I have amazing awarenesses show up, as I only do loops MWF. That’s why I’m considering it.

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Early Friday morning

I shut myself off when I write now. I fell into this habit years back since I found some success here. I parked in that spot and have intentionally ignored it since I was afraid of being abandoned. I actually abandoned myself.

Phoenix is shaking everything up.

I just miss enjoying writing.
Connecting with words.
Being real.
Being honest.
I miss trusting people.
I miss trusting myself.

Life was simple. Can I have that?

Immediately went to the thought “am I allowed to?”

Time to heal. So many revelations popping up.

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Day 17

Emperor this morning
Phoenix custom 30 minutes ago

I’m not sure why, but I’ve been feeling a lot of stuck grief today. And it’s only painful when it’s stuck. It feels stuck now…but I just remembered something that happened just hours ago. I got ANGRY, which is uncommon in my life.

I got mad because I felt like I was failing completing ludicrous work assignments today. I felt like a failure–which means I believed my bosses and coworkers were withdrawing their love (my childhood thinking there).

And I imagined acting as an adult and challenging the inefficient strategy we’re using. Because nothing happened like it was “supposed” to. Not one thing.

I got unexpectedly pissed when I returned to the yard, having completed only a fraction of my assigned work. I saw my main coworker, he asked me if I’d completed my task, and I answered honestly: I hadn’t gotten one thing done that he’d assigned me. —I’d been doing 2 different manager’s tasks, and that’s what hadn’t worked at all for me.

My coworker didn’t even look me in the eye. He just shook his head and walked away . FUCK him. That pissed me off…and it wasn’t usual anger for me. It was sadness with a different face. Anger and hurt. Mirrors of past pain. Feeling unworthy of another person’s love…thinking they “should” love me. (Again, childhood beliefs).

This 2nd rest day for Phoenix did a lot in me today, uncomfortably. I wasn’t high on Emperor steam. I felt remorse moreso, like I was actively saying goodbye to something.

ALSO…I’m just realizing this–I’ve not been able to suppress my pain or emotions so much today. I like staying hidden, being honest. I just felt like I …didn’t WANT to hide it today. That’s… new.

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Day 18
Phoenix custom last night
Phoenix custom tomorrow night

I wanted to write, to express myself, so I’m doing it now. I’ve been home all day hiding out, and I’m seeing something that I’ve not fully experienced before.

I’m not very comfortable in my normal hideouts like movies and junk food.

I haven’t been uncomfortable a lot today. I’ve watched a couple of movies, some YT videos, and I’ve been buying some cryptos as prices are falling. Then, maybe 30 minutes ago, I had a desire to do some responsible stuff: laundry, taking out trash, normal stuff to do on weekends.

And being honest with myself, my escapes aren’t all so attractive. I love a good romance or emotional movie…but I’ve used them for a clear reason: to block life out. I realized this and have started looking around my room. I’m not wanting to “clean clean clean!!” or bullshit like that…yet, but I’m noticing Phoenix changing my fears of outside or people to–sounds like the sales page now–to fuel my desires to go out. Little joy and life is found in isolation. That’s definitely new thinking.

Most of my avoidance of such common circumstances and people have been due to a fear of rejection. That’s the imagined fear I relive regularly, every time I’m prepping to go out. I think Phoenix is hitting this at last, as this is something I’ve endured all my life. And now, I’m not even doing my normal mental “prepping”, meaning isolating my attention to do just what needs doing. I’m actually a little scattered since I’m not locking down my attention.

Looking back on this past 2 weeks, “scattered thinking” was very common. Now I’m not seeing just X and having to hide from fears. I’m seeing A, B, and C too without fears hijacking me. I think Emperor is helping me with the mental discipline to stay focused as best I can. …but A, B, and C were attractive since they weren’t wrapped up in fear, like I’d done day in and day out with X. A, B, and C were much more attractive to me these last two weeks.

Before this I used emotion, fear specifically, to guide everyday actions. And living without it owning me is a whole new set of challenges. It’s a good problem to have, being honest. I’m slowly getting used to it. And that may have been why I felt a sense of loss a lot this week. My norm–fear–hasn’t been whipping me every day.

I’m just filling in the blanks now, little by little. I’m just so used to that feeling, every single day. Some subtle recon is evident now.

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Something else I want to report involves my main coworker, a former manager of another company, who I’ve painted as an ass numerous times. I did so last night.

I’d turned my phone off last night, my norm. When I turned it on around 8 this morning, he’d texted me to see if I was coming in to work today. Instead of ignoring him, after a minute I replied, saying I wasn’t coming in.

I picked up my phone maybe an hour later, and he’d shared something I didn’t know. Yesterday, he’d accidentally hit his head hard while loading his work truck. He hadn’t told me, and I thought he was being an ass yesterday by …(seemingly) rejecting me since I’d not got his requests accomplished. It pissed me off.

