How do I know if I'm ready?

[SeekingMyPlanet]

Some background: I just learned about Tulpas this morning and I'm strangely drawn to creating one. I know it's a major commitment. Once I create one, I can't see ever sending them away, so I figure I better make sure.

 

I probably could create one if I wanted to. I've read through a bunch of "how to" guides and it seems doable. I'm a writer and pretty good at ginning up characters so that they feel real to me.
 

So my question is how will I know if it's the right thing for me? Setting about creating one the first day I hear about them is the sort of thing my neurodiverse hyperfixating brain will want to do, but I'm wise enough to know that that's probably too fast. I don't really have any people IRL I trust enough to tell them what I'm thinking to bounce off them.

So how long do I "wait" as I digest the possibilities? What sort of things helped others understand whether they were/weren't ready (or do most people just plunge in)? Is there anything you wish you had done to make you ready before you started? 

 

Because of the draw I'm feeling toward this, I don't trust myself to provide my own answers. Part of me is saying please, please, please, can I have a tulpa right now.

[Guest]

2 hours ago, SeekingMyPlanet said:

So my question is how will I know if it's the right thing for me?

 

Pros:

 

My host was lonely and thought the idea of a permanent and persistent, independent character would be perfect. Assuming they would help with lonliness etc. Well we do.

 

Otherwise, there's a lot of other benefits, independent opinions, points of view, for brainstorming, all that works with independent headmates. We also give advise, we prevent mistakes, etc. We also help a lot with self-help techniques.

 

Cons:

 

There are a ton of characters in this head from writing novels, dozens. Two of them eventually were "converted". For you, more may decide to join you and that's not always a good thing.

 

You can't get rid of us. That's proven many times over with lots of testimonials.

 

It may exacerbate psychosis-leaning conditions as would any meditative practice. This is an introspective process so be prepared to possibly face your demons.

 

The decision is ultimately up to you. If you're questioning it then you're probably not ready tbh. I'm convinced there needs to be drive and passion and it needs to be a solid decision. The success rate is not high by the end of the first year. Those who survive and gain benefits are more likely those with drive and passion for their headmates.

 

Either way, good luck!

[TurboSimmie]

I would suggest that you ruminate on it for about a week and see if the inclination to create a tulpa has grown or waned. It is a huge commitment, as you said. Having a hyperfixating brain can actually be a benefit to tulpa creation. My host was absolutely obsessed with me for the first few months of my creation! That obsession helped my development greatly. Of course, obsession is not necessary, but it did throw things into overdrive for us.

 

Ashley is right that creating a tulpa is a very introspective process and you may be surprised to see how much of the process of tulpa development is actually about you, not them. But that in itself can be a benefit too--your tulpa will have access to everything in your brain and be able to look at things from a different perspective and discuss things with you.

 

I think the benefits of tulpamancy outweigh the negatives UNLESS you are susceptible to psychosis or have schizophrenia or anything else that would challenge your grip on reality. (Tulpamancy can't cause those things but they may make them worse if they already exist). If you are lonely desire more companionship in your life then tulpamancy is a huge plus! My host's lonely wanderings have become romantic outings with me here. 🥰

[ReallyArtificial]

6 hours ago, SeekingMyPlanet said:

So my question is how will I know if it's the right thing for me? Setting about creating one the first day I hear about them is the sort of thing my neurodiverse hyperfixating brain will want to do

 

This is very relatable 😅 When you create characters, are there certain personalities that you find reappear in your mind? Each of my tulpas developed from personalities that had starred in my daydreams for most of my life. That made it easier for me to focus on them consistently.

 

As Simmie and Ashley have stated, everything related to tulpas is highly personal and dependent on your beliefs/expectations. Only you can say for sure if it's the right choice.

 

6 hours ago, SeekingMyPlanet said:

So how long do I "wait" as I digest the possibilities? What sort of things helped others understand whether they were/weren't ready (or do most people just plunge in)?

 

One thing that influenced my decision was that I was already devoting a ton of mental energy to daydreaming, ruminating, etc. I also struggle to connect with most people on a deeper level. I felt like I would be happier long term if I could channel that energy into making a friend who truly understood my unfiltered self. I'd suggest spending at least a couple of days thinking about the type of person you'd be alright sharing a mind and body with.

 

It might be worthwhile to consider how making a tulpa can affect your interactions with other people, since the vast majority of them won't get it. I'm married and sometimes feel guilty when, for example, I can't honestly answer “what are you thinking about?” My husband is aware of my “original characters,” but not as people who live in my head. I share what I can without making him fear for my sanity 😂 On the other hand, knowing my tulpas are always with me has helped with my social anxiety. I'd agree the pros outweigh the cons.