I write a short insight into how valuelessness can participate in mob mentality. When you check in with the world that creates and embraces insanity you will find complexities. It seems like all the shadows come out at once and want to be heard at the same time and when that happens aggression and violent communication show up. The body and mind are too burdened and it is too much to take on.
In the past months, I observed how mob mentality forms online and in physical spaces and the consequences of it. This mentality is not new and yes it is trauma induced. One of the key aspects of this mentality is based on the brain work of out-grouping and in-grouping. As the mind emerges and gets associated with certain parts/sub-selves in the internalized narrative, the brain systems get disconnected from the nervous systems/ the body.
The trauma type that shows up is a fawning trauma reaction to appease the abuser, why? It doesn’t recognize its own value therefore it seeks validation and affirmation from outside. It creates a false sense of safety. No wonder it can lead to thoughts that want to take harmful action. The false belief requires others to hold the wall up and be a collective reminder of something that otherwise is not acknowledged and recognized internally. It asks to mirror something that talks from the pain point and is temporarily dominant inside.
The illusion of safety
Sometimes it seems a logical and reasonable ask to find a collective body you can get connected to. It is based on internalized stories that get reminded by outside cues. I met a former gang leader and I still have been corresponding with someone who used to be part of a gang. They both attest that gangs create an illusion of unity, belonging, and somewhere to seek care. Their own individual bodies are fearful and often highly alerted, the gang provides the sense of ‘we got your back’ – ‘you are safe’. Often it is a short-lived saying and very unsafe.
It makes sense why people males and females feel they are called to join a mob or gang when deep down they feel they don’t belong anywhere, they don’t feel accepted and loved. When you first learn that a strong association with one of the parts/ sub-selves emerges pause… pause and be with this part his or her voice is suppressed so listen to it. You need to listen to it, not the crowd.
The solution
Journal and seek help from trauma-informed practitioners. This simple exercise can make you a step closer to breaking down the illusion that has created the reality for you. Reality is associated with the internal narrative. And when we follow this narrative we give up our boundaries. This can explain to a certain extent what happens in the collective narrative at the moment all around the world. No boundaries mean is open to receiving artificial and illusional entities.
The solution is simple and also requires openness. What can you do? You can carry on doing what most of the time stops you from doing what you really want to do but you cannot do and so a cycle continues. Or you realize that first, you need ‘to be’ to be able ‘to do’. Ground yourself and then take action.
Soften the edges of rigidity and chaos in the brain by using self-regulative techniques. With them, you can create and widen the window of tolerance/ resilience.
Where can you find Truth?
I reflect on this mentality during Good Friday when mob mentality was embraced. The truth is that you are more than your trade. Your work, the group, the roles that you take and position yourself in. It is almost impossible to speak from a pure plane of possibility- consciousness. Set your intention for wanting to create something better for yourself so you can help and advance others.
The good news is that the truth is accessible and it is in you. This internal truth needs to be validated and affirmed first. A healthy group of people might help you to validate some healthy parts in you as well. The best way to get to the truth is by working and developing your own understanding of your own internalized stories. Learn to unlearn the coping mechanism that does not serve you! Validate your values, qualities, and your own unique and true self.
I wish you well on your healing journey