tabby said:
I do not think it is a personal choice to feel offended. That would place blame onto the target and doesn't hold people responsible for the things they say to others, especially if to purposefully ignite a specific emotional reaction. To put that into an example:
Person 1: [states something to deliberately offend another, say they attack their personal life]
Person 2: [reactions emotional and lashes out]
Person 1: "Why are you reacting like that? It's your choice if you feel offended by what I said. I did nothing wrong."
This is a form of manipulation and gaslighting, to deny the person the right to their side of the relationship, and acts to control person 2. It changes the power dynamic from being reasonably level to person 1 holding power over person 2 in an unfair manner. Things like this when enacted on a continual basis can actually drive a person into madness.
What one does with that feeling of offence, is something one can choose to do. However, that would suggest one is already at a high level of thinking for oneself and control over their emotions to be able to consciously decide how they direct it, which comes with consistent void meditation and practice. The way in which we deal with that feeling will be different for everyone, so personally, I don't think it's fair to expect people to react in the same way we might personally choose to for ourselves, because we deem our own way to be the "right" or "better" way.
Words have energy, and we react to that naturally. One might say something polite and perfectly reasonable, but the recipient reacts in a bad way. Does this mean they are immature and unstable? That entirely depends on the individual's case. This person might have a negative memory or feeling from subconscious trauma triggered that they were not aware of in their soul, and that comes out in the interaction. Perhaps transits or negative karma. Rather than condemn this person for their emotions, approaching them in a more understanding and gentler way, asking questions that does not make this person feel accused or like there's something wrong with them, is more likely to result in little more than simmering reactions rather than boiling point, and aid in bringing a discussion to a peaceful resolution.
This requires effort to accomplish from both parties however.
Rather than say "it is a choice to feel offended and lash out in return", I should have been more specific and said, "it's a choice to lash out in kind after receiving offense".
That said, if my post is taken as a whole, the message comes across as intended, since I do explain in proper depth what I meant to get across.
As for the example you gave, it is part of what I was alluding to. Person 2 doesn't have to lose his reason just because person 1 is aggravating them.
If I acted as person 2 in your example my conduct would be unrecognizable compared to what it is.
Since the Joy of Satan as a whole, through the posts over the years and the influence of the Gods one connects to while following this path, a lot of these things go without saying.
Self reflection, healing of the mind, mature conduct, awareness of ones acts, reason and understanding about the self and the people one converses with, etc, are all very basic concepts that one comes in contact with.
If someone has serious issues that causes them to act out against others due to past trauma, perhaps rather than continuing to do so ad nauseam, it is helpful to reflect upon the self and take a step back.
Even with certain kinds of trauma involved, as mature adults who are also dedicated to Satan by blood there should be certain standards or at least awareness on all the above mentioned things that can be reasonably expected from a person.
If one is here to heal from things, then it stands to reason one should try to heal, by following the useful and good advises from members and especially the wisdom from the sermons of the HP's, past and present, while ignoring the things which trigger a persons trauma or hangups and impede this healing process.
Self reflection is the key principle here that must be applied at all times, and can be applied by anyone regardless of what level one is at, or what history one has.
Ask yourself what your time spend on things brings to you, what your conduct to others brings to you, how this reflects on your needs and expectations, if this is beneficial to you or not, etc.
Reflect, and learn. Avoid things which impede your growth or which bring you no results.
Don't engage with people whom you gain nothing from. Refrain from letting your triggers control you, instead learn to recognize when something triggers you and exercise control over it or take a step back if you cannot control your emotional response.
Letting things go brings more release than compulsively engaging others because one lets ones feelings rule over their mind and remains stuck in that level of ego ruling the self.
To take myself as an example,
I hold in a lot of things, a lot of emotions, I restrain myself greatly on many occasions, especially in my conduct in the public eye.
For one because it reflects poorly upon myself if I act on emotional impulse without restraint, and for two because it is not appropriate for a close follower of the Gods to act out in a mindless manner, then last because it would cause me to make a lot of mistakes and go overboard due to purely acting on ego and impulse rather than impartially and with greater deliberation.
Does this make me weak, or lesser? Does this restraint mean I am emotionless? Or does it mean I reject part of myself? Or anything of the sort?
Obviously not. I am better of for it in every way and on every level.
That is not to say people should act as I do, or that I make no mistakes, or whatever.
It is the idea by which I act, the standard I aim for which is inspired by the Gods, that can benefit all people if applied on a personal level, adapted to suit the individual.
It is not something I created or made up, but a standard and way of conduct which can be seen in enlightened minds, people and beings throughout history and as what can be seen on the highest level with the Gods.
What I mean by that is, reflect upon yourself and reflect upon the Gods, then determine what you can do better to be closer to them.
Ask yourself "what would Satan do or say in my shoes?". How does what comes to mind compare with what you were about to do or say, or with your past conduct?
From there try to use that example of what came to mind when thinking of Satan, or any other God whom you are familiar with, and try to learn from this, tap into this influence, and let this inspiration drive you forward towards growth and advancement in life.
This is one beginner friendly way to learn and grow in conduct and to recognize which parts of ego are vain embellishments best left aside and which are worthy manifestations of self and desire that should be held on to and manifested.
Hail Satan!
![Blitzkreig [JG]](/data/avatars/m/21/21286.jpg?1704756304){kind=avatar}
![Voice of Enki [JG]](/data/avatars/m/0/84.jpg?1705131368){kind=avatar}
