The Dark Spell: How Horror & Dystopia Shape Our Reality
And what to do about it
Is your love for horror and dystopian tales shaping (y)our world? Uncover the surprising link between your media consumption and reality.
In a world filled with screens and stories, we often underestimate the profound impact of the tales we consume.
Beneath the surface of entertainment lies a subtle but significant connection between the narratives we immerse ourselves in and the reality we experience.
Let’s embark on a journey into the intricate web of media influence, where the choices you make in the realm of horror and dystopia may hold the keys to your own waking nightmare or extraordinary dream.
The Rise of Horror and Dystopia
The number of horror movies being produced (and watched) over the last few years has skyrocketed. We’ve witnessed an unending parade of monsters, haunted houses, and apocalyptic scenarios. But here’s the chilling part:
What we consume on screen often seeps into our collective subconscious — and shapes our reality.
In recent years, the production and consumption of horror movies and dystopian literature have seen a remarkable surge. Statistics show that horror movies alone gross billions annually, while dystopian novels have long been staples in school curriculums. But what impact does this fascination have on our consciousness and, consequently, our reality?
Dystopian Tales: Required Reading or Prophecy?
Dystopian books have been required reading in schools for decades, presented as cautionary tales about the future. Yet, with each passing year, these grim visions seem to inch closer to our reality. The power of storytelling lies in its ability to spark change, for better or worse.
Classic dystopian novels like George Orwell’s “1984” or Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” have been required reading for generations, warning of the perils of totalitarianism and societal control. These stories paint a grim picture of the future, urging us to heed the warnings. But in the process,
are we unintentionally manifesting the very nightmares we fear?
The Vanishing of Joyful Narratives
Take a moment to reflect on the stories you’ve encountered lately. How many of them were filled with fear, dread, and despair? Notice the scarcity of happy movies — romantic comedies, fairy tales, and feel-good stories.
It’s as if the light has dimmed in our cinematic choices. And our reality reflects it.
As the popularity of horror and dystopian genres has risen, there’s been a noticeable decline in lighthearted and feel-good entertainment. Rom-coms, silly comedies, fairy tales, and movies with happy endings have become increasingly scarce. In fact, statistics reveal a significant drop in the production of such content.
This shift in media consumption affects our collective psyche. We’ve grown accustomed to expecting the worst, believing that darkness is not only inevitable but exciting. But why do we find it hard to believe in happy endings and a world where good prevails?
Stories That Precede Reality: Uncanny Alignments
Have you ever noticed how certain books, stories, or movies eerily foreshadow real-life events? The 1898 novella “Futility, or the Wreck of the Titan” depicted a ship named Titan meeting its tragic end strikingly similar to the actual Titanic disaster, 14 years later. A century later, a slew of pandemic movies preceded the global COVID-19 outbreak, mirroring our current reality.
The Cycle of Fear
When we consume horror and dystopia constantly, or even occasionally, we keep fear at the forefront of our minds.
Our nervous systems never catch a break, and the cycle continues. We inadvertently contribute to a reality that reflects our deepest fears.
Constant exposure to fear-inducing content has profound psychological effects on our nervous systems. It keeps us in a perpetual state of heightened alertness, as if danger lurks around every corner. Our world becomes a reflection of this fear, a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The Power of Manifestation: Shaping Reality Through Thought, Belief, and Emotion
How exactly does the content that we consume contribute to our individual — and collective reality?
Let’s delve into the concept of manifestation: the process where
our thoughts, beliefs, and emotions influence our reality.
Our minds are potent creators, emitting vibrations that attract similar energies and circumstances. Beliefs and emotions are pivotal, amplifying the potential for manifestation, impacting our lives and the world at large.
Manifestation operates on the principle that our thoughts are like seeds, and what we consistently focus on and believe in has the potential to grow into our lived experiences. This process can operate at both the individual and collective levels, shaping our personal lives and the broader world around us.
Imagine your mind as a powerful creative force, capable of shaping your life. When you hold a thought or belief with strong emotion, you send out energetic vibrations into the universe. These vibrations act as a magnetic force, drawing similar energies and circumstances into your life.
For example, if you constantly dwell on thoughts of fear, scarcity, and chaos, you inadvertently attract situations that reflect these negative energies.
On the other hand, if you focus your thoughts on positivity, abundance, and harmony, you create a vibrational resonance with those energies, bringing more of them into your reality.
Choosing the Path of Light / Breaking the Spell
Breaking free from this cycle requires a conscious shift in our media consumption. It means reducing our exposure to horror, dystopia, and fear-inducing media.
Start by consciously choosing content that uplifts your spirit. (Baby, kitty, and puppy videos, anyone?) Shift your focus from fear to joy, from dread to delight. The power to transform your reality lies within your choices.
As we make this shift, we may initially find it challenging to believe in happy endings. But it’s a journey worth taking. It’s an opportunity to rekindle our faith in the goodness of humanity and the possibility of a brighter reality.
A World of Lighthearted Wonder
Explore the realms of comedy: like sitcoms and rom-coms (Friends remains one of my favorites), and the magical realm of fairy tales.
To truly break the spell, we must engage in self-reflection. If they feel too unbelievable or even dumb to you, ask yourself why. Why believe the worst possible outcomes are more realistic and exciting than happy endings? Why might you find happy endings unrealistic or unappealing?
What deep-seated beliefs are holding us back from embracing positivity and magic in our lives?
It’s important to note that there are individuals who consciously choose content that uplifts their spirits and fosters positivity, intentionally blocking out the noise intended to create doom and gloom in their field of vision — and of creation. They’ve recognized the impact of media on their reality and have taken steps to shape it according to their desires. They’re choosing #magicalways.
The Magic of Choice and Consciousness
Your choices in media consumption are a reflection of your beliefs and a beacon of your consciousness. Choose to embrace a world filled with positivity, light, and magic.
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” — Roald Dahl
YOU ARE POWERFUL
As we conclude our exploration, recognize the incredible power within you. Each choice you make — every show you watch, every book you read, every story you listen to and conversation you engage in — shapes the lens through which you perceive the world. You are not a passive observer; you are a co-creator of your reality.
Consider this a call to arms, not in the traditional sense, but in the realm of consciousness. You have the ability to consciously select content that aligns with your desires and uplifts your spirit. You hold the pen to your life’s narrative.
Embrace this newfound awareness, and empower yourself to break free from the cycle of fear. Choose positivity, light, and magic as your companions on this extraordinary journey. With each joyful story you embrace, you contribute to the creation of a reality filled with wonder and delight.
Please share this story far and wide. Together, we can shift the consciousness from fear and horror, to magic and light. It only takes a moment.
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