Hey Jon,

Great question. I could almost write a book on this one. :d/

Let me first point you to a blog post that addresses this topic exactly: http://blog.theuniversesolved.com/2013/09/06/the-consensus-reality-spectrum/

I think that our experiences are conscious processes. When we experience a dream, our consciousness is actually experiencing something, but it may be something that it is extracting from our local data store (brain) plus maybe a bit from the nonlocal data store (all other info that is out there). When we experience something more consistent with somebody else's experience, such as a mutual lucid dream, our consciousnesses are working together to construct an experience for both of us. When we experience what we normally call physical reality, it is all of our consciousnesses (who reside in the reality) that work together to create the experience. Really not much difference in principle.

So the question is, do they happen simultaneously? Certainly, they do, since mutual lucid dreams, dreams, OBEs, physical reality all happen at the same time (although see "Bot"-tee-licious' latest Checkmate post about time). In that sense, they are certainly parallel.

But can they happen simultaneously to the same consciousness? This is tough question. But, given that (or at least given that I tend to believe that) our individuated consciousnesses are all part of the same - all connected, then effectively all of these experiential realities are happening simultaneously to the same consciousness. There is evidence (mostly anecdotal) that a particular individuated consciousness (part of the whole, like you or I) can effectively split and be in two places at once, maybe two physical bodies, or maybe one body that is having two experiences. Certainly, in the case of an OBE, the consciousness splits. Some appears to stay in the physical body and monitor physical sensations while the branch is off in OBE land. So, parallel realities and dreams. Yes!

What do others think?

Hi Jon D and jim,

My current thinking is that we live within the body or framework of a giant Matrix or Hologrid where consciousness resides. I posit that our own individuated consciousness is responsible for creating the pattern of our unique pixelated selves, that is permanently 'locked' into stable position, within the one Matrix, for the duration of each life (multiple re-incarnations may apply). The idea of an infinite number of alternate/parallel universes populated by infinite alternate duplicate beings doesn't apply in this case! The purpose of the Matrix is to grow and learn to become the perfect Hologram of the One (= 'Logos' - my favourite term for "All That Is").

We are yet part of the Whole (= One), but as part of the Whole, we are the Whole expressing itself as part of the Whole. So, we are the part, we are the Whole, we are one and the same, but expressing the Whole as a part - this, more or less, describes a Hologram.

The interconnectedness of the Hologrid means that when we experience a dream our consciousness (or part of it) is free to roam around the Grid and pick up something, not only, from our own local data store (brain) - as jim suggests- but from everyone else's as well. Furthermore, as levels of consciousness rise, there will follow an increased ability to connect to the 'brain' of the Matrix i.e. the 'Logos'. However, it is not necessary to be in the dream state to make this connection. A sincere quest to find 'truth' and/or a quiet non-intensive meditative procedure (daydream?!?) is all that is required.