Psychological Warfare (Pandemics & Fear)

"The Battle of Pelusium is a historically important battle that took place in the 6th century BC, in which the Egyptians were decisively defeated by the Persians, and the Persians became the new rulers of the land. The battle is one of the earliest known examples of the use of psychological warfare. Knowing that the Egyptians worshipped cats as a symbol of the goddess Bastet, Cambyses II ordered his warriors to paint images of the cat goddess on their shields, and during the battle itself, the army was said to have followed behind a large group of cats. The Egyptians, who were unwilling to harm the sacred cats, were forced to surrender their city to the Persians."Ancient Origins © 2013 - 2020

Prior to January 2020, the media was a dying breed scratching at the chance to retain its relevance. I was a struggling writer and business owner in search of content for my new writing project. The media would soon get its chance to launch its most successful marketing platform in history. Life was about to change as we knew it, and I was one of millions reluctantly tuned in. Political tensions were running high as America geared up for a new election season. Donald Trump's border control movement was well underway, as division radiated throughout the country and world. Tensions were running high on many fronts, and there was an overall feeling that a change was upon us. No one could have anticipated the pandemonium that was about to plague the world. Social media was more popular than God and it literally segregated families in their own homes, distorted reality, and destroyed relationships. The world was well on its way to total human detachment until life cleverly thrust humbleness upon the damned.

"The people bowed and prayed to the neon God they made." - Paul Simon

On December, 31 the Wuhan government confirmed a Pneumonia like illness that had in fact infected dozens of people in Asia. The media frenzy started on January 11th when the Chinese state media reported the first death attributed to the “new” virus; arguably the tremor that would trigger a tsunami of media launches relating to this soon to be pandemic.

“In the evolution of fear, a decisive moment occurred in the 19th century when people in advertising and journalism discovered that if they framed their stories and appeals with fear, they could capture our attention. It is an emotion we find hard to resist or control, and so they constantly shifted our focus to new possible sources of anxiety: the latest health scare, the new crime wave, a social faux pas we might be committing, and endless hazards in the environment of which we are not aware. "-Robert Greene

NEUROSES
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The Reticular Activating System (also known as the RAS) acts as the brain’s filter. It subconsciously determines what is necessary for your conscious mind to focus on. "Speak it into existence", most of us have heard this term. It holds some truth, as your mind retains audible goals you have set for yourself. There is more than one way to program your mind. You could have made a conscious decision, have been influenced, or inspired without even knowing it. You might have moved on or forgotten about an objective you once had, but your mind is still searching for ways to accomplish your goals. Your RAS could also signal warnings to your conscious mind of past fears to protect you from things that have caused you harm. This is where things get tricky: one must discern the difference between true danger and when to "Get back on the horse".

Hypochondriacs have a disconnect between real dangers and their RAS is sending fear signals on overload. A constant stream of fear-based news has turned our minds into a hyperactive state, much like the hypochondriac. There is a massive fear overload on our conscious and subconscious mind. It is as if we are training our minds to be completely fearful. We can't tune out, although objectively we know we should. We crave an answer, we seek the silver lining, and on top of it all, we are glutton for punishment. We have to stare at the car accident as we drive by. Regardless of the media's agenda, our mind needs a break. If we are depending on the mainstream news for a relief we are turning over all the wrong stones.

REFLECTION
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"How abundant are our spiritual bank accounts versus our monetary ones? Could this be the necessary chaos needed to recalibrate our values?"

There is a lot of speculation, conspiracies, and fear. Conspiracy theorist or not, you have to have all the cards on the table during such times. The possibilities range from biological warfare to divine intervention and everything in between. More than likely, we create these conspiracies because the human mind is ever searching. We are consciously and subconsciously trying to connect the dots and assess the risks in our environment. I believe there is a real virus that is exposing weak points in humanity. From a personal standpoint, people seem to be more conscious of their contribution to life. People are experiencing a collective ego death. Some of us are forced to look into the mirror of truth for the first time. Could it be true that we are more of a consumption species rather than producers? What is our individual contribution to society? Do we value titles more than we merit kindness? How abundant are our spiritual bank accounts versus our monetary ones? Could this be the necessary chaos needed to recalibrate our values? Only time will tell.

