Doing The Right Thing When Facing Death

A picture of the Game of Thrones picture from the first season.

We were recently watching Game of Thrones. A situation that comes up frequently is a character is placed into a situation in which they do not have choices. They must either choose to comply or face some terrible consequence. What can you do in this situation? Is there a way out?

Why Are These Situations Stressful?

First, we have to consider that the reason these situations trigger us or captivate us is that they represent an idea, the idea of powerlessness. We want to believe that we have control over our lives, and these situations demonstrate the complete opposite.

Why Do People Want to Be Powerless?

I find that many people want to believe that they do not have control over their lives. That seems like an odd thing. Why would someone want to believe that they do not have control over their life? What do they gain from seeing themselves as powerless? These situations of “having a sword to your head” demonstrate the idea that, at least sometimes, we are not in control. Why would people want to believe that? Why would they accept that?

You Do Have the Strength

The reason, I think, is that many people do not want to take responsibility for their lives. They like seeing themselves as powerless because it keeps them safe. It keeps them from taking responsibility and having to do something about it. People are afraid to express themselves fully, and this proves to them that it’s pointless. People can make an excuse about why they cannot live the life that they want. They can use it to cover up their fears.

The reality is that that situation is very rare, which is why they are putting it in the show. Second, it’s kind of like asking what you can do if you fell out of an airplane without a parachute. It’s a little late to come up with an answer.

Exercise Your Power

The bigger picture is that we do not find ourselves in situations in which we are out of control unless we continually act on the belief that we are out of control. A person just doesn’t randomly end up in a life-threatening situation. They have made a series of choices that put them in that position.

You can live a life that is peaceful and enjoyable and not find yourself in those situations. If you don’t believe that you can, and you do believe that, on some level, that you are powerless, then you will act that way and manifest a reality in which you appear to be powerless.