Eliminate distractions so you can focus just on your own thoughts. Make a “shifting playlist” or play songs from your favorite movies and shows. Light a candle that reminds you of a fun place you want to visit, like a forest. Find a comfortable position to sit or lie down when concentrating.
“I’m bored from social distancing and want some entertainment. " “I’ve been stressed from school and just want to relax for a bit. " “I want to feel what it’d be like to be a Firebender!”
Think about gorgeous settings from movies that took your breath away. Combine worlds—for example, take elements from a novel and a show. Dream up an original DR. Reflect on what your ideal reality would be like.
Make a character bio—includes details like your backstory and your habits. Draw your “DR self” or use an easy portrait maker like Artbreeder. Hold onto traits you love about yourself, like funniness or kindness.
“I want to travel alongside a prince who can befriend dragons. " “I’m looking for allies who will support me through every challenge!” “I hope to be part of a clan that protects its planet!”
Make time ratios fit around your life in your CR. For example, spend 1 hour in your CR experiencing a month in your DR, then come back for dinner. Treat yourself when you have more free time in your CR. For instance, if you’re on spring break, you can take a couple hours a day traveling in your DR.
Look up other phrases related to fandoms you love, like #harrypotter or #anime. Reply to the comments of fellow shifters and share your own perspective. Take notes of details that thrill you, like the chance to meet a book character.
Script when to visit your DR—maybe you’d like to see the Shire during summer. Express what you don’t want in your script, like running into Voldemort. Decide what you’d prefer to leave up to chance, like quests or friendships.
It may also help to turn off the lights and put on some serene music. Grounding exercises promote positive visualization and guided imagery. [9] X Research source Self-hypnosis allows you to focus less on your CR and more on your DR.
“I shift to enter a perfect world. " “My reality can be shaped by my mind. " “I welcome my wildest dreams. "
“The Raven Method”: Lie down in the starfish position and count to 100 while you repeat your affirmations. “The Alice in Wonderland Method”: Imagine that you’re leaning on a tree until someone from your DR runs by, then chase them like they’re the White Rabbit. “The Pillow Method”: Write affirmations down on a piece of paper, then tuck it behind your pillow right before you sleep. “The Heartbeat Method”: Listen to audio of a heartbeat while you picture lying on the chest of someone you’re dating in your DR. “The Train Method”: Close your eyes and picture that you’re on a train ride to your DR.
If you visualize going down a rabbit hole, then you may feel gravity pulling you. If you picture astral projecting—sending your consciousness somewhere else—then you might experience a floating sensation. You may see a bright light, which is a sign you’re close to your DR. Your heart might race because you’re excited about your trip. You might think about an angel number, like 999, which sometimes represents that you’re destined to help others—it’ll be a sign from your DR.
Have fun with smell, taste, and touch, too—for example, lose yourself in the delicious aromas of an amazing feast, sample potions and dishes your buddies concoct, and pet a phoenix’s feathers. Enjoy the experience of other senses, like the sixth sense or any others you come up with—maybe you can feel other people’s emotions in your DR.
In the US: call or text 988, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline[16] X Research source In the UK: call 116 123, the Samaritans helpline[17] X Research source or 0800 068 41 41, the HOPELineUK In Australia, call 13 11 14. The suicide call back service is 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue Support Service[18] X Research source In India, call 022-2552-1111 to reach the iCall helpline[19] X Research source For an international directory of suicide hotlines, visit The International Association for Suicide Prevention here or Befrienders Worldwide here.
