Our Group Dynamics
what makes us tick
Group Type - Even if we don't personally use all these labels, our Group, or individuals within our Group, fit into several categories.
Gateway
If we had to choose one category, Gateway is the one we'd choose. We are a group with many individuals and a large inner world. New arrivals come to us from the outside.
Soulbonder
We have soulbonds/fictives in our Group, or what we refer to as Media Walk-ins. They arrive to us from outside our Group.
Non-Disordered
We only fit this category because we do not consider ourselves disordered. This means we do not view our lifestyle as distressing or wish for it to be cured in any fashion.
Natural
It is believed our 'more than one' lifestyle was born into rather than originating due to abuse. Yet, abuse has factored in over time.
Median
Several individuals in our Group are body-sharing themselves, some of which are Medians.
Gateway
If we had to choose one category, Gateway is the one we'd choose. We are a group with many individuals and a large inner world. New arrivals come to us from the outside.
Soulbonder
We have soulbonds/fictives in our Group, or what we refer to as Media Walk-ins. They arrive to us from outside our Group.
Non-Disordered
We only fit this category because we do not consider ourselves disordered. This means we do not view our lifestyle as distressing or wish for it to be cured in any fashion.
Natural
It is believed our 'more than one' lifestyle was born into rather than originating due to abuse. Yet, abuse has factored in over time.
Median
Several individuals in our Group are body-sharing themselves, some of which are Medians.
Group Structure - Here are some of the variables that make up our Group structure and how we function.
No Original Host
Our Group does not have a host or an original person born to this body. If we once did, no one seems to know what became of this individual. No one here claims the body or the body's name as their own. Before we understood our lifestyle, many were confused as to why our supposed identity never seemed to fit. That is because it belongs to no one.
Large Numbers
Our Group is large, with many individuals continually arriving. Only a small percentage actually comes around and uses the body. The remainder live in our home Realm.
Awareness
We are aware of one another and communicate regularly. Our physical bodies are visible to each other, voices are heard, and physical contact is possible. When we first began our search for answers about our existence, many sources claimed those who body-share could not see, hear, or were even aware that others were present. Yet, we were aware of one another since toddler-hood. Though our awareness encompasses those in the immediate vicinity, it does not reach to every mind within our Realm. That would be rather overwhelming.
Individuality
Nearly everyone in our Group is separate from one another. Each has their own physical body and their own mind with memories and histories belonging to them alone. There are some who are more connected with one another. But, overall, individuality is common.
Singlet Persona
We have chosen to maintain a single-mind persona while in public or around those who are unaware of of us as a 'we'. This mask is a costume that each Group member wears when necessary. They intentionally suppress their own identity and pretend to be the identity of this body, taking on its history as their own. It is not always comfortable to do this.
Non-Humans
The majority of us are non-human or originate from locations other than Earth. Our non-humans include: elves, vampires, werewolves, dragons, cyborgs, angelics, deities, spirit guides, sentient computers, sentient plant-life, anthropomorphic animals, and numerous species from their own homeworlds.
Walk-ins and Soulbonds
Individuals from media canon sources reside in our Group; what we refer to as Media Walk-ins. A walk-in being anyone who arrives to us from outside our Realm. Usually the individual's media realm remains open so they can continue to interact with those they know, but they may also become cut off from their homes. Many who arrive to us are at first unaware they are only seen as fictional here, since they weren't viewed as such back home. We don't make a distinction between them or others in our Group, only labeled for online purposes.
Leaving the Body
We are able to leave the body and step into other locations. The only time this becomes difficult is during a stressful event.
Realm Travel
Realm travel is the backbone of our Group. Many of us are capable of leaving and returning. This is done by mentally transporting oneself from one location to another - such as from the foyer to our Realm, or from our Realm to a distant realm. Group members may live with us and visit their home realms regularly. Visitors can arrive to visit family or friends who live here permanently. People have visited us from other groups, and we have visited them. Regular realm connections are apparent and represented by a door or gateway that moves near and far like an ocean tide. A handful of realm connections are over 30 years old, while others are newly-made. Doors may open at random, then close suddenly and may never open again.
