Shifting, quantum jumping and the in between | A in-depth exploration and understanding

 Shifting vs Quantum Jumping vs Astral Projection vs Lucid dreaming vs Maladaptive Daydreaming

I wanted to create a separate post discussing this topic versus my pop culture paganism dive. Both communities in regards to each of these are different. Even if 2 of them are basically the same thing. Nonetheless, I wished to create a insightful post in regards to what each of them mean and how different they are from each. Perhaps a lot of us interchanged these terms a lot and I feel like after experimenting for quite a bit, I can lend some helpful insight regarding each. (Mind you...) Everyone has their views and take on this and again I am just sharing mine.

Shifting and Quantum jumping is inherently...pretty much the same thing. You can do it in many ways than just one. And they can be interchangeable, depending on how you wish to use it as a tool and not just for fun. Sometimes, things can bleed into another as well. The communities however are different and understandably so (as mentioned prior). So let's break it down shall we?

Shifters

• Shifters seem to be more comfort based with characters and worlds they love.
• It can be scripted, or not. And often times (for me) feels more structured and formal.
• Your more in control of your DR. (desired reality) Like a god (creator) playing and manifesting. It sometimes feels like a nice vacation for me.
• You move your consciousness to a “desired reality” (DR) that exists alongside your “current reality” (CR). Often seen as fully immersive, like waking up in another world.
• Often times it's immersive with sensory, living in another universe (e.g., Hogwarts, anime worlds, alternate lives)

Quantum Jumping

• Those who quantum jump do it for multiple reasons that seem more goal-oriented or spiritually aligned. In other words it feels more (mature) than what shifting is. (Not saying either one is better than the other however!)
• It feels more fluid. There's no need for scripts as you access the infinite versions that exist.
• You move between parallel realities/timelines to access alternate versions of yourself and their experiences, skills, or outcomes.
• It's more about gaining insight, skills, or guidance from an alternate version of yourself, not necessarily “living” there.
• A lot Quantum Jump to bring back benefits (skills, wisdom, perspective) from another version of you that you didn't originally know.
• less sensory immersion (but could depend on the practitioner)

Astral Projecting

Astral projecting is well... your projecting! Your leaving your body to go to the astral plane. However there are many different types and you can even go to your own inner astral plane. The key points i'd like to bring up for this however is the following...

• The consciousness leaves the body to explore astral planes.
• It can happen through sleep paralysis transitions. (It's hinted that when you have sleep paralysis, you are stuck in that liminal space and can't free yourself)
• Sensation of floating, flying, traveling beyond the body. Often times people can see their body as well.
• You can uncover a lot more spiritual information this way
• Sometimes control can be iffy... unlike the others, you need to protect yourself when you astral travel. (you can keep your energy and self safe with the others as well for precautionary measures, if you wish.)

Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreaming is quite different from everything on this list. But it can happen in unique ways that may confuse the practitioner. Lucid dreaming can often feel real as well. The different with this is the fact you know you are dreaming. But if your well experienced, you can easily shape your dream completely. Now regarding the differences...

• You have awareness inside a dream that you are dreaming.
• You have the power and skill to control what happens in your dream (while dreaming, think of inception the movie. But it takes time to be skillful at it.)
• Can be used to explore your subconscious.
• It at times can be used to connect with the astral plane and spiritual plane.

Maladaptive Daydreaming

This is a big one. And I wish to bring it up if we are to discuss about this whole topic. It can be a slippery slope, especially if you have done this before. If you can, understand yourself and your practice to try and discern if you may end up going down this line. What I have listed here is just a brief view. I am not a medical professional by any means but I thought it's note worthy to put what it seems to be and how different it can be from the other things stated)

• It is excessive yet immersive daydreaming that interferes with one's daily life.
• Fantasies often feel real but only remain in the mind.
• It seems to be used for escapism and coping
• Often times it can be hard to control. Compulsive at times.

Now that we got this out of the way... There is another thing I wish to mention that i've come to experience and many others i've chatted with.

Entities and Spirits when shifting

A lot of times when it comes to shifting, a spirit/entity will take the form of our DR s/o, family or friend. Sometimes (I don't know how often it happens, but I do feel like it may happen a lot simply because of Loki lol) a deity will take the form to connect with you. Sometimes it can be a entity that was with you when you were born, when you were younger, or one in which decided to simply take the form and role that was provided. Giving this entity in a sense a "purpose."

And in kind, I sometimes feel like this is how they can send us synchronicities easily and allow things from our DR to ripple into the present from the area/realm they reside. (Just my opinion and theory.)