Mysticismlover is changing

Dear readers,

We have been together for a long time, for over 15 years now.

We have laughed together, we have cried together... You have offered companionship; you have offered solidarity; you have let me know this blog was seen and appreciated. And for that, I am always grateful.

As the world has become a rather dark and scary place, I found myself censoring what I posted online. I had to use specific terminology to not get banned from certain platforms. I started making videos and photos private, or deleting them entirely, to avoid my posts being used for AI training, and to prevent my image being stored on facial recognition databases. I'm probably too late, but I am trying my best. 

I have been in the process of de-Googling my life, and being more aware regarding online (and offline) privacy. Sadly, when you have been online for as long as I have, it's impossible to fully protect yourself and escape the machine. My online journey started in times that were more innocent, and I was rather naïve, not grasping the severity and implications of having an online presence. 

I'm not sure any of us could have predicted where things were headed at, even though 1984 and Brave New World did warn us. But who would have thought dystopic novels would have foretold the future? 

Having to censor myself and hide truly hurt me. They hurt me as a person, and as an artist. I want to be able to create and share without restrictions. I want to be able to create and share without fear. Alas, that is impossible right now. 

If you follow me on any of my other Mysticismlover social media platforms, you may have noticed the change. A lot of content is gone, or is now friends-only/followers-only. All my Mysticismlover social media, apart from accounts on creative platforms have been set to private. Either I don't post anymore, or I only post on platforms where I know most of my followers. I am afraid it will be worse. I will continue removing content or ensuring it is only available to people whom I personally know. It's a long and draining process, but it is important for my safety. However, I will always allow some content to publicly exist online. 

I'm not proud of this change, and it is something I am constantly self-reflecting upon. I am looking into options for sharing content in ways that don't compromise my safety and privacy. In the meantime, I will either remain silent, post relatively 'safe' content or for friends/followers-only, and focus on my professional creative projects. 

Mysticismlover is my online identity. One I have cultivated for a very long time. It holds memories, both good and bad, and has shaped me and my offline life in ways I would have never expected it to. So, having to restrict that identity is something I'm doing with a heavy heart. 

I'm still here; I'm still critically thinking and analysing what's going on; I'm still creating. Even if my online presence is shifting, my offline presence is not. I'm still Mysticismlover. 

Thank you.
<3

Random Thoughts LXXXVII

Those lacking empathy shouldn't be leaders, because if you lack empathy, where are you leading us to?

Thinking about leadership, and how we (as in, humanity) are going through dark times of very obvious autocracy taking over worldwide, I can't help but wonder, is there anything we can do to get a taste of democracy? To create societies where equity, respect, empathy, education and solidarity can be the norm, instead of an idealistic utopia?

The Song

Do you ever listen to a song that reminds you of someone

– Maybe a song they loved –

To feel close to them?

To get a glimpse of a memory, a moment you were happily together?

Do you ever listen to a song that reminds you of someone

– Maybe a song you enjoyed listening to together –

And break down in tears?

Because you know that the music they loved is the only thing you have left of them?

Do you ever listen to a song that reminds you of someone

– Maybe your song –

And feel your heart being ripped out of your chest?

Because every time you listen to it, you realise you’re one step closer to losing them forever?

Random Thoughts LXXXVI

I think one of the worst things that can be done to someone is not being believed. 

And even worse, not being believed by loved ones.

Random Thoughts LXXXV - Art in late-stage capitalism

The art we consume nowadays is often produced by people who are not artists or creative themselves: people who didn't study art; people who didn't spend any time honing their skills or developing their craft... because they have none; people who don't care to educate themselves to develop their own aesthetic. They are people who have the money and/or the connections, but not necessarily artists. 

As a result, we're constantly fed art that was created with the purpose of maximizing profit. An artist craves to create. It is part of who they are. It is their life. It's not about making money. It's not about selling. Of course, they have to make a living, and they should be paid for their time, skill and materials. I understand. But, the initial reasoning behind becoming an artist is that you are an artist. That's the only way you can be. You have that innate need to express yourself via your creations. Sometimes, it's a compulsion even.

Since those who control the majority of the art we are exposed to are not innovative or creative, the art becomes part of fast food culture. No substance: quantity over quality. We must consume non stop. No time to reflect on the art, no time to analyse. No reason to: there is nothing to see beyond surface level. They don't care to challenge us. Their only concern is profit, and thus, they follow a safe formula to achieve it.

That approach skews our perception of what art and creativity can be. We didn't get the chance to develop our own personal aesthetic. Hence, we adopt whatever aesthetic we have been continuously exposed to as our own. We have been brainwashed to admire and accept bad quality art. It's all we know. Familiarity creates comfort. We end up asking for more of that which feels familiar. We are trapped in a sad cycle of being fed what we ask for, but then, we ask for what we have been already fed. And that applies to all forms of art, from literature to music, from film to painting etc...

The responsibility to break the cycle lies within ourselves, as we can't depend on those whose main motive is profit. The world we live in is a chaotic place; there is too much of everything. It can be difficult to navigate through the constant exposure to bad 'art.' It takes time, strong will and perseverance. Thankfully, the result is very well worth it.