When thoughts become parasites...
That live to keep you terrified
Most people become a fraction of the person they have the potential to be.
They get choked out, Hulk Hogan style, by fear and self-doubt.
Théoden, King of Rohan in Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings”, is a paragon of this.
With potential to be a strong leader, Théoden is instead dominated by parasitical forces.
Under the manipulation of Saruman, channeled through Grima Wormtongue, Théoden becomes incapacitated—Weak and unable to rouse himself.
Exorcism
Perhaps, like me, you have people in your life that remind you of Théoden.
People who are strung out on emotional meth.
They gradually become incapacitated, stop caring and give up, unaware or unconcerned that they’re being hijacked.
Shoot, I’ve been that person before and you have too if you’re being honest with yourself.
There are menacing forces at work all around us and it takes an external force to free us.
White wizard required
Providentially, the “white wizard” intervenes, liberating Théoden from his parasite-induced perception of reality.
Empowered once more, Théoden leads the Riders of Rohan with valor in the ensuing battles.
Sometimes, it's an external force like the 'white wizard' that we need in our lives.
It could be a spouse, a friend, or even an adversary who jolts us back to reality.
We’re all jacked up
The truth is, we’re all messed up people.
Our parents do the best they can, but:
They f*** you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.
-Philip Larkin, “This Be The Verse”
Emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, errr metaphysically.
You get the point.
And we’re never going to get to the bottom of it.
But, we can avoid becoming like Théoden—Curled up in the fetal position all of our lives.
My thoughts becoming parasites
That live to keep me terrified