Reality shifting is a term popularized in

internet culture Internet culture is a culture based on the many way people have used computer networks and their use for communication, entertainment, business, and recreation. Some features of Internet culture include online communities, gaming, and social media ...

in 2018, primarily on

YouTube YouTube is a global online video platform, online video sharing and social media, social media platform headquartered in San Bruno, California. It was launched on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim. It is owned by ...

, for the spiritual practice of "transferring" or "shifting" one's awareness to a

fictional universe A fictional universe, or fictional world, is a self-consistent setting with events, and often other elements, that differ from the real world. It may also be called an imagined, constructed, or fictional realm (or world). Fictional universes may ...

or a parallel universe. The practice is often confused with

astral projection Astral projection (also known as astral travel) is a term used in esotericism to describe an intentional out-of-body experience (OBE) that assumes the existence of a subtle body called an " astral body" through which consciousness can functio ...

and

lucid dreaming A lucid dream is a type of dream in which the dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming while dreaming. During a lucid dream, the dreamer may gain some amount of control over the dream characters, narrative, or environment; however, this is n ...

, and there is overlap in the methods and outcomes of both. Practitioners explain the phenomenon as possible due to

multiverse The multiverse is a hypothetical group of multiple universes. Together, these universes comprise everything that exists: the entirety of space, time, matter, energy, information, and the physical laws and constants that describe them. The di ...

theory, but also describe it to be a spiritual practice involving exploration of deeper consciousness.

Description

The process typically involves, but is not limited to, relaxation, visualisation, and affirmations, similar to the process of

meditation Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally cal ...

self-hypnosis Self-hypnosis or auto-hypnosis (as distinct from hetero-hypnosis) is a form, a process, or the result of a self-induced hypnotic state. Frequently, self-hypnosis is used as a vehicle to enhance the efficacy of self-suggestion; and, in such case ...

. It is debated on what the "key" is to shifting, however all that is needed is the individual intending to shift. The early concept of reality shifting in 2020 explains that the experience is typically said to be similar to astral projection and

manifestation Manifestation is the act of becoming manifest, to become perceptible to the senses. Manifestation may also refer to: * Manifestation of conscience, a practice in religious orders * Manifestation of God (Baháʼí Faith), the prophets of the Bah� ...

. While astral projection claims to explore the astral plane, shifters claim one's awareness becomes aware towards a ''alternate self''. Shifters often tie in the idea of a higher self and deeper levels of consciousness. Similar shifting like/dimension traveling can be seen way back with yogi's gaining

Siddhi In Indian religions, (Sanskrit: '; fulfillment, accomplishment) are material, paranormal, supernatural, or otherwise magical powers, abilities, and attainments that are the products of yogic advancement through sādhanās such as meditation ...

where it was claimed higher advanced yogi's could dimension travel and perform supernatural powers.

Criticism

Reality shifting has been criticized to be a form of

escapism Escapism is mental diversion from unpleasant or boring aspects of daily life, typically through activities involving imagination or entertainment. Escapism may be used to occupy one's self away from persistent feelings of depression or genera ...

. A therapist with expertise in anomalous experiences has noted that most cases are safe. However, mental health treatment is recommended for anyone experiencing "anything that created fear for them, or challenged their belief system regarding what we could refer to as ‘consensual reality’"

References

{{internet-stub Internet memes 2020s in Internet culture 2020s fads and trends Harry Potter fandom Multiverse Concepts in metaphysics

Description

Criticism

See also

References