Is shifting real? Can you really put yourself into a fictional world and experience what it’s like to live there?
This is what millions of people are claiming in a bizarre trend called “reality shifting.”
People have been sharing their experiences on shifting realities on their TikTok, Reddit, and Amino accounts. The hashtags #shifting and #shifting realities now have billions of views and the numbers keep growing.
But is there any truth to this trending online culture that engages in shifting their consciousness from the real world to a fictional one? This online phenomenon definitely raises a lot of questions.
Some would say that this is just the act of an overactive imagination. While some would say that this is possible if you have the “gift.” Science would say that everything is just self-hypnosis or lucid dreaming.
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But if this is totally made up, why would millions of people claim to have experienced it? Is not that enough for anyone to consider the possibility that shifting is real?
In this article, we gather all the information we can find on shifting and what you should know about it.
What is shifting?
A quick definition of shifting would be the act of moving one’s consciousness from the current reality (CR) to the desired reality (DR).
One of the notable and self-proclaimed experts on reality shifting is Kristen Datto, who uploaded the most popular video about reality shifting. According to her, shifting is “an act of moving your consciousness to a whole other reality that you have envisioned.”
Datto further points out that shifting realities is not really paranormal although it is also something that is not backed by science. Having your reality shifted to a parallel universe like Harry Potter or Hero Academia is just something shifters desire.
People who can shift realities are referred to as “shifters.” According to Datto, you can shift in any reality that you desire. Shifters claim that they can shift to the world of a movie, TV show, and even a book they are reading.
Most shifters shift to their desired reality through a method called “scripting.” In scripting, a shifter will write down the traits of their desired reality and how and where they want to appear in that reality.
There are other types of methods making their rounds in TikTok but so far, scripting is widely used. In fact, if you do some online research, you will find that there are a lot of these methods being used.
But according to Datto, these methods are not really essential to shifting. According to her, all you need is your mind. What a method does is simply to aid your concentration and visualization – just like for those who listen to music while they work or study. In the end, it’s your mind that makes it possible.
No matter what method they choose, all shifters seem to agree on one thing. It is necessary to stimulate the mind and let your body fall asleep so that you can shift realities.
What do the experts say about reality shifting?
Reality shifting could have a scientific basis because of the multiverse theory of quantum mechanics. But the notion of shifting to a fictional reality is unfounded.
There is a lot of skepticism from scientific experts when it comes to the credibility of reality shifting. Most of them claim that these are nothing more than lucid dreaming and self-hypnosis.
A lucid dream is a type of dream where you are aware that you are in a dream while you are dreaming. In a lucid dream, you can control the characters, environment, and narrative. So, it is pretty much like transporting to an alternate reality and the sense of control you get in lucid dreaming makes it feel like you are living your dream life in your dream reality.
Holistic psychotherapist Laura Rosser Kreiselmaier said that shifting realities is nothing more than just a form of self-hypnosis. You try to condition your mind to go to a dream reality before you fall asleep, when you are half-asleep, or when you are in deep meditation.
She believes that this is one way for the younger generation to cope with the COVID pandemic – which interrupted childhood and young adult rites. For adults, it could be an existential crisis of not knowing for sure whether the earth can still sustain human life for future generations.
Saul Rosental, a practicing psychologist based in Boston agreed with this. He says that the trend is “a response to the very real stressors of social isolation and pressure brought about by the pandemic. It may in part be a way of trying to feel more sense of control in a world that feels more and more dangerous.”
Hypnotist Nicole Hernandez also expressed similar sentiments. She believes that the TikTok trend of shifting realities is nothing more than self-hypnosis and lucid dreaming. Hernandez said that the methods being used by shifters are actually hypnotic inductions.
“Hypnotic inductions are simply a series of rituals, such as counting down from 10 to 1 and imagining walking downstairs. These rituals act as suggestions that help dissociate from the external world and associate with their imagination or inner world,” Hernandez explains.
Hernandez further added that these hypnotic inductions can help a person relax and lead them to a hypnagogic state, which is the natural transitional state between being awake and falling asleep. In the hypnagogic state, you are fully conscious and because of that, you are actually in control over the visualizations that you desire.
Psychologists have termed the social media platform trend as an “emergent online dreaming culture” that happened in an aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the October 2021 issue of Current Psychology, Dr. Eli Somer published an academic research paper on the topic.
In his research, it was found that there was an increase in the number of reality-shifting searches on Google after the imposition of quarantines and isolations during the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
This is because a lot of young people are seeking an escape to a different world while they were forced to stay at home. Dr. Somer’s academic research paper also discussed the similarities between daydreaming and the practice of reality shifting.
Media Psychology Research Center Director Pamela Rutledge believes that meditation is the basis of reality shifting. In her view, shifters were able to use the idea of meditation by concentrating and focusing their thoughts on a single object, which is their desired reality.
How do you do reality shifting?
There are different methods and rituals when it comes to shifting realities. Shifters claim that it can happen whether you are awake or sleeping. Here is a list of some of the popular methods:
Scripting method
As mentioned earlier, this is the most popular method. You start off by writing down your desired reality on paper and feed your subconscious with details about it and what you want to experience in your desired reality.
Through scripting, you can be as specific and detailed as you want. The things you will write in your script will be remembered by your subconscious, which is useful for getting to your desired reality and getting the exact scenario and characters that you want.
Don’t know what to write down? If you search online, you will find some templates that you can use or give you an idea of how to write your script. Some shifters have prepared templates for different fictional worlds from movies and TV shows.
You should do this before you go to sleep and you will find yourself waking up in the desired reality that you have written down.
Raven method
The Raven method starts off with you lying down comfortably in the starfish position. Make sure that none of your limbs are touching each other and that your body is loose and relaxed.
Then, you use shifting affirmations that will help increase your belief in your ability to shift from your current reality to your desired reality. While doing this, you have to count slowly from 0 to 100.
The affirmations can be said in between numbers as you count. The idea is to keep on counting while you say your affirmations help you visualize that you are shifting to your desired reality.
When you find yourself drifting to sleep, you will find that your consciousness has moved and you will wake up to the desired reality of your choice.
Eleven method
This shifting method is actually adopted from the “Stranger Things” character, Eleven. In this technique, you start off by laying down in a comfy position. Close your eyes and tie a bandana or any piece of clothing over your eyes.
Then, start listening to white noise. Imagine yourself waking up to your desired reality. Make sure to focus your attention on your visualization and try to reach out to your desired version of yourself.
As you become one with your desired version of yourself, you may see a bright light or experience hot or cold flashes. Make sure you stay focused as you feel your current self drifting to sleep. When you wake up, you will find that you are in your desired reality.
Elevator method
For this reality-shifting method, you start off by imagining that you are inside an elevator. Think that the elevator is going up and every floor is at an energy level. The higher the elevator goes, the higher your energy level will be.
Shifters using this method would claim that they feel vibrational energy as the elevator goes higher. This may happen through twitches and tingles in any part of your body.
Once you have reached the right energy level, the elevator will stop. The elevator doors will open to your desired reality.
Heartbeat method
This method uses the power of humming and vibrational sounds on repeat – just like a heartbeat. You can also achieve this by getting audio of a beating heart and listening to it as you sleep through earphones or playing it on your phone under your pillow.
Then, visualize the sound as the heartbeat of someone you wish to see and connect with in your desired reality. Focus on this person and imagine that this person is slowly getting up and leading you to a door. When the door opens, you will find that it is entranced with your desired reality.
Alice in Wonderland method
This method is adopted from the famous novel by Lewis Carroll. In this reality-shifting technique, you will act like Alice, hence the name of the method.
To start, lie down comfortably on your back. Then, visualize yourself sitting under a tree. Think of a person or character from your desired reality that will pass by in a rush – just like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland.
As that character rushes away follow that character. Imagine the character jumping down a “rabbit hole” and following suit. While you are falling down, you start to let go of your present reality and you will land in a small room with a door.
The character you are chasing will ask you if you are ready to unlock the door. If you feel ready, retrieve the key from the table and open the door. You will find the door opening to your desired reality.