There is very little resolve for anyone right now, which is creating a lot of depression and anxiety. We are simply used to things having an answer, an end result. The educational system is proactively grooming us to believe that everything has to have an answer. So when there isn't one we malfunction. Moreover, the fundamental tools for surviving physical and emotional deprivation is foreign to us. We have been coddled by our parents, teachers, and friends. The only real accountability comes from our work environments and even there we are disillusioned with a false sense of dependency. We short circuit when we lose control, jerking the wheel of life, rather than making the subtle adjustments needed to survive. Seeking the why is the metaphoric jerking of the wheel, focusing on how we adjust, is the hope.

This is the first time the world has had one common enemy and we need to act accordingly. In any war, the enemy will seek opportunities to ambush when the opposing side is distracted and hesitant. It is a dangerous situation because the media has our attention. We are distracted by the loud blast of misinformation while the enemy creeps in. They are weaponizing fear in order to generate ratings, as we run around in conspiracy circles failing to make any forward progress. Fear has turned us against each other in many respects. The real enemy has distracted us through psychological warfare. People are at greater risk when they are suppressed emotionally. Their immune systems are at a physical disadvantage, so if disease doesn't come for them first, their psychological state will soon (if not already) be turning inward as the rival (fear) approaches. We must discern the human amplification and exploitation of our times versus real health concerns.

UTILIZING FEAR
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“Fear is my friend, I love fear. Fear allows me to reach my Highest Potential. Fear of failing is an illusion, but we have to have desire, we have to have something that pushes us, fear pushes us. We don’t understand that living prepares us for death. There's people dying around us every day, so we prepare for it. We understand it, but we avoid it.”
-Mike Tyson

We cannot dismiss fear completely as our enemy. It has a purpose that is essential for survival. Fear activates our fight-or-flight responses. It heightens our cognitive functions allowing us to avoid unnecessary dangers. There is a fine line, however, when fear enters a state of panic it is no longer our ally. A real consequence of prolonged fear can result in premature death along with the slew of unnecessary health conditions. It is the dose of fear that we want to monitor. We must discern the difference between necessary fear and harmful anxieties.

We should not attempt to be fearless, rather recognize fear as an important ingredient in the overall sustainability of life. In some respects, I believe the media has created a necessary chaos. The over-the-top panic it has caused our society could perhaps save lives. The panic may have broken certain boundaries between those who are generally cavalier, naive, and thick-headed. People who would have otherwise gone about their daily lives are now taking this situation seriously. More people are taking it upon themselves to self-quarantine. It is quite the proactive response to a fear-based agenda and it could prove to save lives. Being Proactive is fear working for us, being reactive ensures the enemies success.

We are sheep, ever dependent on the shepherd for our livelihood. Loss of our herdsman intensifies our panic and dismantles our confidence. The general population has little to no connection with their food source, or where it comes from. We are hunters and gatherers out of practice and out of touch. We depend on grocery stores and modern conveniences. So when threats circulate to close businesses we panic and horde food out of fear. Lacking our fundamental skills to hunt and fish, we quickly learn of our vulnerability. We are domesticated animals depending on a system that could fail us at any time.

There is a shift and change among us. This change is a non-negotiable certainty. It is an inevitable reality that is part of life. Sadly, it just so happens to be exposing our vulnerability and need for control. Generally, people can't handle change. Most spend their lives attempting to maintain a familiar existence. They try to preserve their lives, even if it is causing them harm. People would rather live in discomfort than venture out into the unknown. We fail to recognize change as something necessary in life. The time has come to let your preconceived notions go. Cut the cord of your past or suffer real consequences. Sever your ties with reality as you know it, before the burden of your past heaves you further into the abyss.

ADAPTATION
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"Reflecting on the past and wishing things were different only prolong the process of acclimating to the climate."

Entrepreneurs, military personnel, inmates, the homeless, and (self-aware) realists will thrive in such times. As the above mentioned have acquired the resourcefulness needed when the resources are scarce. Ignorance during such times could prove to be an advantage as well. A disconnect from technology could be a case of 'Ignorance is Bliss.' Although, one could run the risk of being blindsided if fully disconnecting from the mainstream. It becomes a dangerous situation when one overthinks, is hesitant, and/ or is fearful for a prolonged period. Recognize change as a necessary step towards growth before your mind starts to go dark. We must quickly adapt to the climate and dress for the season that is among us. Reflecting on the past and wishing things were different only prolong the process of acclimating to the climate. The difference between drowning and floating is tranquility.

