What Is Lucid Dreaming?
In a nutshell, a lucid dream is one where you are aware that you're dreaming whilst you're actually in the dream.
Initially, this may sound a kind of odd position to be in. Although dreams can sometimes appear quite real - especially if they turn nasty on you in the form of nightmares - you usually know that it's just a dream. And once you've woken up, chances are that you have little or no recollection of what you were dreaming about.
Lucid dreaming is something we may have done as a child but, like many childhood skills, we have forgotten the process as we get older.
Whilst no-one is entirely sure why we dream, it is generally thought that the average adult has between 4 and 6 dreams most every night. Quite surprising, isn't it?
The art of lucid dreaming is to start taking control of those dreams and directing their focus. Not to mention remembering what you actually dreamed about.
Do You Want To Know The Truth Behind Lucid Dreaming?
How To Have Lucid Dreams
There are two main ways to start having a lucid dream:- Realize that you are in a dream whilst you are actually dreaming. Then take control of the dream.
- Go straight from a waking state into a lucid dream.
Just like riding a bicycle, you shouldn't expect to start lucid dreaming and immediately become an expert. You may have times when things don't go the way you want them to - don't let these small setbacks put you off. They're just part of the learning process.
Once you get the hang of it, either of these are possible. Even though they may seem like an impossibility at the moment.
Start by just recalling your dreams. Keep a journal by your bed. Start writing down your recollection of your dreams as soon as you wake up. That really does mean immediately - especially at first, our dream recall fades rapidly. So get writing as soon as you wake up.
After a few days of keeping your dreams journal, you should find that your recollection of your dreams starts to get better. Once this happens, you're ready to move on to the next stage.
Start noticing things in your dreams that are definitely something that doesn't happen in real life. Those Superman or Wonderwoman powers, for instance.
These will be some of your cues that you are dreaming. Because if you don't know you're dreaming, how can you expect to control that dream?
After a while, you'll begin to notice recurring themes in your dreams.
Gradually, you'll start to recognize when you're dreaming. Don't work too hard on this - dreams aren't always easy to catch. If you work too hard at it, they'll fade away fast. Don't panic when this happens and don't get annoyed with yourself. Just learn not to try as hard next time. You'll soon get the hang of it and start catching yourself dreaming more often.
Once you can realize you are dreaming and not scare the dream away, you're ready for the most exciting step: controlling your dreams. The hard work is over and the fun is about to begin!
Most people find that it's useful to have some help when you learn how to lucid dream. Check out one of the best tutorials I've found on lucid dreaming. This kit takes you through the art of lucid dreaming, step by step. Within a week, you'll be lucid dreaming like an expert!
What Is Your #1 Thing You Want From Lucid Dreaming?
Lucid Dreaming Book
Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 07/05/2009)
This book goes far beyond the confines of pop dream psychology, establishing a scientifically researched framework for using lucid dreaming--that is, consciously influencing the outcome of your dreams. Based on Dr. Stephen LaBerge's extensive laboratory work at Stanford University mapping mind/body relationships during the dream state, as well as the teachings of Tibetan dream yogis and the work of other scientists, including German psycholgist Paul Tholey, this practical workbook will show you how to use your dreams to: Solve problems; Gain greater confidence; improve creativity, and more.
Lucid Dream Interpretation
Like most hobbies, learning how to lucid dream is just the first stage.You've probably looked at the things that you've written in your dream journal and thought to yourself "What on earth is that all about?"
You probably don't want to visit a shrink just to find out the meaning of your dreams.
So how can you find out more about dream meanings and interpret the dreams you're having?
It's important that whoever you turn to for your lucid dream interpretation knows what they're talking about. That may sound blindingly obvious, but many people have been led in the wrong direction by well-meaning interpretations that are just so far off the mark they're as unreal the dreams themselves.
So you need to get hold of an accurate dream interpretation kit!
So whether your dreams involve being chased (on this planet or off it), flying through the air, chatting with aliens or near enough anything else then it's time to do yourself a favor and start interpreting.
Once you start, I think you'll find it a fascinating insight into your everyday life.
Find out more about dream meanings here.
Demonstration of Lucid Dreaming
Discover More About Lucid Dreams
A lucid dream is a dream in which the sleeper is aware that he or she is dreaming. When the dreamer is lucid, he or she can actively participate in and often manipulate the imaginary experiences in the dream environment. Lucid dreams can seem extremely real and vivid depending on a person's level of self-awareness during the lucid dream.Lucid Dreaming FAQ LaBerge, S. & Lly paralizedevitan, L. (2004). Version 2.3
A lucid dream can begin in one of three ways. A dream-initiated lucid dream (DILD) starts as a normal dream, and the dreamer eventually concludes that he or she is dreaming, while a wake-initiated lucid dream (WILD) occurs when the dreamer goes from a normal waking state directly into a dream state with no apparent lapse in consciousness. A mnemonic-initiated lucid dream (MILD) can happen when the dreamer intentionally affirms to himself or herself that he or she will become lucid during the upcoming sleep. This can sometimes happen due to dream-signs or spontaneously upon remembrance. Lucid dreaming has been researched scientifically, and its existence is well established.
Scientists such as Allan Hobson, with his neurophysiological approach to dream research, have helped to push the understanding of lucid dreaming into a less speculative realm.
Share Your Lucid Dreaming Experiences With The World!
prestoconfuoco wrote...
Nice lens. Another method of inducing lucid dreams is by using binaural beats. Lucid Dream Induction Using Binaural Beats and Brainwave Technology.
Posted March 02, 2008
mulberry wrote...
Interesting. On a couple of occssions I have had a bad dream, realized it was just a bad dream and tried to determine how to stop what was happening; I usually end up waking up but it IS a better feeling once you confront it while still dreaming.
Posted January 20, 2008
