What is Lucid Dreaming
Lucid dreaming is a state in which you are asleep and yet, you are aware that you are dreaming. For some people lucid dreaming is a natural occurrence. However, for most of us it is a process of learning how to induce it. Also, it may take a lot of practice.
In the research that I have done, lucid dreaming is more spontaneous with younger people. It is noted that people with fully developed brain, meaning adults, have to work on developing this skill.
I know at least one person who uses lucid dreaming on a consistent basis. Therefore I have no doubt that it is a real phenomenon. I personally have lucid dreaming episodes, however, I am unable to control my dreams. On the other hand, my friend, often controls his dreams. He doesn’t do this all the time, as he sometimes prefers to have a normal dream experience.
My friend can also awaken from a dream, go back to sleep, pick up where he was, and carry on with the dream.
Does Lucid Dreaming Have any Benefits?
Personally, one of the reasons I have decided to play with lucid dreaming is because my sleep quality is poor. Some studies show that people who use lucid dreaming have superior sleep quality. Knowing this piqued my interest at once.
However, at this point I am failing at this task. It may be due to my poor quality of sleep. I am not prepared to give up. I will continue to work on this process as I often times have a high quality of sleep for a few days at a time. I believe that, if I can get a break through, it may improve my sleep quality in general.
Other Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
Common benefits of lucid dreaming include;
- Overcoming fears and nightmares
- Cosmic adventures
- Spiritual growth and development
- Inner work
- Emotional healing
- Problem solving
- The ability to control dreams
Overcoming Nightmares
I hate having nightmares. However, when I am aware that I am asleep and dreaming, I am, often times able to wake myself up from the dream. Other times I have to depend on other people to wake me.
Nightmares often leave me in a fearful state even after I awaken. My dream state is completely vivid, colorful, and realistic, especially my nightmares.
I can recall dreams that I had as a child and through the years as though they just happened. Therefore, when I awaken due to a nightmare, it takes me for ever to shake off the effects. I often don’t know if I am dreaming or if this is my reality. However, if I am aware that I am dreaming, I can wake myself up and go right back to sleep.
I want the ability to control my dreams in order to have control over my nightmares, and to improve my sleeping quality.
A Note of Caution
Some research suggests that for people who have mental health issues, lucid dreaming could possibly cause negative effects. Therefore, if you fall into this category, my suggestion is that you consult with a professional before indulging in this process. In any case please do your own research just in case your decision to try this out may cause unwanted consequences.
How to Induce Lucid Dreaming
Prepare your bedroom for a comfy, cozy, nights sleep. Make sure the bedroom is as dark as possible, and very quiet. Also keep the temperature cool about 65 degrees Fahrenheit . I like to keep my room at about 59 degrees Fahrenheit, (15 Degrees Celsius).
You will also want to do some reality checks during the day so you will be prepared to recognize whether you are asleep dreaming or awake. For example, ask yourself if you are awake or dreaming. If you answer this question, you are indeed awake.
Check your reflection in the mirror, is it normal? Push your hand against a solid object, if your hand goes through it, well, you are obviously dreaming. Pinch your nose, test to see if you can still breathe through your nose, if so, guess what, you are dreaming.
Check to see how many fingers you have, If you have several more than the usual 10, have fun dreaming. Check the clock, if it says 66:00 o’clock, you are again in dreamland. If these strange things are happening, you will know you are asleep. Do these simple checks several times during your wakeful hours. the more you do this in your wakeful state the easier it will be to do so while dreaming.
Keep a Record of Your Dreams
For years I kept records of my dreams and when I look back on them , I can recall every element of them immediately. This helped me to remember more dreams every night and to see them and experience them more vividly.
It is suggested by some that this process help to induce lucid dreaming more quickly. It will also help you to recognize that you are sleeping and therefore trigger a lucid dream.
How to Wake up From a Lucid Dream
- Move a finger or a toe
- Speak out loud or yell to wake yourself up
- Try falling asleep in your dream so you can wake up in reality
Recommended Reading
- Are you Dreaming: Exploring Lucid Dreams Daniel Love
- Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to Inner Self Robert Waggoner
- Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming Robert Waggoner
- Journeys out of the Body Robert A. Monroe
FYI: These books are also available on Kindle with reduced prices in some cases.
Featured Image: 4144132 and by Pixabay