Let the dream direct you or direct the dream yourself?
A few years back, I became fascinated with the concept of lucid dreaming. Always having vivid and detailed dreams, it fascinated me that one might be able to control their own dreams. After reading about it, I was somewhat skeptical. Then, after reading a number of books and websites, I was able to become lucid within one of my dreams and I was hooked.
Hopefully, with this lens, you can get a good idea of what lucid dreaming is about and how to do you it yourself.
My First Lucid Dream
I had woken up around 4 in the morning and couldn't go back to sleep. An hour or so later, I fell asleep, but before I did, I continually said to myself, "When I fall asleep, I will be dreaming." I also told myself, "If I find myself anywhere else than on this bed, I'll definitely know that I'm dreaming."
Low and behold, I found myself on the New York Subway System after I fell asleep, immediately recognized I was dreaming and took control of the dream.
Books on Lucid Dreaming
Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming
This was the first book I read on lucid dreaming and I find it to be the most factual. It reads a bit like a science textbook at times, but it's also the most well thought out of the books on lucid dreaming, in my opinion.
Amazon Price: $7.50 (as of 08/30/2008)
Lucid Dreams in 30 Days, Second Edition: The Creative Sleep Program
This one's a little bit more fun and I'd suggest using it in conjunction with the above book.
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 08/30/2008)
Misconceptions About Lucid Dreaming
- Lucid dreams, just like dreams when you are unaware that you're dreaming, have to be remembered to be enjoyed. Just because you're lucid doesn't mean you'll remember the dream.
- When you're lucid, you might become concerned that you will begin to act out your dreams with your physical body. You won't. As much as it feels real, you're body is completely dormant.
- When you first begin lucid dreaming, you might think that it's possible to immediately begin controlling every aspect of your dream such as making objects and people appear with the snap of a finger. While this is possible, it takes a bit of practice.
Reasons Why You'd Want to Lucid Dream
To take control of nightmares
If you have recurrent nightmares, you can take con more...1 point
To do things that you are uncapable of upon waking
In dreams, you can fly without need of aircraft, m more...1 point
To visit exotic locales without leaving home
While lucid dreaming, you can visit any place you' more...0 points
To overcome everyday fears
Have a fear of public speaking? Practice while luc more...0 points
To brainstorm creative ideas
If you're a writer, you can step into the shoes of more...0 points
Ways To Induce a Lucid Dream
- MILD Technique - With the MILD technique, you wake up at least five hours into your nightly sleep. When you do, you begin to remind yourself that when you fall asleep again, you will recognize that you're dreaming.
- NILD Technique - The NILD technique is different than the MILD technique in that you remain awake an hour or so and then go back to sleep.
What Is Reality Testing?
A good test is to find a group of words nearby, perhaps a billboard or the cover of a book, read the words, look away and then read them again. When you're dreaming, your dream world is constantly changing. In dreams, you can rarely reread the same sentence twice. It will usually change. However, as you well know, if you read the cover of a book while awake, look away and then read it again, the words will be the same.
The reason for doing this is so that you become so used to doing it that you ask yourself the same question while you actually are dreaming. When you check your surroundings and see that you are dreaming, you will gain lucidity.
Dream Recall
In order to improve your dream recall, you're going to need to keep a journal by your beside. When you wake up, try to move as little as possible while getting your dream journal. Begin to write down key elements of your dream. You don't need correct spelling or perfect prose. Just write down key elements of the dream such as "smoked a cigarette," "red car," or "spoke with Holly." When you're fully awake, these notes will most likely trigger other parts of the dream and you'll begin to remember the dream more fully. Once you do, fill in the blanks and catalogue all you can remember. This will not only help you to remember future dreams, but it will also give you an idea of what your dream signals are.
Dream Journals
My Dream Journal (Interactive Journals)
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 08/30/2008)
Adventures in Wonderland Dream Journal
Amazon Price: $12.95 (as of 08/30/2008)
Dreams Take Flight Journal
Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 08/30/2008)
Lucid Dreaming Websites
- LD4all - your online guide on lucid dreaming, dream control and conscious dreams
- LD4All is a nicely put together website that features a forum in order to share tips and experiences with fellow dreamers.
- Wikibooks: Lucid Dreaming
- An entire book online containing information and techniques for lucid dreaming.
- Lars' Lucid Dreaming FAQ
- This is one of the first sites I found on lucid dreaming. It contains a wealth of information. It's one long document, so get ready to scroll.
Dream a little dream....
Or leave a little feedback.
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riff999
I have always been interested in lucid dreaming but unfortunately never stuck with any method long enough to produce results. After reading about your experiences, I'm going to give it another shot. Posted August 29, 2007 |
