Enchanting elixirs against egoistical enigmas

Inside the ancient witch’s hut, one might be mystified by the various concoctions, intricate amulets, and vintage trinkets. As antique magic proves its power, heroes of epic tales may often seek elixirs and potions for remedies. However, many still marvel upon the mainstream and modernity might have detached one from reality and authenticity. With the rising pursuit for relevance, a syndrome of self-centeredness has made itself prominent in one’s community. Alarmed by the lack of answers, word-of-mouth spreads throughout the land as the masses face this controversial conundrum.

With modernity creating a variety of platforms for expression, this mysterious conundrum makes its introduction. “Kapag sinabing ‘Main Character Syndrome’, (it’s) someone…na parang feeling nila sila ang center ng lahat ng bagay,” Humanities and Social Sciences faculty Michael Adam Evangelista explained.

Inside one’s fantasies

Figments of the mind reflect the depths and damages of one’s image. As one explores ethereal fantasies from within, their consciousness recognizes the energy emanating from other individuals; however, as they delve deeper into the layers of individuality, one shall remain cautious of being detached from authenticity.

“Being self-confident is something that people can be inspired (by)… you’re proud of yourself without making others feel low,” Jeon Abigail Yana (STM113) expressed. Different presentations of selfconfidence might create a variety of reactions for each person. Being cautious of one’s expression may prove to be useful when one is under the attention of many.

“You can’t have self-confidence without having narcissism, and (the) same goes with a narcissistic person—they can’t be narcissistic without being self-confident,” Jahri Emmanuel Aguilar (HMS21) stated. Spotting the differences between confidence and narcissism confines the expression of certain behavior.

Siguro ‘yung nag-se-separate lang sa isa’t isa, self-confidence is empowering, while narcissism [makes] you think you’re better than everyone else,” he explained.

Among hazy delusions

Falling deeper into a trance, rituals and amulets prove futile against the hazy delusions of the mind.

As vivid fantasies take over one’s consciousness, one is shackled to a different state of reality.

“Pwedeng innate or pwede din developed ang pagkakaroon ng [Main Character Syndrome],” Evangelista remarked. He recognizes how the lack of constructive criticism in the family contributes to the rise of Main Character Syndrome. “Palagi kang pi-ne-praise [ng family mo] pero hindi naman sinasabi kung ano ‘ yung negative [side mo] kasi anak ka[nila],” he reasoned.

Social media, trends, and other fruits of modernity might make people more vulnerable to being detached from authenticity. When lavish lifestyles and recent fads affect people’s tendency to present and express themselves, some may be pressured to follow and fit in with the times. “Kung hindi ka fit doon sa mga ginagawa ng mga tao, parang hindi ka nakaka-angat.” Evangelista stated.

Various personalities emerge from electronic platforms for everyone to marvel. However, the desire for relevance affects how each person interacts with one another. “Kaya may mga nag-so-social climbing; ‘yung eagerness nila maging superior [sa iba] lumalabas,” he asserted.

Concocting remedies

In the pursuit of finding a cure for these delusions, brewing potions create hope for those affected. Having the potency to fight against maladies of the mind, person’s wrongdoing immediately,” said Yana. She explains that narcissistic tendencies are confronted when the proper circumstances arise. “‘Yung immediately parang hahanap din ng right time na masasabihan mo siya nang maayos,” she clarified. Considering the fragility of pride, the appropriate manner of addressing such behavior might be a wise decision for one.

“Ngayon, mayroon tayong ‘call out’ culture at ‘cancel’ culture,” Evangelista pointed out. “Napapansin ko ang ginagawa ng mga tao, ki-nocall out nila instead na ki-na-cancel nila,” he added. Through addressing the self-centeredness of an individual, the choice may finally be up to them: to improve oneself or to stay inside one’s own fantasy.

Sacred circle of salt

seen at the surface level. “A selfconfident person would be there for their friends, but a narcissistic person (would) expect others to show up for them without giving [the same energy back].” For Aguilar, meaningful relationships should be rooted in healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal communication. Through grasping one’s selfconsciousness, one may create long lasting friendships.

“I’m more of a listener… kaya naanalyze ko ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga tao,” Yana shared. Knowing when to listen and when to speak may provide opportunities for more productive interactions. One gains the ability to avoid toxicity and negativity by fostering an open mind in handling one’s relationships.

*** elixirs must be handled properly. With the right combination of ingredients, the malady may finally be resolved—through the concoction’s embrace, people may finally awaken from the trance.

“When you hear something insensitive…it’s fine to address that

Diminishing the odds of being harmed, one summons a sacred circle of salt. As they tread upon it, the boundaries of the ritual takes effect. One steps out of bounds to confront the syndrome unfazed by hazy delusions. Full of enlightenment and protection, the noble approach conquers the inner delusions of the mind.

“I usually pay attention to demeanor,” said Aguilar. When one seeks friendship and connection, people may pay attention to qualities

“Narcissistic people choose to be narcissistic [on] purpose,” said Aguilar. One could always make the crucial decision between two extremes: to stay inside the illusion or to face the pure reality. Although delusions remain prominent among the current generation, one’s consciousness holds the self accountable and grounded. Cured by the elixir of truth, the community is freed from the shackles of illusion—the ego is controlled and the enigma becomes a figure of one’s past.