How to Experience More of Reality

The Brain’s Role in Shaping What We Perceive

What is reality? This question has puzzled philosophers, scientists, and everyday people for centuries. Is reality something fixed and objective, existing independently of our minds? Or is it shaped entirely by our individual perceptions? Lisa Feldman Barrett, a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, challenges both views. She argues that reality is not purely objective nor purely subjective, but something constructed through our brains’ predictive processes. Her work suggests that what we experience as reality is deeply tied to how our brains interpret sensory input based on past experiences.

Barrett explains that the brain does not passively receive information from the world. Instead, it constantly makes predictions about what sensory data means, using prior experience to fill in gaps. This means that two people can witness the same event and walk away with different interpretations of what happened. For example, one person might see a frown as anger, while another sees it as concentration — not because the visual input differs, but because their brains predict different meanings based on context and history. This predictive nature of perception means that reality, as we experience it, is not a direct mirror of the external world but a best-guess simulation built by the brain.

How Can We Expand Our Experience of Reality?

If our brains shape reality through prediction, can we change what we perceive? Barrett suggests that exposing ourselves to new experiences, diverse perspectives, and unfamiliar environments can update the brain’s predictive models. By intentionally seeking out situations that challenge our assumptions — such as traveling to new cultures, learning unfamiliar skills, or engaging in mindfulness practices — we may broaden the range of what our brains consider possible. This doesn’t mean we can access an objective „true” reality, but it does mean we can enrich our subjective experience of the world by making our brains more flexible and open to new patterns of interpretation.

Does this mean reality is just an illusion? No, Barrett does not claim reality is an illusion. She argues that while our perception is constructed by the brain, it is grounded in real sensory input and serves an adaptive function. The brain’s predictions help us navigate the world effectively, even if they are not perfect copies of external reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can changing our mindset change what we consider real? Yes, to a degree. Since perception relies on prediction, altering our expectations, beliefs, or emotional states can influence how we interpret sensory information. For instance, someone who believes the world is dangerous may perceive neutral faces as threatening, while someone who feels safe may see the same faces as friendly. Shifting mindset can therefore shift perceptual experience.

Is there a way to know what is truly objective? Barrett suggests we may never access pure objectivity, as all perception is filtered through the brain’s predictive machinery. However, science and shared observation allow us to build consensus about what is likely real — not because we see things as they are in themselves, but because our predictive models converge through communication and evidence.