Three Levels Of Reality And Why They Matter To You
When people call you a dreamer, I suggest that you thank them. Now, I know this isn't always easy, because chances are you're not hearing it as a compliment and likely it's being levelled at you as an accusation. But, here's the thing...
Nothing, absolutely nothing, comes into the world that isn't first dreamt up by someone, somewhere. So the world needs dreamers. Big time.
The rub is that it can be easy to get stuck in the dreaming. After all, it is quite pleasant there. All that possibility is intoxicating. Plus, if you're bent that way (and if you're a entrepreneur it's pretty much guaranteed that you are) it comes easy.
Dreaming Reality
In the dreaming level lie our hopes, fears, and expectations. It is where ideas and change are imagined. But the dreaming level is only one of the levels of reality. In order to fully function in the world, we need to be able to access all three levels of reality.
"WHOA!" I can hear you say: "Whaddya mean, THREE levels of reality? There's only one level of reality and I'm in it."
Well, taking a perspective that everybody is right - only partially-- you're right. And so am I.
Consensus Reality
You'd be reacting to me from what we call consensus reality. Consensus reality is the reality we all agree to, thus consensus. It's a reality where you and I agree that we're seeing and experiencing the same things at the same time. It's the world we identify as 'real'.
It's tricksy, though, because we only get to consensus reality via the dreaming level. We dream up an idea, take action on it and, like magic, it's reality (consensus reality that is). This is the doing level.The world needs doers, too. Big time.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, comes into the world that isn't first dreamt up by someone, somewhere. So the world needs dreamers. Big time.
The rub is that it can be easy to get stuck in the dreaming. After all, it is quite pleasant there. All that possibility is intoxicating. Plus, if you're bent that way (and if you're a entrepreneur it's pretty much guaranteed that you are) it comes easy.
Dreaming Reality
In the dreaming level lie our hopes, fears, and expectations. It is where ideas and change are imagined. But the dreaming level is only one of the levels of reality. In order to fully function in the world, we need to be able to access all three levels of reality.
"WHOA!" I can hear you say: "Whaddya mean, THREE levels of reality? There's only one level of reality and I'm in it."
Well, taking a perspective that everybody is right - only partially-- you're right. And so am I.
Consensus Reality
You'd be reacting to me from what we call consensus reality. Consensus reality is the reality we all agree to, thus consensus. It's a reality where you and I agree that we're seeing and experiencing the same things at the same time. It's the world we identify as 'real'.
It's tricksy, though, because we only get to consensus reality via the dreaming level. We dream up an idea, take action on it and, like magic, it's reality (consensus reality that is). This is the doing level.The world needs doers, too. Big time.
By now, you've probably guessed where I'm going, right? Most entrepreneurs are an exquisite blend of dreaming and doing. We get ideas a mile-a-minute and find willing co-dreamers to join us to create new partnerships, plans, products and services. If we don't find willing co-dreamers, we boldly strike out on our own and do whatever it takes to craft the new reality. Which can be bloody exhausting, right?
Central to managing this muddle, is the third level of reality.
Essence Reality
If we were doing this organically, the essence reality level would actually be first-- it's the root level. It is the almost nameless place where ideas and inspiration live when they are only tendencies. It is a deep place connected to universal energies and oneness. You know it when you experience it, and yet it is almost impossible to name.
The trip through the realities is a little like finding your soul mate. Allow me to illustrate:
1. Eyes meet across a crowded room: kismet, chemistry, love at first sight = Essence
2. Dating ensues: will we marry, travel, buy a house or a boat, have children, get a dog? = Dreaming
3. Happily ever after: The house is a mess. Whose turn is it to feed the kids and walk the dog? = Consensus Reality
When relationships get tough, usually a little trip to the essence level is required. Businesses and organizations frequently get stuck in one level or another. For example, lots of dreaming but no action, or all action and no connection to the original vision.
For entrepreneurs, exquisite dreamers and doers that you are, being mindful of what inspires you and connecting to your core essence means you will be guided by your inner knowing.
And the world needs it. Big time. If you had to pick one, in which reality do you think you spend most of your time? What might it be like to visit another level for awhile?
Note: the Three Levels of Reality Model is part of Relationship Path work in Organizational and Relationship Systems Coaching via CRR Global
