One thing we, as humans, take for granted is our perception of reality. We see what we see and immediately register it as real. But what is reality? It is simply defined as “a thing that is actually experienced or seen.” Think about that definition and then consider how many realities actually exist in the world.

Consider the child who plays with an imaginary friend or the infant who stares vacantly at the wall.

What do they see that you don’t? Because you can’t see it, does that mean it isn’t real? Why when a grown adult sees someone that is not visible to us is he condemned to a life of psychiatric appointments and medications? Does it have to do with maturity? Is it okay to see something that’s “not there” as a child, but when we grow into adulthood it should be a phase that has passed? If that’s the case, at what age does it become unacceptable to give into the things we see or think we see?

The point is to that child and even to that adult, that person or thing they see is real. That thing we don’t see exists to them; that is their reality.

Have you ever taken notice of someone or something and immediately tried to get someone you’re with to notice it too, but they just happened to miss it? What if that person or thing was never really there to anyone but you? What if your imagination took a second to run wild and put something out there that only you can see? That’s your reality though, no? It happens to us everyday. It happens to me, and I guarantee you it’s happened to you as well. Everyday someone takes notice of something out of the corner of their eye, but at a second glance there is nothing there. No one can prove it one way or the other, because you saw it, but your friend missed it. We will never be able to absolutely say what is real and what’s not, if for nothing else but the definition alone.

What influences our reality? (Beside drugs and hallucinogenics) I’m talking about everyday influences that we may not view as reality altering. Two major ones are science and religion. Both science and religion are turning the wheels in our head about why we are here and how we got here.

The two forces are in constant opposition. Most scientists are agnostic, with a “prove it” mentality, and most religious leaders feel god is directly involved in our lives, pushing us to do one thing or the other. I, myself, am a middle man. I feel there is a higher power that set the wheels of existence in motion for us to take it from there. Most of the world’s population follows one form of organized religion or another. If you are one of those people, I ask you, why? Why did you choose that religion? Or was it chosen for you? Have you researched other religions to find your own set of beliefs?

he reason I ask is not by any means an attempt to disprove any religion. It is simply to ensure that your eyes are open to your reality and not someone else’s. Take, for example, Christianity. How many Christians out there have heard of Horus? Not many, I would have to assume. Horus is the Egyptian god of the sky.

Why is he relevant? Because he, and many other ancient gods, share a very similar popular story. Horus was born of the goddess of nature, Isis. It is debated that she was celibate upon Horus’ conception. His birth was announced to her by an angel. He was born in a cave during the winter solstice and is celebrated by his followers on December 25. Upon his birth, he was visited by three solar deities. There is no history of his life between the ages 12 and 30. He had a group of disciples that followed him called Heru-Shemsu (followers of Horus). He spent his life performing miracles like raising the dead, curing the sick, and healing the blind. He was crucified next to two thieves. Upon his death, he descended into hell and after three days resurrected. Sound familiar? There are more similarities between the world’s religions than we assume and give credit for.

Again, it is not my intention to disprove any religion or beliefs people hold. I am just trying to spark a paradigm shift (a fundamental change in approach or assumptions) that says no ones reality is wrong. However, make sure the reality you have is your own and consider why. You’ll never convince someone who has never seen the sky how beautiful it really is.

It’s like a person who spent their entire lives wearing rose colored glasses. To them the world is a shade of red no one else sees. But, that is the reality they live in and no one can tell them the “true” color of the world. Until one day, the glasses suddenly break, revealing the world as it is, their reality will change. They will pass through a confused state, where they would study the facts as to why their reality changed. When all that is finished, they will have a new reality and they will know why. (What The Bleep Do We Know!?)

I do feel that faith is an important thing to have in life. It inspires us to better ourselves because of something bigger. It makes us feel like we are a part of something much greater. That’s why I’m not suggesting abandoning your religion or beliefs. Just accept other people’s beliefs and know why you believe what you do. Don’t believe in just one religion if you don’t feel its right, don’t even believe what I’m saying now if it doesn’t appeal to you. Just believe in something and occasionally ask yourself, “What color glasses do I wear?”