Our reality is not only perceived, but it is also a reality that we apply our conceptions to in order to understand it. This fact can actually be seen with optical illusions as there is nothing about reality that deceives us, but rather it is our brains that deceive us. The question that then emerges is how much our conceptions impact our reality. It seems by any account that the degree to which a conception impacts reality is actually highly significant, but how should this be considered?
By the way, to entertain you all, here is an optical illusion. The blue and the green spirals are actually the same color. No joke.
(If you don't believe me, then check out the link:
http://forgetomori.com/2009/science/bes ... this-year/ )
The concept that you differentiate between your brain and yourself probably requires further investigation.