Those are Morpheus’ last words to Neo before he takes the red pill. It’s then that he’s shown the the truth of his reality.
What is this truth?
That the world he thought was real was actually a simulated reality, the Matrix, designed to enslave humanity.
Obviously reality is far different from The Matrix. But there is an ever-present ‘force’ pulling us into an illusory state, or forced perception, and driving us away from our true sense of self. Western society’s focus on consumerism and productivity plays into this.
Even though this isn’t something tangible, using the term “the matrix” as a metaphor can help us to define these forces and wake up to their influence.
So how do you escape the matrix? The answer is to go on a journey of self-discovery and break free from social conditioning. This involves starting to question your beliefs, becoming curious about the world around you, and creating an authentic life that aligns wth your true deep-seated values.
Let’s examine in more detail how to escape the matrix and deprogram yourself so you can live a more genuine existence.
What is the Matrix?
It’s not exactly an easy-to-grasp concept, so let’s first clarify what we’re referring to when we talk about the matrix.
It’s an invisible influence that causes us to think in certain manners on autopilot. Many times we don’t even realize these forces exist.
For instance, do you ever feel like you’re blindly chasing money? Consumerism can steer us into an unhealthy mindset where there’s a need to always have more, do better, and achieve more. It can lead to feelings of unfulfillment, where you never have enough to happy.
What we believe and how we behave is guided by conditioning. This conditioning comes from education, family dynamics, media, culture, and society as a whole. It makes up the basis of what the matrix is.
Overlap with Subjective Idealism
The idea of the matrix has a lot of overlap with subjective idealism, a philosophical concept also present in Buddhism. This is the idea that the physical world is not real, only our minds and physical objects. We create images of everything else outside of this.
This concept can be shocking, but freeing at the same time. It puts the control back in your hands.
We can’t control the world around us. But we can control our minds, and therefore our perceptions. Awareness is the first step to breaking free and escaping from the constructed reality around us.
Signs You Might Be Living in the Matrix
How do you know you’re living in the matrix? There isn’t one single answer, but here are a few signs I’ve noticed in my own life:
One, I’m a bit of a workaholic. I’m always working to overachieve even when others don’t appreciate my efforts. I’m not particularly happy about it, but I have a conditioned need to always do better and prove myself.
I also live in my own head sometimes. I spend so much time thinking about conversations or scenarios that usually never end up happening.
Do you find yourself doing these things? It may be a sign some autopilot scripts are running behind the scenes.
Here are some other hints you might be trapped in the matrix:
- Unfulfillment and disconnect: Do you feel disconnected or unfulfilled in your life? Are your relationships distant? Is work feeling bland, or do you feel removed from your passions?
- Needing validation: Your worth isn’t tied to external validation. If you feel a constant need to be validated by others, you’re setting yourself up for dissatisfaction.
- Prioritizing material things: From the day we’re born we’re plugged into a world of advertising. Billboards, commecials, and marketing all say “You need all these things to be happy.” But you really don’t, and needing to buy things to feel happy will never result in true happiness or peace.
- Fear, doubt, and societal expectation: Everyone wants to be normal. But what is normal anyway? It doesn’t exist. We’re all little unique weirdos just here to find our space in the world. When we conform to a societal mold, it traps us in a matrix and pulls us away from our true selves.
- Ignoring inner wisdom and intuition: At the end of the day, something deep inside of us knows what’s right and wrong for us. Many of us ignore what feels incorrect to please others or keep moving forward. This self-misalignment keeps us from being truly authentic.
Seeing the signs and recognizing that you are trapped in the matrix is the first step toward escaping it. What are the invidiable forces that are keeping you stuck?
Mindset Guide For Escaping the Matrix
The first step is accepting, and the next is escaping.
In Buddhism, there’s the concept of reaching enlightenment. This idea has plety of overlap with the idea of escaping the matrix. It requires us to grow out of the autopilot conditioning that guides our decisions and become our true actualized selves.
But what does it take to get there?
It takes questioning yourself:
What do you believe? On top of that, why do you believe what you believe? Start going down the rabbit hole.
Use critical thinking as you assess these beliefs and how they affect your perception.
Is that perception serving you and making you feel free and full of purpose? If not, question what you need to do to change that perception.
Here’s the thing: the process of escaping shouldn’t result in added stress. Be patient with yourself while you navigate the process.
Question everything
We all have beliefs and idea placed into our minds by outside forces, and it’s good to stop and question them. For example, maybe you’ve believed in a specific religion your entire life without ever stopping to consider why you believe the things you do. It’s great to hold onto those beliefs, but not blindly. Do a deep dive and start to find more answers. You may find your faith evolves based on your analyzed experiences.