It is the mission of our Navy Seals to carry out strategically planned (special operations) missions amid the most extreme (high stress) circumstances imaginable. Lives are on the line and the penalty for failure could spell certain death. Their training tests (not only) their physical and mental limits, but their ability to work as a team. This is a world where their focus is of the utmost importance. Although aware of their environment, effective Navy Seals possess the ability to focus on a much smaller level than we would expect. The Navy Seal would not be able to adequately function if they let their thoughts wander beyond their immediate environment. They've been equipped with the ability to break down a large picture into very small (and thought out) steps, focusing on one slice at a time, rather than the whole pie. If they fail to control their mental state, they would rapidly succumb to the pressures that surround them. They exist in a very small world that (in some cases) are broken down into minutes, or even seconds. They do not allow their minds to wander beyond an arm's reach. This technique allows them to manage a much larger and complex situation with great attention to detail, never allowing their minds to be consumed by fear. We too must operate on a smaller scale to ensure we don't slip into a panicked state. This will allow us to see things from a logical standpoint, rather than an emotional one.

Once we learn to successfully navigate our surroundings fear turns into pleasure. For some, the ocean is a scary place that brings about anxieties and fears. For others, it is a playground where one can enjoy great fulfillment. We are entering a new tide, an unfamiliar realm of possibilities where the terrain is unknown. We've been here before. Everything we know and understand today was once a new and scary world. There is hope and promise on the horizon. When the smoke clears some will surface with a new sense of worth and appreciation for life, while others drown in fear.
The world has never been more detached and connected all at the same time. Technology is the vehicle of which the media exploits its news, yet computers and devices are the only things uniting us during our isolation. A healthy dose of fear will keep us aware of the potential dangers in our environment. If we allowed too much of this fear to seep in, it will atrophy us and tap into our energy reserves, further complicating the situation. Self-isolation and quarantines are fairly new to the general populace. Fortunately for us, there is a percentage of the population that has been through the adaptive process of self-isolation and high-stress environments. If we study those who have experienced it perhaps we can better equip ourselves with the mindset and tools to overcome this time. Fortunately, we already possess the tools needed to rise above our circumstances.

MENTALITY
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"Your spirit has been forged through the heat of your past."

During these times we need a sense of (both) individuality and unity more than ever. We need purpose and the capacity to help others with a clear perspective. There is an adaptive process for prisoners entering their terms and during their reintegration into society. Many of them receive psychological treatment before and after their stay. We are prisoners of disease and our concerns should be selfsame. Prison could easily objectify somebody and strip them of any personal identity. For many of us, our identity has been compromised. Millions are out of work and their freedom of movement has been taken away at the hand of malady. As we self-quarantine and await the possibility of forced/ future isolation we relate with our fellow prisoners.

In observance of such a process, we must take it upon ourselves to first focus on our mental wellbeing. Psychologists are the best option for those with means. On the other hand, positive affirmations, incantations, and simply talking to pragmatic friends and family could expedite the process of acceptance.

The term “Pains of Imprisonment” was recognized as a loss of liberty, desirable goods and services, heterosexual relationships, autonomy, and security by the author Gresham M. Sykes.

It is an eerie resemblance of what the world is facing amidst this current pandemic. How do the convicts adapt to such a reality? Is there something we can learn from our penitentiaries that could help us conform to a new world order?
Like the inmate, we are thrust into an environment of survival of the fittest. We can fight or succumb to the pressures. Therapy sessions and positive affirmations are only the first step. At some point, we have to walk out onto the prison yard of life and do the time. Here, we have a choice: do the time or let the time do us. Through this process, you too will acclimate like the prisoner. Most men and women doing hard-time will eventually find a sense of purpose and peace within their confinements. The longer they are immersed in the situation the more it feels like home. They lose their desire to join the outside world and stop counting the days. Although bittersweet, we should find comfort in our mind's ability to adjust.

