We all as conscious entities have collections of convictions and observations that merge and overlap to form our mental model of reality. It is in this mental approximation of reality that we analyze past events, decide current actions and project future events. Sometimes our systems of beliefs contradict each other, and from this divergence our concept of reality fractures into multiple models. Perhaps model A predicts that today will be a warm day since the past week has been warm, while model B predicts cool weather based on meteorological indicators. There are now two different possible future realities and your confidence in either model will probably be affected by which one correctly predicts the weather. Splits like this happen all the time, as possible explanations and predictions vie with each other based upon the weight of experience, observation and conviction.

Often these splits are unintentional, as possible models for explaining why events that are occurring are happening. However, with creativity new explanations can alter, challenge, or support existing notions forming your model of reality. Take a ball rolling down a hill for example; classical mechanics would say that the force of gravity pulling the ball and the earth towards each other as well as the static friction between the ball and the surface of the hill are the the motive forces behind the ball’s movement. However another possible explanation is that the ball is a conscious entity and simply is acting according to it’s whims. Ockham’s razor would dictate that since the rules of classical mechanics seem to govern most if not all of observed events that we should assume the simpler explanation that fits the larger pattern rather than making a completely new rule set for the situation.

These two explanations seem to conflict but with a little creativity one can synthesize a model that folds in both reasons. For example perhaps for an object to be allowed to exist in the material realm it must agree to follow certain rules, to always desire the outcome dictated by natural law. Therefore the ball rolling down the hill could both be fulfilling its desire as well as following the laws of classical mechanics. The conscious ball theory can therefore be metaphysically explained in such a way that it does not interfere or contradict the materialistic classical mechanical way.

Making up “toy” models to explain a situation can be a fun and enlightening pastime. They can be light, humorous and completely divorced from the rest of your perceived reality, or they can be deep, poignant and paradigm shifting. After all, nothing is certain, so why not poke holes in your preconceived notions about your experience and see what peeks through?