The mind is creative, operating in imagination.

“I should have”, “It could have been different”, and “Someday I will” are thoughts created in imagination.

Judgments, fears, insecurities, worries, and identities, while deeply felt in reality, also exist only in imagination.

The mind creates imaginary worlds that literally only exist as temporary, fleeting thought. Those imaginary worlds, when mistaken for reality, create enormous suffering. In fact, they are the only source of suffering.

So, what then is reality?

Reality is what’s here, immediate, now. It’s the subtle fluttering in your stomach as you read these words, the sensations felt behind the eyes, the sound of the clock ticking, the colors seen, the taste in your mouth.

This is reality. It’s obvious and direct. It’s before interpretation, non-verbal, non-conceptual.

Reality is true intimacy. Reality can be trusted and relaxed into. It has a radiance that imagination lacks. It is illuminated, immediate, and alive.

Why look toward reality?

Reality is the only truth. Imagination will invent identities and problems that don’t exist and attention will spin in solutions to those imaginary problems.

Imagination is exhausting. Reality is full of energy.

Imagination is finite and always insecure. Reality is infinite and endlessly safe and complete.

The Dalai Lama was asked by a reporter to share the happiest moment in his life. His response was “I think right now.” That’s living in reality.

Please join me, your fellow community members, and like-minded others as we spend two days exploring the nature of imagination and reality.

We’ll look at why this difference matters and what begins to reveal itself as we more clearly see the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions