Mixed Up in Realities

[Dynamist]

So I saw the movie Inception and it made me think of astral travel/ conscious OBEs...

I don't want to spoil the movie, but basically, is it possible to get mixed up between this reality and the astral plane?

[wstein]

Most astral travel destinations are not very similar to Earth, so not likely any confusion. The sole exception I know of is the RTZ which is essentially the same as ‘reality’, so in this case very easy to confuse the two.

While dreaming (as in Inception) it is very easy confuse the two. Just ask anyone who has experienced ‘false awakenings’.

[Erin Pavlina]

The general rule of thumb is that if you have to ask whether or not you are dreaming, you are dreaming.

[Bing Wu]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

The general rule of thumb is that if you have to ask whether or not you are dreaming, you are dreaming.

Gees, you've just solved half the problems of my life! Where were you when I was growing up????

[wstein]

I have asked numerous times if I am dreaming, including just after reading the above.

My questions is how do I wake up?

[st33med]

Originally Posted by wstein

I have asked numerous times if I am dreaming, including just after reading the above.

My questions is how do I wake up?

I'll put a bullet in your head if that helps.

[GoingUnder]

Originally Posted by Erin Pavlina

The general rule of thumb is that if you have to ask whether or not you are dreaming, you are dreaming.

Hahahaha, that's good and true of my experience.

I was only thinking about it the other day...if I'm questioning reality, then it's highly improbable I'm awake.

The annoying thing is when you question it, then realise you are dreaming but stay in dream mode...aaarrrgghhh!!!

[Dynamist]

Thanks all! I wasn't sure.

[wstein]

Originally Posted by st33med

I'll put a bullet in your head if that helps.

I supposed it worked for Donald Shimoda (look it up if you don’t get the reference, it’s a very entertaining book).

offer and humor appreciated

---more serious response as I am often asked about suicide in this situation ---

I appreciate the offer.

If I thought it was only that simple, I’m sure I could manage it myself.

After extensive investigation, I have two reasons to believe otherwise. First, during lucid dreams I have been ‘killed’ only to directly enter another dream (still lucid) rather than wake up. So being killed is no guarantee of waking up. Second I am pretty convinced of alternative lives (similar to past lives). Even though the incarnations of an over-soul keep dying, it continues. Since the over-soul(me) is non-material, bullets will not have any effect. Further, if there is any truth in that you have a lesson to learn here, I’d rather not be sent back to start over.