No Original Host
Our Group does not have a host or an original person born to this body. If we once did, no one seems to know what became of this individual. No one here claims the body or the body's name as their own. Before we understood our lifestyle, many were confused as to why our supposed identity never seemed to fit. That is because it belongs to no one.
Large Numbers
Our Group is large, with many individuals continually arriving. Only a small percentage actually comes around and uses the body. The remainder live in our home Realm.
Awareness
We are aware of one another and communicate regularly. Our physical bodies are visible to each other, voices are heard, and physical contact is possible. When we first began our search for answers about our existence, many sources claimed those who body-share could not see, hear, or were even aware that others were present. Yet, we were aware of one another since toddler-hood. Though our awareness encompasses those in the immediate vicinity, it does not reach to every mind within our Realm. That would be rather overwhelming.
Individuality
Nearly everyone in our Group is separate from one another. Each has their own physical body and their own mind with memories and histories belonging to them alone. There are some who are more connected with one another. But, overall, individuality is common.
Singlet Persona
We have chosen to maintain a single-mind persona while in public or around those who are unaware of of us as a 'we'. This mask is a costume that each Group member wears when necessary. They intentionally suppress their own identity and pretend to be the identity of this body, taking on its history as their own. It is not always comfortable to do this.
Non-Humans
The majority of us are non-human or originate from locations other than Earth. Our non-humans include: elves, vampires, werewolves, dragons, cyborgs, angelics, deities, spirit guides, sentient computers, sentient plant-life, anthropomorphic animals, and numerous species from their own homeworlds.
Walk-ins and Soulbonds
Individuals from media canon sources reside in our Group; what we refer to as Media Walk-ins. A walk-in being anyone who arrives to us from outside our Realm. Usually the individual's media realm remains open so they can continue to interact with those they know, but they may also become cut off from their homes. Many who arrive to us are at first unaware they are only seen as fictional here, since they weren't viewed as such back home. We don't make a distinction between them or others in our Group, only labeled for online purposes.
Leaving the Body
We are able to leave the body and step into other locations. The only time this becomes difficult is during a stressful event.
Realm Travel
Realm travel is the backbone of our Group. Many of us are capable of leaving and returning. This is done by mentally transporting oneself from one location to another - such as from the foyer to our Realm, or from our Realm to a distant realm. Group members may live with us and visit their home realms regularly. Visitors can arrive to visit family or friends who live here permanently. People have visited us from other groups, and we have visited them. Regular realm connections are apparent and represented by a door or gateway that moves near and far like an ocean tide. A handful of realm connections are over 30 years old, while others are newly-made. Doors may open at random, then close suddenly and may never open again.
Origin Theories - The exact origins of our Group or 'reasons for being more than one' may never be known. Yet, we have compiled some possible contributors. Depending on perspective, one or a combination of the following may be responsible.
Genetics or Born with more than one presence
Our strongest theory involves a tendency that is genetic or passed down in families. Of course, not every child who has a Plural parent may become so themselves, in the same way that some have blue or brown eyes. But either due to actual genetics or living within a visibly Plural environment, the chances of a more than one development could be higher. It could depend on the parent's view on their own inner minds; as a natural trait or an embarrassing disorder that should be hidden. We had a parent and two siblings who displayed such tendencies. Yet, it wasn't seen as anything unusual and barely acknowledged at all. So, it is possible that we were literally born with more than one person present, or at least born into this.
Abuse
The majority of the initial Plurality information we came across listed abuse as the main contributing factor in the development of multiple minds within a single body. Usually, this theory also includes many reasons Plurality is a mental illness, and why we have moved away from using the label "Plural" to describe ourselves. Abuse exists in our childhood history; emotional abuse and physical neglect. It is possible this abuse expanded our inherited traits, causing it to develop at an earlier age than without it. Though our youngest brother did not experience abuse, he did show signs of more than one mind by age three. Another reason we do not believe that childhood abuse is solely responsible for our lifestyle, is that we continuously receive new group members well beyond the childhood years.
