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#81
Podcasts, Videos & Documentaries / Re: Film: If an Owl Calls Your...
Last post by Blueberry - December 05, 2025, 10:17:36 PM #82
Podcasts, Videos & Documentaries / Film: If an Owl Calls Your Nam...
Last post by Blueberry - December 05, 2025, 10:15:00 PMCopying from an email I got:
When Dr. Patricia June Vickers began working with survivors of residential schools in Canada, she saw something that modern science could not fully name.
Their pain wasn't just in their minds. It lived in their bodies, in their breath, in the way they carried silence.
Neuroscience calls it trauma. Her people call it disconnection from Spirit.
So she began to bridge the two.
Between 1831 and 1996, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in government-run schools designed to erase their culture, language, and identity.
As a trauma therapist and hereditary healer of the Tlingit and Haida lineages, Patricia developed ways of working that bring together neurobiology and ceremony, somatic awareness and ancestral prayer.
She understood something profound: the nervous system, like the land, remembers everything. Healing doesn't come from analysis or effort, but from returning to relationship.
This is the wisdom at the heart of the new film If An Owl Calls Your Name, where Patricia, her brother Roy Henry Vickers, and other Elders and healers from the Esk'etemc, Gitxsan, and Wet'suwet'en territories share what they know:
Healing isn't something we do. It's something we remember.
The land, the language, the drum - these are not metaphors for wellness. They are the original medicine.
When the people reconnect to them, the brain begins to reorganize, the body finds safety again, and Spirit returns to the center.
This is healing. This is ceremony.
Our friends at Science & Non Duality are presenting the global premiere of this profound film, created in collaboration with Indigenous communities who are reclaiming land, language, and spirit.
The Global Premiere: December 9-13
The premiere is a 5-day journey that includes:
🎥 Community screenings of the film
🔥 Daily live sessions with Indigenous Elders, healers, and activists
⏱️ 48-hour access to all talks if you can't attend live
You can join by offering a donation of any amount, including $0. Half of all net proceeds go directly back to the Indigenous communities featured in the film.
Reserve your spot for the premiere.
This film was made with the same care it documents - slowly, respectfully, with every conversation guided by sacred relationships.
What you'll witness is transformation. The profound work of remembering what was never truly lost.
Join the global premiere.
Warmly,
Eric Forbis
Co-Founder, Best Year of Your Life Summit
Blueberry says: TRIGGER WARNING to film - Survivors of community and generational trauma speak in the film, as I've noticed in the 2-min trailer. otoh it could be interesting to hear how a different people with different traditions than the 'first world' countries so many of us are in understand trauma to be and how they view healing.
When Dr. Patricia June Vickers began working with survivors of residential schools in Canada, she saw something that modern science could not fully name.
Their pain wasn't just in their minds. It lived in their bodies, in their breath, in the way they carried silence.
Neuroscience calls it trauma. Her people call it disconnection from Spirit.
So she began to bridge the two.
Between 1831 and 1996, over 150,000 Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and placed in government-run schools designed to erase their culture, language, and identity.
As a trauma therapist and hereditary healer of the Tlingit and Haida lineages, Patricia developed ways of working that bring together neurobiology and ceremony, somatic awareness and ancestral prayer.
She understood something profound: the nervous system, like the land, remembers everything. Healing doesn't come from analysis or effort, but from returning to relationship.
This is the wisdom at the heart of the new film If An Owl Calls Your Name, where Patricia, her brother Roy Henry Vickers, and other Elders and healers from the Esk'etemc, Gitxsan, and Wet'suwet'en territories share what they know:
Healing isn't something we do. It's something we remember.
The land, the language, the drum - these are not metaphors for wellness. They are the original medicine.
When the people reconnect to them, the brain begins to reorganize, the body finds safety again, and Spirit returns to the center.
This is healing. This is ceremony.
Our friends at Science & Non Duality are presenting the global premiere of this profound film, created in collaboration with Indigenous communities who are reclaiming land, language, and spirit.
The Global Premiere: December 9-13
The premiere is a 5-day journey that includes:
🎥 Community screenings of the film
🔥 Daily live sessions with Indigenous Elders, healers, and activists
⏱️ 48-hour access to all talks if you can't attend live
You can join by offering a donation of any amount, including $0. Half of all net proceeds go directly back to the Indigenous communities featured in the film.
Reserve your spot for the premiere.
This film was made with the same care it documents - slowly, respectfully, with every conversation guided by sacred relationships.
What you'll witness is transformation. The profound work of remembering what was never truly lost.
Join the global premiere.
Warmly,
Eric Forbis
Co-Founder, Best Year of Your Life Summit
Blueberry says: TRIGGER WARNING to film - Survivors of community and generational trauma speak in the film, as I've noticed in the 2-min trailer. otoh it could be interesting to hear how a different people with different traditions than the 'first world' countries so many of us are in understand trauma to be and how they view healing.
#83
General Discussion / Re: progress notes nov 25
Last post by Kizzie - December 05, 2025, 08:04:44 PMQuote from: JamesG3 on December 05, 2025, 01:41:17 PMIt's great to know what's wrong with ME, but blimey... what in the name of all that is reasonable, was wrong with THEM?
