The Cracks in the Looking Glass: Why Our Shared Reality Is Shifting
And How to Navigate the Tremors
For much of human history, we've operated under the comforting illusion of a single, objective reality. We assumed that what I see, hear, and experience is fundamentally the same as what you do. This "shared fabric" of reality, woven from common assumptions, cultural narratives, and empirical observations, has provided a stable ground for civilization to flourish.
But look around. The threads are fraying.
We're not just disagreeing on facts; we're increasingly inhabiting different realities altogether, or what author Robert Anton Wilson called "reality tunnels."
A reality tunnel is essentially your personalized, subjective interpretation of the world, built from your beliefs, experiences, biases, and the information you consume. It's the lens through which you perceive and make sense of everything. In a more homogenous world, these tunnels overlapped significantly, creating the illusion of a collective consensus. Today, with the fragmentation of media, the rise of echo chambers, and the sheer volume of conflicting information, and Ai deep fakes- our tunnels are diverging at an unprecedented rate.
The result? A palpable sense that the shared fabric of reality is crumbling. What one person considers irrefutable truth, another dismisses as a baseless conspiracy. Political divides deepen not just over policy, but over the very nature of truth itself. Scientific consensus is questioned, historical events are reinterpreted, and even basic sensory experiences can be disputed. It's disorienting, and for many, deeply anxiety-inducing.
Why This Might Not Be Such a Bad Thing
While the dissolution of a singular, agreed-upon reality can feel like a descent into chaos, it's worth considering that this might not be an entirely negative development.
Well, look- the idea of a truly objective reality has always been, to some extent, a construct. Our brains are not passive recorders; they are active prediction machines, constantly filtering and shaping information to create a coherent narrative.
The "shared reality" we once cherished often came at the cost of suppressing dissenting voices, marginalizing alternative perspectives, and enforcing conformity. The current splintering, while messy, can be seen as an unmasking of this inherent subjectivity. It forces us to confront the fact that our perceptions are not universal, and that what we hold as true is often deeply personal.
This fragmentation opens the door for greater individual agency and creativity. When the old maps no longer apply, we're compelled to draw our own. This can be empowering. It frees us from rigid dogmas and encourages us to explore new ways of thinking and being. It's an invitation to question, to experiment, and to consciously choose the narratives that shape our lives rather than passively inheriting them.
Last week, Catholic bishops and clergy in San Diego made headlines when they showed up in federal immigration court to "bear witness" during migrant hearings. Their stated goal was simply to be present and offer support, not to obstruct proceedings. Yet, according to reports from those present, including a lawyer and a priest, their collective presence seemed to shift the reality of the court. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly "scampered away and disappeared," paperwork for arrests was presented but not acted upon, and no one was detained or deported during their visit.
The courtroom atmosphere itself was perceived as different due to their presence. This was chaos magick; it was the tangible impact of a collective belief, a strong intention, and a moral presence altering the immediate reality of a bureaucratic space.
Even within an institutional framework like the Catholic Church, the power of collective focus and an unwavering conviction manifests profound shifts, demonstrating that "magick" isn't a fringe practice, but a fundamental aspect of how reality is influenced by concentrated belief. You can read more about this event from OSV News in their article, San Diego bishops and clergy showed up in immigration court — and made an impact.
Handling Anxiety in Uncertain Times
Even if we acknowledge the potential upsides, the transition is undeniably unsettling. The human mind craves certainty and predictability. When the ground beneath our feet feels unstable, anxiety is a natural response. So, how do we navigate these turbulent waters?
One approach lies in understanding and embracing the malleability of our own reality tunnels. If our perception shapes our reality, then we have a degree of influence over that perception. This is where practices like self-hypnosis and the principles of chaos magic can be surprisingly relevant.
Self-hypnosis employs focused attention and suggestion. It's a way to consciously access and reprogram your subconscious mind, where many of your core beliefs and assumptions reside. By regularly engaging in self-hypnosis, you can begin to loosen the grip of unhelpful anxieties, cultivate a sense of inner calm, and even implant new, more empowering beliefs about uncertainty.
Instead of feeling like a victim of a crumbling reality, you can begin to see yourself as an active participant in shaping your own experience of it. You can train your mind to focus on what you can control, to find opportunity in change, and to cultivate resilience in the face of the unknown.
Chaos magick, widely misunderstood as something sinister, is fundamentally a pragmatic approach to belief and intention. It operates on the principle that "nothing is true, everything is permitted" (in the sense that no single reality tunnel holds ultimate authority).
This isn't an endorsement of nihilism, but an invitation to inner anarchy. To consciously and playfully adopt beliefs that serve your goals, even if only temporarily. Chaos magicians understand that belief is a tool, not necessarily an immutable truth.
In a world where shared truths are dissolving, I have always found this perspective incredibly liberating. It allows me to experiment with different perspectives, to consciously choose empowering narratives, and to recognize that the subjectivity of reality is a powerful creative force.
If you're anxious about the future, for instance, a chaos magic perspective might suggest consciously adopting the belief that "Everything that happens to me happens for me" or "Uncertainty is a catalyst for growth," and then acting as if those beliefs are true.
The crumbling of a singular, shared reality isn't necessarily the end of the world. It's an evolution, a shedding of old skins. While it brings discomfort and anxiety, it also presents an unprecedented opportunity for individual growth, creative freedom, and a deeper understanding of the subjective nature of existence.
If you are already kind of introverted and rebellious it’s really a short hop over to employing tools like self-hypnosis and chaos magick. We re surprisingly well-suited to not only navigate the current tremors but also actively participate in shaping a more resilient and personally resonant reality for ourselves and others.
What are your thoughts on how our individual reality tunnels are converging or diverging in the current world?
Such a juicy question. I feel like reality tunnels are both collapsing and fracturing, some of us are syncing into deeper coherence and resonance, while others are spiraling further into distortion. It’s wild to witness. I see it all around me. And I am living it too, with greater awareness. It’s very intense and challenging at times, but ultimately freeing.
Personally, I believe reality is co-created and constantly reshaped by perception, so the more aware we become of our own filters, the more agency we have in how we move through this shifting world.
Really enjoyed reading this, thank you for the fuel 🔥✨ I’ll definitely look a bit further into “chaos magick” too… that term is new to me! 💞😊🙏🏼