Loneliness and Isolation
With genetics and abuse as possible factors involved with our beginnings, loneliness may have been the final catalyst that helped maintain our group cohesion. Other than school, we were isolated, had few friends, living out the years in our bedroom. Before we had internet, we didn't have online friends to share with. We lived in our head and spoke to one another as imaginary friends. There was no one to talk with on the outside, yet there were plenty of conversations to be had on the inside. With this softening in our loneliness, we worked hard to make certain we could always hear one another.
Spiritual or Paranormal
It was during the body's teen years when it was realized we were a We. Since this happened during the '80s, we didn't have the internet to turn to for information. Instead we raided the local library for answers. For many years our understanding leaned heavily toward spiritual, metaphysical and paranormal reasons for what was happening with us. Perhaps we were speaking with one another as spirits or lost souls who were out of their bodies. Or maybe we were Starseeds visiting from other worlds and that explained why we never felt we truly belonged to this body.
Intentional Creation
While learning about ourselves, we filled notebooks with names, descriptions of people and places, and ideas for stories about each other. During this time of exploration, our inner realm expanded and became known to us. Whether during this time we created new people and places, or only described what already existed is not known for certain. Some individuals were even intentionally created for use in fan-fiction stories.
Genetics or Born with more than one presence
Our strongest theory involves a tendency that is genetic or passed down in families. Of course, not every child who has a Plural parent may become so themselves, in the same way that some have blue or brown eyes. But either due to actual genetics or living within a visibly Plural environment, the chances of a more than one development could be higher. It could depend on the parent's view on their own inner minds; as a natural trait or an embarrassing disorder that should be hidden. We had a parent and two siblings who displayed such tendencies. Yet, it wasn't seen as anything unusual and barely acknowledged at all. So, it is possible that we were literally born with more than one person present, or at least born into this.
Abuse
The majority of the initial Plurality information we came across listed abuse as the main contributing factor in the development of multiple minds within a single body. Usually, this theory also includes many reasons Plurality is a mental illness, and why we have moved away from using the label "Plural" to describe ourselves. Abuse exists in our childhood history; emotional abuse and physical neglect. It is possible this abuse expanded our inherited traits, causing it to develop at an earlier age than without it. Though our youngest brother did not experience abuse, he did show signs of more than one mind by age three. Another reason we do not believe that childhood abuse is solely responsible for our lifestyle, is that we continuously receive new group members well beyond the childhood years.
Loneliness and Isolation
With genetics and abuse as possible factors involved with our beginnings, loneliness may have been the final catalyst that helped maintain our group cohesion. Other than school, we were isolated, had few friends, living out the years in our bedroom. Before we had internet, we didn't have online friends to share with. We lived in our head and spoke to one another as imaginary friends. There was no one to talk with on the outside, yet there were plenty of conversations to be had on the inside. With this softening in our loneliness, we worked hard to make certain we could always hear one another.
Spiritual or Paranormal
It was during the body's teen years when it was realized we were a We. Since this happened during the '80s, we didn't have the internet to turn to for information. Instead we raided the local library for answers. For many years our understanding leaned heavily toward spiritual, metaphysical and paranormal reasons for what was happening with us. Perhaps we were speaking with one another as spirits or lost souls who were out of their bodies. Or maybe we were Starseeds visiting from other worlds and that explained why we never felt we truly belonged to this body.
Intentional Creation
While learning about ourselves, we filled notebooks with names, descriptions of people and places, and ideas for stories about each other. During this time of exploration, our inner realm expanded and became known to us. Whether during this time we created new people and places, or only described what already existed is not known for certain. Some individuals were even intentionally created for use in fan-fiction stories.
Body Use Levels - Our group has different types of body users and different ways to use the body.
Main or Primary
The main is the individual who currently consistently uses the body the most. The main role can change after a few months or several years. Our main regulars are not a host, original person, or the one the body belongs to. Since we do not have a host, our main body users do not own the body, and will have a name different than the body's name. Our longest known main held this position for eleven years before leaving the role to someone else.
