Mount Tremper Phoenicia Trail to intersection of Willow Trail (All Trails Challenge Map 141)

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Mount Tremper Phoenicia Trail to intersection of Willow Trail (All Trails Challenge Map 141)



The Phoenicia trail was a stream which made the rocks and leaves slippery, but manageable with appropriate footwear. 


The cabin of the tower is finally open and it makes a tremendous difference in terms of views.


As I walked, I was continuing my thoughts on monsters and our shadow selves (the aspects of our personalities that we try to hide from our awareness because they do not align with our ideals). I came to the conclusion that vampires are the most deleterious of them all.


Vampires are charming on the surface because they need to be invited in to harm you and feed on your blood / life force. In the the present day we usually refer to them as energy vampires.


These are people who refuse to scrutinize their motivations for things--they don't want to delve into their psyches and examine what is there because it might contradict the image they yearn to have of themselves.


Just like vampires are afraid of sunlight, energy vampires are afraid of seeing the hidden parts of their psyche, so they project their flaws onto others. I think a lot of toxic individuals have this trait. Talking to them about anything is impossible. They will not even consider your point of view and often accuse you of the same behavior you are trying to point out in them. It is deflection so that they don't have to shed light on their unconscious selves and take accountability. They cannot meet your needs, but will demand you meet theirs. And because they were so charming and charismatic in the beginning, you find yourself stuck trying to please them in the hopes of restoring that initial relationship. But this entire process is sucking your life force.


The only stake through the metaphorical heart is leaving the situation because if you don’t, you’ll eventually build up your ego defense mechanisms to such an extent in order to survive, that you might become a vampire yourself. 


Today's IPA was Clouded Dream IPA by Saranac. It's growing on me so I've upped the rating to a 7/10.

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