Reality shifting

Reality shifting is a term popularized in internet culture in 2018, primarily on YouTube, for the spiritual practice of "transferring" or "shifting" one's awareness to a fictional universe or a parallel universe.[1][2] The practice is often confused with astral projection and lucid dreaming, and there is overlap in the methods and outcomes of both.[1] Practitioners explain the phenomenon as possible due to multiverse theory, but also describe it to be a spiritual practice involving exploration of deeper consciousness.[3]

Description

The process typically involves, but is not limited to, relaxation, visualisation, and affirmations, similar to the process of meditation or self-hypnosis.[1][4][5] 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. 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 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. 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’" [6]

See also

References
  1. Somer, Eli; Cardeña, Etzel; Figueiredo Catelan, Ramiro; Soffer-Dudek, Nirit (30 October 2021). "Reality shifting: psychological features of an emergent online daydreaming culture". Current Psychology: 1–13. doi:10.1007/s12144-021-02439-3. PMC 8556810. PMID 34744401.
  2. What is reality shifting, and does the TikTok trend work?, 19 June 2021, retrieved 28 December 2022
  3. Cavender, Elena (2021-07-27). "TikTok's reality shifting trend mixes dream-like consciousness with fandoms". Mashable. Retrieved 2021-11-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ShiftTok: Reality Shifting Trend Can Be Dangerous, Experts Say, 26 January 2022, retrieved 1 January 2023
  5. Inside 'reality shifting', the trend where TikTokers claim they can enter the world of Harry Potter, 17 July 2021, retrieved 28 December 2022
  6. Smith, Serena (June 6, 2021). "What is 'reality shifting' and why is it taking over TikTok?". i-D. Vice. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
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