Hey James, love this
When we switch to looking at THEM rather than US, we are truly in recovery IMO.Re the book, we have a draft manuscript we're sending out to agents/publishers now. From what we've heard/read it looks to be a long process. The book team are having a meeting this Sunday and I think we're going to talk about a drop dead date. By that I mean if we haven't been picked up by XXXX we will likely move into self-publishing. More to come!
#84
General Discussion / Re: Don't envy the Narcissist ...
Last post by TheBigBlue - December 05, 2025, 06:22:03 PMQuote from: Chart on December 05, 2025, 04:40:22 PM... I seriously ask myself these questions regarding why toxic leaders continue to appeal to the majority. ...
I've wondered the same - a lot. When we look historically, there's almost a playbook that repeats itself in different eras and cultures. It seems to work especially well when people are afraid or struggling:
• Identify an out-group, minority or scapegoat to channel frustration toward.
• Offer simple answers to complex problems ("I alone can fix it", "MAGA" ...).
• Stoke fear, insecurity, and urgency - because fear makes people want strong protectors.
• Undermine institutions that enforce accountability (journalism, courts, science ...).
• Create loyalty by promising safety, prosperity, belonging, identity.
• Frame nuance, doubt, or dissent as threat rather than discussion.
When someone charismatic taps into collective fear, anger, or economic insecurity, the nervous system often prioritizes certainty over truth, strength over empathy, protection over reflection. It's primal - survival-brain stuff.
Social media, polarization, economic stress, and declining trust in institutions can amplify this effect. In that climate, people may cling to leaders who project confidence and dominance, even when those traits are harmful or predatory.
So when you wrote about narcissists in power, that's where I felt the overlap. Not all narcissists rise to leadership, but when narcissistic traits intersect with opportunism, fear-based politics, and systems without accountability, the danger becomes collective, not just relational.
Just some of my thoughts. Off to make tea - also un-narcissistically 😄 (no followers required).
#85
General Discussion / Re: Don't envy the Narcissist ...
Last post by Ran - December 05, 2025, 06:11:42 PMI think my aunt is narcissitic. She's my dad's and uncle's sibling. Actually all three of them are like that. I would say they look smart, but it's only like that in their appearance. They lack emotional intelligence. They are very self centered people and don't care about others, if it's not somehow useful to them. I've cut all contact with my aunt.
#86
General Discussion / Re: Don't envy the Narcissist ...
Last post by Chart - December 05, 2025, 04:40:22 PMI'm very happy this thread is staying active and they're new responses and perspectives. I appreciated LeonLaviu's (brave, imo) opinion regarding "narcissists".
Imo, this is an important topic which only gets bigger as time and social/political systems deteriorate worldwide.
If we don't start FULLY understanding these individuals in power causing so much destruction, I believe we're doomed. And I seriously ask myself these questions regarding why toxic leaders continue to appeal to the majority.
Here're some thoughts I've had:
- Narcissism is a spectrum, not an all or nothing affair.
- Healthy "good" narcissism exists and is necessary, particularly during certain phases of development, but also serves healthy individuals in determining their self worth.
- Narcissism can only exist in a relationship. That's to say, toxic narcissist behavior is "permitted" by another person. This is not blame, but important to realize that a narcissist will be unsuccessful if the individual or group refute their assertions.
I like this concept as it gives me agency. Recently I've found a great deal of power and liberation in realizing just to what extent I enabled narcissists in my past. I've taken that experience and learned from it. I now feel greatly empowered when I engage with others on political and social subjects.
Just some of my thoughts. Gotta go make soup for my kids. I plan on doing it very un-narcissistically...
Imo, this is an important topic which only gets bigger as time and social/political systems deteriorate worldwide.
If we don't start FULLY understanding these individuals in power causing so much destruction, I believe we're doomed. And I seriously ask myself these questions regarding why toxic leaders continue to appeal to the majority.
Here're some thoughts I've had:
- Narcissism is a spectrum, not an all or nothing affair.
- Healthy "good" narcissism exists and is necessary, particularly during certain phases of development, but also serves healthy individuals in determining their self worth.
- Narcissism can only exist in a relationship. That's to say, toxic narcissist behavior is "permitted" by another person. This is not blame, but important to realize that a narcissist will be unsuccessful if the individual or group refute their assertions.
I like this concept as it gives me agency. Recently I've found a great deal of power and liberation in realizing just to what extent I enabled narcissists in my past. I've taken that experience and learned from it. I now feel greatly empowered when I engage with others on political and social subjects.
Just some of my thoughts. Gotta go make soup for my kids. I plan on doing it very un-narcissistically...
#87
Recovery Journals / Re: starting over
Last post by TheBigBlue - December 05, 2025, 04:17:49 PM
See you on the porch.
#88
General Discussion / Re: progress notes nov 25
Last post by Chart - December 05, 2025, 04:08:06 PMQuote from: JamesG3 on December 05, 2025, 01:41:17 PMWalk away. Stay away. Be defiant in defence and open to real love, real beauty and real emotion.