Mirror method
This method is considered to be a visually extensive method so it is best for those who are good at visualizing.
To start the mirror method, you have to imagine that you are standing all alone in a dark room. From a distance, imagine that there is a mirror there and there is a spotlight shining only on you. Next, imagine yourself slowly walking towards the mirror and imagine your reflection walking towards you inside the mirror.
You will find that your reflection seems to be superior to yours because it is more confident and seems to have no flaws. Put your hands on the mirror and you will see your reflection doing the same.
Intent method
This reality-shifting method does not rely on visuals, sounds, or affirmations. As the name indicates, it is all about your purpose or intention. And according to some shifters, this is one of the most effective sleep-shifting methods.
To pull this off effectively, all you need is a strong resolve and belief that you can shift. You just need to think or speak out your intent before you drift off to sleep.
The sooner you sleep after you set your intent, the lesser time your brain will have to make doubt or speculate it. Because of this, the best time to use this method is when you are exhausted or drowsy.
ADHD method
In this reality-shifting method, sound plays a vital part. So, this means that you have proper headphones. As for the sound, you need to search for soundtracks in 8D.
Then, you should lie down in a comfortable position while you are listening to the audio. While listening to the audio, choose shifting affirmations like “I am shifting to my desired reality.”
Sync your breathing with the audio. Say your affirmation then count from 1 to 5 before you repeat it. When your breathing, affirmations, and sound sync together, you will start feeling some symptoms of shifting. Do not lose focus to get your desired reality.
Piano method
This method is considered to be one of the most powerful when it comes to reality shifting. This is because all of your senses have to be active when you use the piano method.
To start, imagine yourself in a grand hall with a piano at the center. Then, imagine a spotlight on you as you walk toward the piano. Imagine the hall filled with buzz as people start talking and looking at you. If this distracts you, do not hesitate to start again.
Once you get through that stage, you should start playing the piano. You will find that everyone will be silent. Once you are done playing, imagine the grand hall filling with applause.
As you rise from your seat, see the exit as a door. An usher will open the door for you and when you enter that door, you will find yourself in your desired reality.
Are there negative impacts of shifting?
Joshua Kaplow, a clinical psychologist, says that the practice of living in an alternative reality or fictional realities seems to be harmless – just like daydreaming or how a lucid dreamer experiences their dreams.
Whether you can do it or not is more on the state of your mental health. You need to have the right mindset so that you do not get lost on the infinite realities you create. The only way shifting to an alternate universe can become a matter of concern is when a person starts overusing it as a way to escape their day to day life.
People shift reality to experience something different from their normal life. But when you start to want or believe the alternate reality more than your physical reality, this can be inherently unhealthy for your mental health.
In an interview with Insider, he shares that “Like any other behavior, the more [shifting] dominates, the more it leads to an unbalanced and unhealthy life. For those at risk of dissociative conditions, such as psychosis, it can potentially make the condition worse.”
Philip Reid, a Cardiff University psychology professor, said that reality shifting can cause people to lose touch with reality. “Younger people without a strongly established sense of self may be in some danger from taking new identities, as they can get divorced from reality.”
There are accounts of former shifters who admit that they do not do it anymore because of the negative impact it has on one’s mental health. The shifting community has a dark side. A lot of shifters have become obsessed with shifting realities that some of them want to make permanent.
And there are videos out there in TikTok that encourage “respawning” which is the idea of permanently shifting to the desired reality, leaving your human life behind. And most of the time, people who engage in respawning end up with mental health issues or worse – death.
According to those who believe in respawning, it can be done in two ways: leaving a clone behind in your current body while shifting their soul permanently to the desired reality. The other is to let your actual body go through physical death while focusing on the desired reality.
The scary thing is that these ideas are widely circulated online. You can find videos encouraging this belief not only on TikTok but also on YouTube and Amino. Some even boldly encourages self-harm and suicide to make people shift permanently to a different reality.
YouTuber James Rallison of the channel TheOddISOut has criticized reality shifting as a trend that was unhealthy for young people. In his video about it entitled, “My Thoughts on Reality Shifting,” Rallison called the trend a pseudoscience with no scientific credibility.
