well, that took a turn

Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task, especially when feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Alma, an online therapy platform, aims to simplify this process by allowing users to filter through their directory based on important qualities and book free consultations. Additionally, most therapists on Alma accept insurance, making care affordable. Meanwhile, in the podcast "Rattled and Shook," a woman shares an unsettling encounter with a man who walked backwards towards her while she was out walking her dog. Despite feeling uneasy and wanting to avoid him, she couldn't shake the feeling of being watched even after she went home. This experience highlights the importance of feeling safe and secure in our surroundings, and how seemingly strange or unusual behaviors can leave us feeling uneasy. Whether it's finding the right therapist or navigating unexpected encounters, prioritizing our well-being and safety is crucial.

The fear of the unknown and the unexpected can be more terrifying than an overt threat. The speaker in this discussion recounted an encounter with a man who stood on her porch, knocking on the door while she was inside. Despite having a large dog and taking pictures, she never saw his face and was left feeling uneasy and uncertain about his intentions. This experience is reminiscent of various creepy stories, such as "The Haunting of Hill House," where the unknown presence is more unsettling than a clearly defined threat. The speaker also expressed a preference for the "Backwards Man" over the "Smiling Man," as the former's lack of a clear identity made him more unnerving. Overall, the fear of the unknown and the inability to identify or understand a threat can be a powerful source of anxiety and unease.

Unexpected discoveries can be made even in the most remote and seemingly ordinary places. This was exemplified in the story of the speaker's adventure with their cousin in the Montana-Wyoming wilderness. While they were there to assist with hydrology testing, they stumbled upon a mysterious outlet and desk in the middle of the forest. Despite being in an area with no road access, buildings, or people nearby, the outlet was live. Meanwhile, the importance of learning a new language was emphasized through the sponsor message. Rosetta Stone was presented as a valuable tool for immersing oneself in a new language and learning it naturally, rather than relying on textbooks and structured classes. The offer of a lifetime membership with a 50% discount was also highlighted as an opportunity not to be missed. Both the story and the sponsor message convey the themes of discovery and learning, highlighting the value of exploring new things and expanding one's horizons. Whether it's learning a new language or discovering a hidden outlet in the woods, the potential for unexpected discoveries and growth is always present.

The discussed story shares similarities with other internet scary stories, or creepypastas, which often involve discovering surreal and unsettling things in unexpected places. The story of the mysterious desk in the woods is reminiscent of these tales, with its potential connection to a hidden laboratory and the intrigue surrounding an unexplained wire. The concept of coming upon something inexplicable in the woods is a common theme in creepypastas, with examples including staircases that lead nowhere and trails covered in broken toys. These stories tap into our fear of the unknown and the surreal, often leaving us with more questions than answers. The Dolls Head Trail in Atlanta, where one can find a trail filled with doll heads and sculptures, is an example of this phenomenon. The island of Isla de las Munecas in Mexico, where a man collected dolls to appease a drowned girl's spirit, is another chilling example of this theme. These stories remind us of the power of the unknown and the fear it can evoke.

Our experiences, whether they involve the unexplained death of a person or the exploration of lucid dreaming, can lead us to discover new fears or abilities. In the first story, the speaker was surprised to learn about the practice of creating voodoo dolls and the presence of spiders in the deceased person's body. This new information sparked a fear that was unlike any other. In the second story, a person with aphantasia, a condition that prevents them from visualizing mental images, discovered the concept of lucid dreaming and was determined to experience it. Through persistent efforts, they finally succeeded and found themselves in a dream where they could control their surroundings. However, their excitement was short-lived as the dream took a unexpected turn. These stories remind us that our world, both real and imagined, is full of surprises and that our reactions to new experiences can shape our emotions and perspectives.

The speaker experienced a vivid and terrifying lucid dream where he felt like he was being watched and puppeted by unseen forces. He was so convinced that he had woken up and gone through his morning routine that he was confused and terrified when he found himself back in bed, with his mother crying and a doctor preparing to inject him with syringes. The dream felt so real that he had to pinch himself multiple times to ensure he was awake. This experience highlights the power and complexity of lucid dreaming, and the potential for it to blur the lines between reality and fantasy.

False awakenings can be a disorienting and terrifying experience. False awakenings occur when a person pulls themselves out of a dream, only to find themselves still dreaming, leading them to question the reality of their surroundings. This can be particularly distressing for those who experience these false awakenings frequently, as they may spend significant time and energy trying to determine if they are truly awake. This phenomenon, known as REM intrusion, is more common during certain times of the year and can be especially intense for those who have had traumatic dreams or nightmares. Understanding the nature of false awakenings and recognizing the signs can help individuals better navigate these experiences and reduce the anxiety that comes with them. Additionally, some people, like the speaker in the story, may turn to lucid dreaming or other practices as a means of gaining control over their dreams and distinguishing reality from illusion.

Our dreams can reflect our deepest fears and anxieties, particularly those related to losing loved ones or their identity being altered. The speaker shared personal experiences of lucid dreaming where they encountered loved ones behaving differently, either possessed by an alien or turning on them unexpectedly. These dreams evoked intense emotions and fear, highlighting the significance of the relationships and the fear of losing their integrity. The speaker also noted the commonality of desks appearing in the wilderness in the dreams, adding to the overall sense of unease and newfound fears. Overall, the discussion underscores the powerful role dreams play in tapping into our emotions and revealing our deepest concerns.

Dreams can be interpreted in various ways, and even seemingly strange or mundane elements can hold deeper meanings. For instance, in a dream about getting ready for school, the repetitive nature of the task might symbolize the monotony or predictability of life. Alternatively, a fever dream about a boulder crushing a single blade of grass could represent the feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges or the vulnerability of being an individual in a vast world. The dreamer's interpretation of being the blade of grass and the boulder being life highlights the human condition's fragility and resilience. Ultimately, dreams are a reflection of our subconscious thoughts, emotions, and experiences, and interpreting them can provide insights into our inner workings.