The Matrix and Metacognition

So we've mostly all seen "The Matrix" and know of the choice Neo makes. Why some decide on a red pill of truth or keep taking the blue pill of comfortable lies is the revelation of the films message.

So what are the signs you have metaphorically taken a red pill?

To begin with, you might start asking questions like: Why do I think this about myself? Who told me to believe this? Who taught me that belief? Your illusions have started to crack because self reflection has been creeping up on you either by working with a therapist or finding the space in your head to sit and observe your life differently.

What are the side effects of taking a red pill? Is there an antidote?

What has happened is that the pre-frontal cortex part of your brain is now stepping back and has started observing your thoughts, instead of just believing them.

Once you start questioning the stories in your mind, the system loses control...

What system you may ask? The system of codes that you believe in to feel safe.

Metacognition is when you see the coding and why it was written.

The Matrix coding is a metaphor for the thoughts controlling your life which were written from a place of Survival, Trauma and Fear.

Thought examples:

Survival - "If I do everything perfectly, no one will get mad at me."

To survive people getting mad at you, you become a perfectionist. You take on too much work to feel safe. You avoid asking for help. You believe you must be perfect and be no bother to anyone - Phew...

Trauma - "They will leave me eventually, so I should leave first."

You believe you must push people away. You end good relationships early to protect your feelings. You avoid getting too close to anyone. Your emotional overwhelm regarding self esteem / worth / identity etc is never addressed and accepted or worked on. You believe you can manage potential rejection on your terms now, in a safe way.

Fear - "The other shoe is about to drop. Something bad will happen."

You believe you can never relax. You always scan the room for threats. You plan for the worst in every situation. A belief system coded with fear and negativity.

Awakening / Awareness / Red Pilling is when you see the code and why it was written.

The illusion begins to crack and the truth is revealed.