If reality is a cumulation of our perceptions of the beliefs that shape it, then isn't everything we perceive [and consequently how we react] a placebo?

What happens only happens because we believe it will happen, so that means the result of any given situation isn't caused by the situation itself, but instead is caused by our beliefs regarding that situation.

But we are able to change our beliefs at will, and any resulting situations will react accordingly to our new beliefs. Wouldn't this understanding destroy any possibility of Cause & Effect beyond the very first step, which is: "We believe -> it is so"?

asked 24 Feb '12, 23:47

Snow's gravatar image

Snow
6.3k117109

1

Very interresting question.

(25 Feb '12, 00:08) Fairy Princess

Snow, how did you become so cynical?

(25 Feb '12, 08:58) The Prophet

@The Prophet: I'm actually lost on this one, because this question was in absolutely no way written cynically or with any cynical mood / thoughts / emotions whatsoever.

Your comment makes me want to ask: What does this question mean to you?

To me it is a question that addresses unlimited opportunity, the likes of which are almost beyond even my imagination. I honestly can't even think of a way this could be taken badly, even trying to play devil's advocate.

(25 Feb '12, 15:18) Snow

You see, we talk about higher beings living much longer, being capable of amazing things, etc. If the answer to this is very complex and takes a ton of work to accomplish, so be it. But if the answer is something that has been known for eons... Can you imagine the implications?

Of course I refer to the long known beliefs that shape the LOA, and many older religions. Even the Bible explains it perfectly, such as in Matt 17:20 -

(25 Feb '12, 15:21) Snow

He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

But anyway: This question has no implications to me beyond what I explained here, and its relevancy / applications apply entirely to myself and my own potential.

(25 Feb '12, 15:22) Snow

snow, it sounds like it may be so in your world. what if there is more to us than living in a body thats to have pleased body and mind. and it may guide towards varried beliefs inside waiting to be discovered

(25 Feb '12, 21:17) fred
showing 1 of 6 show 5 more comments

This is the problem with we create reality as we believe. We can become delusional and feel like we are creating everything and everyone by our beliefs. Some insane people believe everyone is a figment of their imagination. We can not allow ourselves to slip that far into reasoning out that thought creates experience. I believe it is reasonable to think maybe that we are all a figment of God's imagination but even that if pondered enough could drive a person insane.

As I see it if we think of another as just a product of our belief or ourselves as just a product of God's belief either way would feel like reality is just a lie and we don't really exist so why bother with anything.

This could lead into a downfall into depression because nothing matters. I believe we all need to feel on some level something is tangible. That we can hold on to as this is how things are and will always be. I know if I walk out my front door I will always be walking out to the same front porch. But if I believe that is because it is my belief and what is to stop me from walking out my front door and being on a snow covered mountain, in the middle of a desert, at the bottom of the ocean, in the sky, on another planet? Is it just my belief that I will be safe going out my door and ending up on my front porch? If we ponder this it can drive us insane feeling reality is very flimsy and we are in it! Nothing is certain! This can bring up some weird phobias and worse if right I could one day walk out that door and never be seen again as I am now on some other planet wondering what happened!

Weird mind blowing stuff to ponder on but not to the point of worrying that your reality is falling apart.

link

answered 25 Feb '12, 13:40

Wade%20Casaldi's gravatar image

Wade Casaldi
36.9k429107

@Wade: First, I understand your point of concern, but for me it isn't really an issue like that. I enjoy life and being alive, even if I find myself bored. What's even funnier to me is I recently had an extremely in depth conversation with someone wherein they attested that "we don't really exist" on similar premise to what you are saying here. But to me even if we are purely a creation of God I don't agree with your next logical step, which is that we don't 'really' exist because of it.

(25 Feb '12, 15:27) Snow

Your reference reminded me of the commercials about gum / food / drinks where the person takes a bite and immediately appears on the top of a mountain. To that I ask.. Wait what would be wrong with that? XD

Anyway, I really like what you had to say here. Thanks for sharing. [Oh, and as an aside: this concept doesn't 'worry' me, it interests me. ;)]

^_^ Thanks again.

(25 Feb '12, 15:29) Snow

i agree with you wade belief is delusionnal. you get stuck in your position and it stop you from learning new truth. but if you would stop believing and just experience it might change your perspective that you end up anny where once you cross the door it would not matter you will experience something and there is no fear to have. experience and enjoy.

(25 Feb '12, 15:30) white tiger

@Snow Ha talk about syncronicity! lol Yes it is a very interesting subject if you can stay grounded and not let it carry you away with it.

(25 Feb '12, 16:20) Wade Casaldi

Thanks Snow and White Tiger. I am glad you both liked that answer. :-)

(25 Feb '12, 16:21) Wade Casaldi
showing 2 of 5 show 3 more comments

good question but the answer is no because you are not alone making choice in this world so cause and effect is still there even if you do not believe in it. but yes removing false belief and staying in the truth will help you alot.god is truth and it created the universe and you are still learning from it so have a open mind and try to learn all the truth that you can learn with out staying stuck in your position. example: you might not like religion because you see only the negative aspect of it but can you see the positive aspect of it. it is in your possibility to know it all. but if you get stuck in your position or belief then you cut your self from the truth. so your choice affect you and people around you. and their choice do the same. experience and enjoy.

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answered 25 Feb '12, 08:09

white%20tiger's gravatar image

white tiger
21.9k115117

edited 25 Feb '12, 15:23

Yes Snow faith should always precede knowledge because without faith knowledge is meaningless. That's why it doesn't matter how much we understand Universal laws on an intellectual level or how many books we read... without faith in the One Principle that drives it all, lasting effective change will never take place.

To make lasting change we have to look at the beliefs that no longer serve us and be willing to let them go whilst having faith in that One Mind that everything is in perfect order even when physical conditions or situations try to convince us otherwise :)

And just as an afterthought, from personal experience, I've come to realize that I always get exactly what I expect. By changing those expectations and allowing (which I equate with faith) the Universe transforms the reality I experience.

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answered 25 Feb '12, 19:03

Michaela's gravatar image

Michaela
35.0k22477

edited 25 Feb '12, 19:39

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