But this morning, I was the one who saw him needing compassion. He literally blanked out some activities and conversations we’d had yesterday morning, so he asked me via text. I shared what he’d done and what he’d expected me to do, also including why I hadn’t completed it.

It just hits me in my gut. Like he…needed me. That touched me. He normally pushes himself non-stop, unapologetically. I didn’t feel like I was talking with the same character I’ve experienced a lot. It was refreshing. Challenging too.

Love Bomb is in my Phoenix custom, and it’s softening me. So is Phoenix, with the emotional intelligence scripting. I sensed him needing understanding, and even acceptance of his perceived failing. And I felt willing to give it to him.

I guess real life, with real emotion and reactions, can start at any time. This was a good experience for me.

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Day 19
Phoenix custom hours ago
Emperor tomorrow morning

Subject to change??? I don’t think so.

I’ve been on the DR Regeneration discussion page today (pre-release) and Saint confirmed that it had a mechanism for helping people feel safe–and that’s what I’ve been seeking/desiring as long as I’ve been around recovery tools and environments (30+ years).

I also admitted the resilience scripting in both Emperor and Phoenix is affecting me. It keeps me focused on my emotional goal, which is to allow myself to heal.

My struggle—my old “follow the crowd” motive to gain acceptance–is being faced by Phoenix right now. Seriously, I’ve sidelined myself thousands of times for this acceptance.

Which is why I’m not going to start Regeneration after my washout. I’m going to do a 2nd cycle of Phoenix to allow it to shine. It works beautifully. It builds me up. And I’d rather learn a sub’s value from sticking with it longer. I actually own maybe 20+ SC subs, and a dozen or so I’ve either never used or used very, very shortly.

I’m going to stick with Phoenix for now. (I ask myself “why?” now)

Because I AM feeling slightly safer not battling conflicting emotions non-stop. Phoenix is a beautiful, powerful sub.

Regeneration will have it’s time. Not yet.

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Day 20
Early morning. 2AM
Can’t sleep

I’m afraid to fail

I have a manager who, frankly, I don’t like. I’ve been in this imagined confrontation with him for 30 minutes in my head.

Because he shows some of the same self-beliefs that I carry. I’ve been irritated by him lately since… he’s been projecting those beliefs onto me.

I learned years back that the only people I get angry at are people who mirror how I treat myself… and I don’t want to see it.

I’ve been dodging, evading, and running from failure my entire existence. I hide to avoid the shame I feel when even imagining it. That’s why I avoid women. I failed loving my mother enough. That’s a kid’s thinking. But I imagine that when women get close. It’s my “reason” I don’t date.

I wanted her to love me. So I tried to earn her love. And nothing ever came from it. I just wanted her love. She wouldn’t allow it. And life has been a freefall, feeling hopeless, me hoping someone will catch me.

I just feel helpless when I imagine that. Which is why I avoid avoid avoid love with women. I’ve tried to protect my heart… and it’s been hurting me.

That’s the reason I hide in a mental fantasy land.

I’m just tired of living there.

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Day 20
5:43AM

No Emperor this morning. Phoenix is working my memories unlike it’s done before.

I have to share something. The trauma, beliefs, and feelings I avoid like the plague is that I’m alone.

That’s my trauma. Mom was around physically, but emotionally, not at all. I didn’t know how to deal with it, so I went inside. I just couldn’t ask for help. I equated asking her for help with being rejected.

This is hitting home. I usually swallow it. Gotta go to work now

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Day 20
7:20PM

No loops today. Tomorrow’s day 21, so I’m likely going to do both.

I’m actually…giddy/excited! I’m FEELING change in me.

Last night, I had a very in-depth exposure to roots of the pain I’ve carried all my life. I woke up around 2, would drift in and out of sleep–but I kept seeing and feeling childhood times. I saw my mom, I felt she wasn’t there for me, and…I couldn’t/didn’t blink out of it. I felt it more than I usually allow myself to.

What is really really, really really strange for me is I’ll look back at it now, 18 hours later…but some of the sting is gone. That sting, that internal scream of fear I’ve run from…is kind of attracting me now. What I mean is…(this is a 54 yo man owning his younger beliefs)…that what I’ve been absolutely and completely terrified of is being seen completely differently!

Before it was a dark room of shame, pain, and sadness guarded by anger. A loss I never got over. This was how I was living. This, and not much else. Life was really small. Very limited. Hedged in by fears day after day.

Now I’m seeing a well-lit room. White curtains being blown through open windows. There’s light inside and out. There’s hope. There’s even…joy. Two completely different worlds.

This is unreal.

I’m a little overwhelmed by this, in a positive way.

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