So, I've been searching the internet, trying to learn what I can about CHIM and what it means to know it, and there are two explanations I seem to see the most.

The first is that Tamriel and the entire Elder Scrolls universe is just a dream, and none of it is real, save for the dreamer. CHIM would be one realizing this, realizing their nonexistence, but denying it. Failure to do so would result in "evaporation". Success would result in gaining a heightened awareness and gaining "powers" reminiscent of being aware you're dreaming and being able to control it.

The second is that CHIM is when one realizes they're part of a video game, and aren't real beyond the video game. The results are the same as above: one can either accept their nonexistence and disappear or deny it and maintain their individuality and gain heightened awareness and power, possibly through the ability to use the Creation Kit.

Then there is the idea that these two explanations are both true: that the "dreamer" is the creator or creators of the game.

What's hard for me to grasp about the first explanation is that it means that everything in the Elder Scrolls universe, save for the dreamer, doesn't exist in the universe's canon. When you're playing an Elder Scrolls game, you're playing in a universe that doesn't exist in real life, but also doesn't exist within it's own fictional universe. Wouldn't that prevent any kind of immersion?

What's hard for me to grasp about the second explanation is that it seems to me that it breaks the fourth wall. It canonizes the existence of the real world within Elder Scrolls canon, which, again, seems to me like it would prevent any kind of immersion. I've also read parts of the 36 Lessons of Vivec which some say canonize things like pausing the game, loading a save after dying, etc.

So how much stock would you put in these explanations? Some of them seem to be at a lack of sources, at least that I saw. Are there many other plausible theories/explanations as to what it means to know CHIM, or what is meant in the 36 Lessons of Vivec?

http://www.imperial-library.info/content/more-psijic-endeavor covers Michael Kirkbride's concept of CHIM.

Veloth describes the Psijic Endeavor as a process of glorious apotheosis, where time itself is bent inward and outward into 'a shape that is always new'. Those who can attain this state, called chim, experience an ineffable sense of the godhead, and escape the strictures of the world-egg.

Chim chimney chim chimney chim chim cher-ee.