Explore the difference between reality and imagination, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present sensory experience. Delve into uncomfortable feelings, conditioning's influence on choices, and the mystery of experience.
Being present in reality and experiencing the sensory information in the present moment helps us tap into the fluidity and aliveness of reality.
Recognizing the distinction between reality and imagination can alleviate unnecessary suffering and allow us to focus on the direct experience of reality.
Deep dives
The Distinction Between Reality and Imagination
In episode 286 of Changeable with Dr. Amy Johnson, she explores the difference between reality and imagination. Reality refers to what is alive and present in our sensory information and thoughts, while imagination is the content of thought projected into some other time and space. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of being present in reality, experiencing the sensory information in the present moment, rather than constantly being lost in imagination. She encourages listeners to differentiate between what is happening right now and what is simply a conceptual rendering of reality. By exploring this distinction, she suggests that we can free ourselves from the limitations of our conditioned thinking and tap into the fluidity and aliveness of reality.
The Frequent Confusion between Reality and Imagination
In this episode, Dr. Amy Johnson highlights how easily we confuse reality with imagination. She discusses how our minds create fantasy worlds, generating stories and beliefs that are not grounded in the present moment. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between reality, which is constantly changing and fluid, and imagination, which is conceptual and often based on memories or projections. Dr. Johnson suggests that recognizing this distinction can alleviate unnecessary suffering by allowing us to focus more on the direct experience of reality and less on the stories and concepts created by our minds.
Challenging Imagination-based Problems and Addictions
Dr. Amy Johnson shares stories of individuals struggling with habits, addictions, and problems rooted in imagination. She mentions Roger, who spent years attempting various methods to overcome his drinking problem, but neglected to focus on the present reality. She points out that many problems arise due to the mind's tendency to create fantasy worlds, assigning meanings and intentions to thoughts and feelings. By directing attention to the immediate sensory experience and questioning the validity of conceptual reasoning, she suggests that individuals can gain greater clarity and freedom from these problems.
Embracing the Mystery and Fluidity of Reality
Dr. Amy Johnson encourages embracing the mystery and fluidity of reality rather than seeking to define or control it. She emphasizes that human knowledge and understanding are limited when it comes to the intricacies of the human experience. By approaching life with curiosity and acknowledging the unknowable nature of reality, she believes we can find liberation and freedom. She encourages listeners to shift their attention from imaginative concepts and beliefs to the direct experience of reality, recognizing its constant change and vitality.
This week’s episode is a talk I gave about the difference between reality and imagination. Reality is what’s alive in your sensory experience right now. It’s seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting. What also might be alive right now is thought. The content of that thought is what I’m calling imagination. It’s the concepts, images, stories