Secondary
Secondaries are lesser main body users. These are the individuals who are present alongside the main during a particular time frame. Some of our mains have their own group of people who remain beside them during their years of using the body. They may function together like a sub-group. A secondary can become a main, or there may be a pair of mains sharing equal time together. For us, when a new main takes over, it is common for a new group of secondaries to follow.
Co-Body User
Multiple actions are possible when more than one person is using the body together. Some individuals are capable of using the body simultaneously; meaning, for example, one may speak while another types. This can be useful if someone needs help with an activity, yet is stuck and unable to leave the body.
Retired Body User
Once a person has done their time, they may never wish to have the main body-using role again. They have hence retired from this duty. Many of our body retirees have settled in our Realm with new duties, a family and a more relaxed life than what they may have endured while being in the body.
Inactive Body User
There are also many individuals who never use the body at all. Either they have no desire for it, are unable to use the body, or are completely unaware of this body's existence. This is a good thing, since it would be impossible for everyone in our group to use the body.
Spectators or Peanut Gallery
There can also be individuals around who are not actively using the body, yet wish to witness what the body is involved in; watching a film, or listening to music or a conversation. They may come around rarely. This can include children and families of the current body users, or people from our Realm who are temporarily visiting.
Incorporeal Walker
There are a handful of group members with the ability to leave this body and walk around outside of it. They are invisible, of course, but we are able to interact with them.
Main or Primary
The main is the individual who currently consistently uses the body the most. The main role can change after a few months or several years. Our main regulars are not a host, original person, or the one the body belongs to. Since we do not have a host, our main body users do not own the body, and will have a name different than the body's name. Our longest known main held this position for eleven years before leaving the role to someone else.
Secondary
Secondaries are lesser main body users. These are the individuals who are present alongside the main during a particular time frame. Some of our mains have their own group of people who remain beside them during their years of using the body. They may function together like a sub-group. A secondary can become a main, or there may be a pair of mains sharing equal time together. For us, when a new main takes over, it is common for a new group of secondaries to follow.
Co-Body User
Multiple actions are possible when more than one person is using the body together. Some individuals are capable of using the body simultaneously; meaning, for example, one may speak while another types. This can be useful if someone needs help with an activity, yet is stuck and unable to leave the body.
Retired Body User
Once a person has done their time, they may never wish to have the main body-using role again. They have hence retired from this duty. Many of our body retirees have settled in our Realm with new duties, a family and a more relaxed life than what they may have endured while being in the body.
Inactive Body User
There are also many individuals who never use the body at all. Either they have no desire for it, are unable to use the body, or are completely unaware of this body's existence. This is a good thing, since it would be impossible for everyone in our group to use the body.
Spectators or Peanut Gallery
There can also be individuals around who are not actively using the body, yet wish to witness what the body is involved in; watching a film, or listening to music or a conversation. They may come around rarely. This can include children and families of the current body users, or people from our Realm who are temporarily visiting.
Incorporeal Walker
There are a handful of group members with the ability to leave this body and walk around outside of it. They are invisible, of course, but we are able to interact with them.
Levels of Inner World - Our Group has different levels or locations in relation to the body that begins at the body and moves outward.
Body
The physical body is our shared gateway to this world. The body has a sensitive nervous system and is prone to anxiety. It is physically female, and has housed many individuals during its lifetime. Some of us are more compatible with the body than others for reasons that can be completely random. Others are unable to use the body at all, or may even become stuck for long periods of time.
Foyer
The Foyer is our name for the internal area immediately surrounding the body. It is unclear if this resides somehow within the body's mind, or is a pocket dimension just outside-within the body. It is not a large space, but comfortable enough for several individuals to live in. It contains rooms for the main and secondary body users, and their families. There is a kitchen, bathrooms, library, sofas, desks, and other wanted necessities. A bridge connecting our foyer to our partner group rests here as well. Some of our newest arrivals appear in the foyer first before later moving into our Realm.
Realm
Realm is our terminology for an inner world, the large area beyond the Foyer. Our Realm exists beyond the body and not within it, containing inhabited planets, many species of sentient life, varying technology, and governments. The majority of those in our group reside in our home Realm, living at the Mansion, a village, or any of the surrounding towns and cities on our homeworld. Or they live on many of the planets further beyond.
