My Daemon

A few years ago, I read Philip Pullman’s phenomenal His Dark Materials trilogy. The idea that we each have a daemon, a companion creature that embodies our innermost character traits yet cannot be entirely contained within us, is not unique to these books, but Pullman’s articulation of the concept has stuck with me. I’ve found myself wondering what type of animal my daemon would be; none of us want to be identified with an ostrich or a Komodo dragon. Or maybe you do? During the past few weeks, I think I’ve discovered my daemon’s current incarnation:

A FERAL CAT.

I’m not talking about a lioness or a sleek black panther.

No.

I’m more of a mangy kitten with unclipped claws, and possibly fleas.

At some point, I might clean up nicely, if handled with care and patience. Recently, however, I’ve been slinking away to hunker down in the back of a dark cave, rejecting all coaxing to venture out into the sunlight, even when bribed with food. I’ve lost any sort of hunting instinct. I mew frequently, and for no apparent reason. I’m distracted by little flying objects. I claim sleep as my favorite, and most successfully accomplished, activity.

I must admit, I’d love to be exuding the personality, ambition and sexiness of a jaguar or cheetah. Even a lynx would be an acceptable representation of my inner self. It is damn disheartening to see oneself as a bug-infested, genetically nebulous, defeated stray.

The situation calls for a MAJOR REBOOT.

How the hell do people change who they are?

Actually, that’s not the right question. No one ever needs to change at his or her core. Don’t we all start out as amazing, beautiful, hopeful, inspired creatures? Just look at any infant for proof.

So the real question is: How does anyone change her or his self-perception and manner of interacting with the world?

via wpix

Debugging. You do not need to join the undead to see yourself, or engage with the world, differently. In fact, it’s a lot easier to combat fear, depression, lethargy, and ennui if one is physically healthy.

• Schedule those annual doctor’s appointments; unlike that Venti Mocha you chugged this morning, the expense is worthwhile – accepting, for the moment, the ridiculous, poverty-inducing, status quo cost of health care as a bitter pill that must be swallowed.
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator, unless you have to ascend more than five – start small - floors.
• Eat those dark green vegetables; there are at least FOUR different kinds of kale.
• Refrain from having peanut butter with every meal.
• Try doing something at least four times a week that increases your heart rate more than when you see that tousle-haired, obscenely attractive Damon Salvatore smirk.

by comsubin/flickr

Unmanging. Every single fashion designer claims to have coined the phrase, “you are what you wear.” Whoever did originate it was, unfortunately, more right than I like to admit. Yoga pants are a brilliant invention. When worn every single day for activities other than yoga, however, they actually induce bad posture and encourage overeating. We’re on a first name basis, so I know of what I speak. And yes, I have just personified yoga pants.

• Dress UP at least twice a week, including the complete “face” and accessories, whether or not you have anyplace to be. Use this as an excuse to find someplace to be. The grocery store does not count.
• Brush your hair at least once a day.
• Brush your teeth more often than you brush your hair. Floss too!
• Shave your legs, even if it’s still below freezing in your neck of the woods and no one is going to see them. Note: Guys, this does not apply to you. Please ignore unless you are a professional cyclist or water polo player. Thank you.

by fpsurgeon/flickr

Reclassifying. This world is a pretty incredible place. Scientists continue to discover new species. Paradigms are in constant flux. If transformation is inherent in nature, why not in us? What would happen if we told ourselves, each day, that EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE? That question bears repeating!

• Everything is possible. Not anything. Everything. You don’t even have to believe it. Just SAY it. Approach the day as if that was unquestionable truth.
• Here are some other unquestionable truths to toss around, just for the hell of it – and don’t worry, they make me squirm too…

You are physically beautiful, exactly as you are today.

You are accomplished, without need for exaggeration, qualification or justification.

You are going to be just fine, no matter what your familial, financial or physical situation is at this moment. In fact, you will be much better than fine.

Reality is rarely as terrifying or traumatic as our anticipation of it. Assume your reality adheres to this rule.

These are some of the steps I’m taking to shed the current incarnation of my daemon. I intend to uncover a glorious feline at the core of me. I know she’s there.

What is your current daemon? And when you want to change your self-perception or how you interact with the world, what do you do?

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