def METHOD_NAME(self):
    """
    returning non-zero will cause shutdown_gracefully to be called
    """
    #check for connection before sending
    if self.conn_closed :
        self.print('Connection closed by CYST.', 0, 1)
        return 1
    # RECEIVE FLOWS FROM CYST
    if flow := self.get_flow():
        # send the flow to inputprocess so slips can process it normally
        to_send = {
            'flow': flow,
            'module': self.name # to know where this flow is coming from aka what's the input module
            }
        self.print(f"Received flow from cyst")
        self.print(pp(to_send))
        self.db.publish('new_module_flow', json.dumps(to_send))
    # check for connection before receiving
    if self.conn_closed:
        self.print('Connection closed by CYST.', 0, 1)
        return 1
    if msg := self.get_msg('new_alert'):
        self.print(f"Cyst module received a new blocking request . sending to CYST ... ")
        alert_info: dict = json.loads(msg['data'])
        profileid = alert_info['profileid']
        # twid = alert_info['twid']
        # alert_ID is {profileid}_{twid}_{ID}
        alert_ID = alert_info['alert_ID']
        self.send_alert(alert_ID, profileid.split('_')[-1])