Escaping the Matrix and Waking Up to What’s Truly Important

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi

The Matrix is an operating system controlled by machines. The machines are in full power. They manipulate how we humans feel by tapping into the way we perceive the world. This is carried out by the stimulation of our senses that send signals to the brain that depict our reality. In this state, we have a disillusioned sense of tranquillity, happiness and security. We believe whatever we want to believe. A feeling that we are in control.

At the same time, we are blissfully ignorant. It is this ignorance, combined with a disregard to the truth and a lack of ownership in seeking the truth, that we create the suffering that exists in our lives.

Life in the matrix carries the notion that we live without free will. Our choices are not our own. The reality we experience is largely outside our control. If machines are in full power, having their fun creating the reality we humans live, then not one of us is awake. We are all asleep living our blissful and sufferable existences. Holding onto false hope or having no hope. Not knowing that indeed we are at the forefront of how well we live this experience.

In the movie, The Matrix Neo is offered the choice to take the blue pill or the red pill. The red pill would wake him up and remove him from the machine world. Freedom inspired by the truth of reality. The blue pill will keep him living in the dream world. In a state of ignorance, false comfort and illusions, aligned with the status quo.

In this state of ignorance, there is suffering due to a yearning for freedom and a desire for truth. For those who become conscious of their conforming reality, begin to find the intolerance becomes unbearable. Just as Neo seeks to discover the secrets of the Matrix, those of us who wake up will begin the search for more meaning, more freedom, more self-control, more purpose, more fulfilment and more happiness.

We take the blue pill and release ourselves from tranquil ignorance and conformed comforts and we are now free. This freedom comes at a cost. We now face the difficulties of living with the truths of reality. These truths can be harsher than living in acceptance of the confined comforts and ignorance that we once knew. It is why we often revert back to life on the red pill. However, once we get a taste for life on the blue pill it is difficult to resist. The transition may be long and arduous and so is the journey of life.

Taking a blue pill is being in acceptance of our ignorance and conformity. It will bring conscious awareness to the state of our current reality. In this state, we will begin to remove the covers that blind us. Opening doors that we’ve been reluctant to peer into. In the process of shaking up our routines and stepping outside our comfort zones, we begin to see greater truths that help shift our beliefs. It is not always easy yet who said life was meant to be easy? Pushing through our fears, beyond our comfort zones, and moving past life’s challenges are like calluses of the mind. They make us tougher and more resilient.

What was never considered is now on the top of the mind. What was thought impossible is seen as possible. This strengthens our beliefs and builds the courage to do more. Freedom is felt like it’s never been felt before. We receive different feelings of joy. A sense of happiness that isn’t found in modern-day comforts or societal illusions. For the first time we experience reality as it should be, a reality shaped by what’s within.

In the Matrix machines rule the world, and although not the actual reality today, I believe it’s similar to how we live our lives today – ruled! We live in a society that taps into our mental psyche by tugging on our emotional chords and influencing our senses and we are driven by external realities on how to think and behave. Ultimately it determines our reality. A delusional state encouraged by ignorance and mislead by false ideas and beliefs.

If we take the blue pill, we will wake up to all that really is. The challenges we face will cause suffering that is more real than the false pain we experience in the Matrix. However, it is suffering that serves a greater purpose. A purpose to strengthen our ability to be driven by the internal navigation one that will lead us down paths in life more beautiful with experiences richer and truer. In escaping the Matrix we wake up to what’s truly important in life.

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.