Other Realms
We have contact with other places, dimensions, or realms outside of our own. Some are canon-based and others are not. These connections are usually made via doors, portals and gates, whether literal or not. Some in our group are able to visit their home realms; come and go when they wish. Several realms are permanently closed.
Body
The physical body is our shared gateway to this world. The body has a sensitive nervous system and is prone to anxiety. It is physically female, and has housed many individuals during its lifetime. Some of us are more compatible with the body than others for reasons that can be completely random. Others are unable to use the body at all, or may even become stuck for long periods of time.
Foyer
The Foyer is our name for the internal area immediately surrounding the body. It is unclear if this resides somehow within the body's mind, or is a pocket dimension just outside-within the body. It is not a large space, but comfortable enough for several individuals to live in. It contains rooms for the main and secondary body users, and their families. There is a kitchen, bathrooms, library, sofas, desks, and other wanted necessities. A bridge connecting our foyer to our partner group rests here as well. Some of our newest arrivals appear in the foyer first before later moving into our Realm.
Realm
Realm is our terminology for an inner world, the large area beyond the Foyer. Our Realm exists beyond the body and not within it, containing inhabited planets, many species of sentient life, varying technology, and governments. The majority of those in our group reside in our home Realm, living at the Mansion, a village, or any of the surrounding towns and cities on our homeworld. Or they live on many of the planets further beyond.
Other Realms
We have contact with other places, dimensions, or realms outside of our own. Some are canon-based and others are not. These connections are usually made via doors, portals and gates, whether literal or not. Some in our group are able to visit their home realms; come and go when they wish. Several realms are permanently closed.
People We Attract - We came to realize that certain types of individuals arrive to our Group more often than others.
Healers
There are many healers and physicians in our Group. Whether they use technology, magic, potions, herbs, energy, empathy, telepathy, or psychology, they live here. Some healers are assigned to the people who live in the foyer, others run the Mansion infirmary or reside on the space station, sharing medical knowledge with different species who pass through.
Children
Before our Realm was fully realized, we once believed children outnumbered adults. Then we came to understand we were only seeing the Afterlifer children who continually arrive to us from other places after their deaths. It isn't known why so many children come to us, but they live safely in our Realm and are looked after; eventually placed with families.
Trauma Survivors
Trauma appears to be a common thread among many of our body users. Some have arrived to us just after experiencing a traumatic event, or they have a past trauma they need help recovering from. This is when our healers come in handy.
Protectors
The category should be labeled Jedi. But there are other protectors and guardians who look after the people in our Realm, as well. They usually have a skill or tool in which to protect others: the Force, a weapon, magic, or even piloting ability.
White Hair
For some odd reason, whenever we came across an individual in a visual media with white hair, chances are they showed up here. If they happened to be a healer, protector or a child, then their arrival was practically assured. Not all of them stayed with us, but this is one of the unexplained variables of our Group.
Healers
There are many healers and physicians in our Group. Whether they use technology, magic, potions, herbs, energy, empathy, telepathy, or psychology, they live here. Some healers are assigned to the people who live in the foyer, others run the Mansion infirmary or reside on the space station, sharing medical knowledge with different species who pass through.
Children
Before our Realm was fully realized, we once believed children outnumbered adults. Then we came to understand we were only seeing the Afterlifer children who continually arrive to us from other places after their deaths. It isn't known why so many children come to us, but they live safely in our Realm and are looked after; eventually placed with families.
Trauma Survivors
Trauma appears to be a common thread among many of our body users. Some have arrived to us just after experiencing a traumatic event, or they have a past trauma they need help recovering from. This is when our healers come in handy.
Protectors
The category should be labeled Jedi. But there are other protectors and guardians who look after the people in our Realm, as well. They usually have a skill or tool in which to protect others: the Force, a weapon, magic, or even piloting ability.
White Hair
For some odd reason, whenever we came across an individual in a visual media with white hair, chances are they showed up here. If they happened to be a healer, protector or a child, then their arrival was practically assured. Not all of them stayed with us, but this is one of the unexplained variables of our Group.
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