#89
General Discussion / Re: Don't envy the Narcissist ...
Last post by TheBigBlue - December 05, 2025, 04:05:10 PMI've really appreciated reading through this thread. The different views here gave me a lot to think about, and I'd love to add another perspective; not to dispute anything said, but to broaden the picture a bit.
For me, the idea that narcissists are inherently more intelligent doesn't completely hold. I don't think intelligence and narcissism correlate directly. Rather, some narcissistic individuals can look competent or successful because they channel a lot of energy into self-advancement, impression management, and power positioning. So just like in the general population, some are brilliant, some average, some struggle; but what can make them stand out is the focus with which they pursue admiration and status.
I also resonated with the discussion about success and danger. Narcissism alone (grandiosity/admiration-seeking) isn't always what produces societal power. Research often points to what's sometimes called the dark triad:
• narcissism: fragile self-esteem, need for admiration, self-importance, low emotional empathy
• Machiavellianism: strategic manipulation, charm used instrumentally
• psychopathy: very low empathy + high disregard for others' safety/needs/harm
It's often this combination - especially in systems that reward dominance and charisma over empathy - that allows certain personalities to rise in leadership or public life. And I do agree with Kizzie's point: when narcissistic traits meet entitlement, manipulation, and lack of accountability, the behavior can become predatory and genuinely dangerous, especially in positions of power or authority.
Something that helped me personally was learning a bit about the neurobiology of narcissism. Imaging studies in NPD have found differences in the brains such as:
• reduced gray-matter volume in the anterior insula (emotional attunement & empathy)
• altered prefrontal–amygdala response to shame/criticism
• ego threat triggers fight/flight, not reflection or insight
This explains why "calling out" narcissistic behavior rarely leads to change; their nervous system reads it as danger, not information. Knowing this shifted my expectations and helped me set boundaries with less hope for accountability that may never come, and more focus on protecting my own nervous system.
What I'm taking away from this thread:
• Narcissists aren't necessarily more intelligent - just differently focused.
• They may thrive in cultures that reward dominance over empathy.
• Their success can look shiny, but is often fragile or built on exploitation.
Survivors often develop another kind of intelligence: reflective, slow-growing, earned through pain. There's strength in that. A different kind of success. One with depth and soul.
Thank you all for the thoughtful discussion, it feels good to explore this together rather than alone. 💛
For me, the idea that narcissists are inherently more intelligent doesn't completely hold. I don't think intelligence and narcissism correlate directly. Rather, some narcissistic individuals can look competent or successful because they channel a lot of energy into self-advancement, impression management, and power positioning. So just like in the general population, some are brilliant, some average, some struggle; but what can make them stand out is the focus with which they pursue admiration and status.
I also resonated with the discussion about success and danger. Narcissism alone (grandiosity/admiration-seeking) isn't always what produces societal power. Research often points to what's sometimes called the dark triad:
• narcissism: fragile self-esteem, need for admiration, self-importance, low emotional empathy
• Machiavellianism: strategic manipulation, charm used instrumentally
• psychopathy: very low empathy + high disregard for others' safety/needs/harm
It's often this combination - especially in systems that reward dominance and charisma over empathy - that allows certain personalities to rise in leadership or public life. And I do agree with Kizzie's point: when narcissistic traits meet entitlement, manipulation, and lack of accountability, the behavior can become predatory and genuinely dangerous, especially in positions of power or authority.
Something that helped me personally was learning a bit about the neurobiology of narcissism. Imaging studies in NPD have found differences in the brains such as:
• reduced gray-matter volume in the anterior insula (emotional attunement & empathy)
• altered prefrontal–amygdala response to shame/criticism
• ego threat triggers fight/flight, not reflection or insight
This explains why "calling out" narcissistic behavior rarely leads to change; their nervous system reads it as danger, not information. Knowing this shifted my expectations and helped me set boundaries with less hope for accountability that may never come, and more focus on protecting my own nervous system.
What I'm taking away from this thread:
• Narcissists aren't necessarily more intelligent - just differently focused.
• They may thrive in cultures that reward dominance over empathy.
• Their success can look shiny, but is often fragile or built on exploitation.
Survivors often develop another kind of intelligence: reflective, slow-growing, earned through pain. There's strength in that. A different kind of success. One with depth and soul.
Thank you all for the thoughtful discussion, it feels good to explore this together rather than alone. 💛
#90
Recovery Journals / Re: starting over
Last post by Chart - December 05, 2025, 03:58:53 PMQuote from: sanmagic7 on December 05, 2025, 01:34:29 PMi wonder if all those good feelings about the beatles, that time in my life, kind of overwhelmed my brain, like too many endorphins or somethingSan, this struck me. I recently had a "positive" experience as well. A feeling of attraction that I sensed was mutual. After, I felt deeply deeply sad. Not exactly an ef, but close and it lasted a good 48 hours. I think we are so hyper-sensitive even things that are good and positive can nonetheless be triggering. It's like the brightness highlights the black.
The list of annoying aspects of Cptsd just never seems to quit, does it?