“You make up whatever you want and use what the scientist have said about multiple realities as proof even though no scientist has ever said anything about being able to move your consciousness outside of your body or that you leave a clone of yourself behind when you reality shift or that cartoon universes exist,” he exclaimed in disbelief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does reality shifting feel like?
Reality shifting has often been compared to lucid dreaming or astral projection but shifters say it is a completely different experience.
Shifters describe it as an experience that is more vivid and concrete than a dream or a fantasy. This is because you get to experience every detail of your desired reality as if it was your current reality.
While you are in your desired reality, you will feel like your senses still work. You can touch, smell, and even eat. Your senses will be the same as your reality. In fact, most shifters would say that they would feel exhausted when they come back from shifting.
Will there be any warning signs that I am about to shift realities?
Shifters claim that certain symptoms let you know you are about to succeed in shifting into your desired reality. Some of these symptoms include an unexplainable tingling feeling, feeling like you are falling or spinning, feeling weightless or heavy, hearing sounds or voices associated with your desired reality, or flashes of lights.
Of course, this is a personal experience so not everyone will have the same symptoms. When you notice any of these things happening to you, it is important to stay calm. Just focus on your desired reality. If you panic or get too excited, this may block you from shifting.
Will there be pain when I reality shift?
You will not feel any pain or discomfort when you do reality shifting. But you have to keep in mind also that shifting is a personal experience so what you may feel will be different from what another person feels.
Will my desired reality be exactly the way I want it?
If you want things to be done particularly and accurately, the scripting method can help you out. Writing down a script helps you plan out your desired reality and your subconscious will be able to remember every detail you write down.
You can even dictate where you will wake up and at what time through your script. Anything you want to be specifically done in your desired reality can be arranged through your script.
How long can I stay in my desired reality?
No, you cannot get stuck in your desired reality. Even if you die in your direct reality, your death will just result in you waking up to your present reality. In fact, you can go back to the present anytime you want.
Some shifters would write it down on their script using a phrase, word, or gesture. When they speak the word or phrase or when they perform the gesture in their direct reality, they will automatically return to their current reality.
Is it possible to reality shift as a group?
Yes, it is possible. You just have to be consistent with the details of your desired reality and what moment you want to enter it. Anything is possible as long as you clearly establish where you want to go when you want to go, and what you want to do.
Does reality shifting go against my religion?
Shifting realities has nothing to do with religion. It does not recognize or praise any god or deity. It has something more to do with science compared to religion. In fact, another term for shifting is “quantum jumping” which is actually a complicated quantum physics theory. Shifting reality does not have any kind of ties to religion.
Conclusion
When we first think of the idea of reality shifting, it seems to be a far-fetched idea that only belongs to sci-fi movies. But some people actually claim that shifting is a natural process that everyone can experience.
Whether you believe it is possible to escape to a different reality for a while or you believe those who say it is merely lucid dreaming, it probably would not hurt to give it a try. Just think of it as a chance to experience being part of the Harry Potter universe or any TV show you are fond of.
As long as you do not already have some dissociative conditions or other mental illnesses, trying out reality shifting maybe not so bad. Hypnotist Nicole Hernandez concludes that the practice is a generally safe way to use your imagination. As she puts it, you do not get stuck in a daydream so it is also impossible to get stuck in an alternate realities and fictional realities.
The key is to understand that the perfect reality you come up with in your desired reality is not your present life and can’t be your normal life. Just think of it as daydreaming that you are in a fictional universe where you can actually feel the whole experience as it happens.
But you have to keep in mind that shifting is more of a personal experience. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. That is precisely why there are different methods that you can use to help you shift. So, try not to dwell in comparing your shifting experience with others.
Truly understanding Is Shifting Real? could mean the difference between great happiness and misery down the line. Find a psychic medium near you today, whether you’re in New York City, Chicago, Utah, Seattle in the US, or somewhere completely different, you can get the expert guidance you deserve. Don’t forget you can also get a psychic email reading at low cost, or try the best online psychic reading sites such as Kasamba, Oranum, PsychicOz, Bitwine, Everclear Psychic and more.