The time has come to face our fears and examine our individual strengths and weaknesses. You must draw from all your previous experiences, all your hardships have now become an asset to you. Draw from the well of your misfortunes, seek strengths already developed within you. You have been through life's Bootcamp and the pressures have created diamonds. Your spirit has been forged through the heat of your past. Find your resolve by helping those in need of guidance. Simply act as if, and eventually you will become. Act as if you are the hero, take control of your thoughts. Exercise your wisdom, but never lose your innocence. Find daily rituals that give your life purpose and structure. Assist those new to this process, be their north star, even if you don't believe you have it in you.

“If your life was a movie and it started now, what would the hero of your life’s movie do? Do that! Do those things. Go forth from here as the hero of your own movie."
-Joe Rogan

BALANCING ACT
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"We all are mourning a loss, we are grieving the loss of a life that we once knew and it should be viewed as such."
Pryor to this pandemic most people were already walking a tightrope where the slightest breeze could have sent them hurling over the edge. Instead, they were directly impacted by a tornado of destruction. The human spirit has been put to the test. It is the human spirit that determines survival, one’s threshold to withstand prolonged isolation or abuse. We already possess an innate capacity that helps us overcome stressful situations. Life has equipped us with everything we need to sustain an equilibrium throughout disturbances. There are response mechanisms within us that are released when dealing with extreme trauma or immediate dangers.

For other situations we have to be more patient as we allow our minds to adjust, maintaining our structured rituals. This undertaking is no different than mourning the loss of a loved one or coming to terms with a breakup. Allowing a proper acclimation period will enable us to stabilize in a new environment. Unfortunately, most of this process naturally manifests itself through time. Understanding the stages of emotion (can at the very least) map out a timeline of expectancy, giving us a road map to hope.

No amount of preparation will fully prepare one for the unknown, but there are a few things we can do to smooth the edges. Recognizing the mile markers can give one a great sense of progression. Knowing the very basic stages of emotion through any change can ease some confusion and doubts. knowing that you are advancing (although suffering) will keep you headed for the light. The following is a basic stage of emotion chart. View this as a reference point to monitor your personal progression. We all are mourning a loss, we are grieving the loss of a life that we once knew and it should be viewed as such.

Understand, this process is different for everyone, but generally, we will all experience similar stages. Be patient as this curve takes time.

* HURT/ SHOCK
* DENIAL
* EMOTIONAL
* ANGER/ FEAR
* PANIC
* FEELING ALONE
* DEPRESSION
* NEW PURPOSE
* NEW PATTERNS/ RELATIONSHIPS
* HOPE
* STRENGTH/ AND ABILITY TO HELP OTHERS

HAPPINESS AND RESOLVE
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"As in all moments of enlightenment, the most important aspect is the knowledge and empathy we acquire throughout this process."

“Perfect love casts out fear.” John 4:18

Monetary rewards and material gain have a limited shelf life. This is why money and possessions only bring us temporary fulfillment and short-term happiness. True happiness comes from progression and helping others. So long as we are satisfying the need to serve and progress we remain grounded and satisfied. Daily rituals and structure is another key component in this process. Having a structured timeline that satisfies progression ultimately means happiness, or at the very least resembles some sort of normalcy. As in all moments of enlightenment, the most important aspect is the knowledge and empathy we acquire throughout this process. Although it would be premature to predict or proclaim our fate at this point, I do anticipate a shift in the media's approach in obtaining future viewership.

People have a limited threshold on their patients when it comes to fear-based news. The media will soon have to shift its focus to satisfy our need for hope. As we (both) individually and collectively shift to the positive, the networks will begin to fulfill our need for positivity...until the next outbreak, natural disaster, war, or shooting...of course.

We all have a morbid curiosity. Perhaps because death is one of the biggest mysteries to all of us. The media will continue to capitalize on our fascination with death and destruction so long as we allow them to.

We are the descendants of warriors, designed to rise to the occasion. Let us rest on the laurels of our ancestors, as we have historically risen from the ashes time and time again. Living while you're alive is a choice, but death is inevitable.

“Our biggest fears never happen. We go to our graves saying ‘This shit never happened’. We were waiting for this, and it never came. Without our fear we’re nothing. Fear Keeps us conscious of our existence. It keeps us conscious, knowing that we're mortal.”
-Mike Tyson

-Anthony J. Mendez