Be curious
Approach the world with curiosity. When someone has different thoughts or opinions than you, don’t write them off. Open up to their values and listen to them. Those values may help you to escape your conditioning and open up to a wider worldview. Renowned Eastern philosopher Alan Watts grew up Christian, but later expanded his belief set with inputs from Buddhism, Daoism, and Hinduism.
Find mindfulness
Mindfulness can help set you free. Mindfulness involves getting in touch with your mind without being controlled by outside influences. It requires you to escape compulsive thoughts and exist fully in the present moment. Doing so can help to achieve a state of peace and self-understanding, which you can then use to examine more parts of your life.
Listen to your Intuition
You know that gut feeling that you get? Trust it, even when others in society tell you otherwise. Being a part of the matrix means being separate from your true self. The intuition that you feel is a part of your inert nature. Whether it’s as involved as stepping away from someone you’ve been close to for years or as minute as personal style choices, listen to your inner wisdown. Your gut feeling is a combination your memories, needs, and learnings.
Embrace uncertainty to free yourself from fear
Think about it like this: The past has already happened, so try not to dwell on it. Take the lessons learned and move on. On the other end, the future is yet to happen. It’s okay to plan ahead, but try not to worry too much about it. Everything ahead of the present moment is uncertain and you can never control that. The more you’re okay with things being uncertain, the further removed from the matrix you become.
Practical Steps For Escaping the Matrix
Now that you’re aware of the matrix, how do you break free? Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Declutter and simplify your life: Modern life is filled with clutter. Most of us have way too much stuff and excessive to-do lists. Become an essentialist. Escape from materialism by going through your possessions by deciding what you actually need (which is probably very little of what you actually own). If you’re overbooked, cut everything but the most essential out of your schedule.
- Get into nature: What’s a good way of getting out of the system and back into reality? By spending more time in nature. Not only does it lower stress and anxiety, but also fosters mindfulness.
- Travel and explore: Ever feel stuck in the same place? We often do’t give our minds the space they need to explore new cultures, ideas, and spaces. As a result, our minds get stuck in the same thought loops and patterns. Go somewhere new. Speak with new people. Explore places you never thought you would explore.
- Pursue your passions: You may not like your job even if you’re good at it. If what you’re doing doesn’t truly fulfill you, find out what does. Even a side hustle doing something you love helps you get in touch with your inner being.
- Build a supportive community: When in the matrix, you may be caught in a community that isn’t supportive. To break from this, find a community that supports you and what you’re doing. Doing so will help you find connections with those that will help you grow.
- Take action: Start now, and take one step at a time. The point is not to overwhelm ourselves, but just to gain some momentum and clarity. Start small, and slowly but surely, you’ll see yourself starting to live more freely.
Remember to be mindful and patient with yourself throughout the process. Stay consistent, keep iterating, and your escape will be inevitable with time.
Journeying Beyond the Matrix (Freedom + Purpose)
Escaping the matrix is about forging a deeper connection with your authentic self.
It’s easy to feel hopeless and dissatisfied with your life. But with some conscious effort, it’s possible to change and become who you’re meant to be.
It doesn’t matter how old you are or where you’re at now. Right this second is the best time to start.
You may be wondering what comes from this great escape.
Well, for one thing, you’ll be more creative. Being so in tune with yourself means you’ll be more in touch with your creativity and self-expression.
It also will help you genuinely connect with others and the world around you. Being caught up in the rapid pace of the world pulls you from your own values and passions and replaces them with ones that are not truly your own. Getting out of that helps you connect with the values that mean most to you.
Do you want to live genuinely and find a flow with your own values and beliefs? Then it’s time to deprogram your mind and build the pillars again authentically.
Parting Words
The matrix is a construct built into all of us by the societies that we live in. This construct controls our perceptions, beliefs, ethics, and thoughts. It’s something that can make us feel trapped and unfulfilled. It causes us to reach for a false sense of fulfillment and is built into us by conditioning that starts at birth.
You know you’re stuck in the matrix if you feel unfulfilled, need constant validation, prioritize materialism, have fears and societal expectations, or ignore your intuition. To get out of it you should approach the world with questions and curiosity. You should also be mindful, trust your own intuition, and embrace uncertainty. Actionable steps such as decluttering, traveling, and pursuing your passions can go a long way in speeding up the process.
Start now, take small steps, and with mindfulness and patience, you’ll break free from the matrix and discover a more authentic, fulfilling life.
What other signs have you felt that you’re living in the matrix? What have you found most helpful for escaping? Let us know in the comments below.
