Several years ago I experienced a dream in which I was able to take complete control. I was asleep and I knew this in my dream. I realized that my body was asleep and that each object and character around me was a creation of my mind. Because of this I was able to do anything I desired- fly, jump over buildings, travel to outer space, etc. Since then I only experienced one or two lucid dreams, that is, until about 6 months ago.
I began some research about dreams and different meanings etc. and I stumbled across a few websites, which described lucid dreaming and more importantly, methods of achieving lucid dreams.
I have been practicing these methods for some time now and I experience lucid dreaming probably once or twice a week.
A little history:
For over 1,000 years, the Tibetan Buddhists have been practicing lucid dreaming as a means of approaching enlightenment. In this pursuit, they have developed elaborate techniques for inducing lucidity. Some of these are esoteric beyond the capacity of the uninitiated Western mind to conceive, let alone practice. However, others bear a striking resemblance to the techniques now employed by Western oneironauts, for example, frequent reflection throughout the day on the dreamlike nature of reality. Lucid dreaming is actually being studied at universities, and, if you live in the San Francisco area, you can get paid to participate in lucid dream studies.
Techniques:
I have been told, and have read, that the use of opium before you sleep can help. I have never tried opium, so I cannot support this claim.
One method that works for me is laying on my back in a well lit room, when I'm kind of tired, but not really tired. Usually, lucid dreams occur when you're not completely asleep...about 75-85% asleep.
You can also get in the habit of asking yourself if you're dreaming in real life, even if it seems ridiculous. This way you'll be more likely to ask yourself when you really are dreaming, and realize it. (This is probably the most important part)
It's also important to get in the habit of remembering your dreams. Every morning when you wake, try to focus on the dreams you had throughout the night, remember them and think about them for some time. (The more you think about them, the more likely you will remember them). They say writing down your dreams in the morning or in the middle of the night helps.
Another method is focusing on something throughout the day, such as your hand (stare at your hand for 20-30 sec). If you do this a few times a day, it is likely you will do this in your dream, which at that point, you may realize you're dreaming.
The feeling of lucid dreams is amazing. Some people are lucid dreamers naturally, others need training, and some never experience them. I am curious if anyone else has experienced lucid dreams and if they can share any methods that may help.
I began some research about dreams and different meanings etc. and I stumbled across a few websites, which described lucid dreaming and more importantly, methods of achieving lucid dreams.
I have been practicing these methods for some time now and I experience lucid dreaming probably once or twice a week.
A little history:
For over 1,000 years, the Tibetan Buddhists have been practicing lucid dreaming as a means of approaching enlightenment. In this pursuit, they have developed elaborate techniques for inducing lucidity. Some of these are esoteric beyond the capacity of the uninitiated Western mind to conceive, let alone practice. However, others bear a striking resemblance to the techniques now employed by Western oneironauts, for example, frequent reflection throughout the day on the dreamlike nature of reality. Lucid dreaming is actually being studied at universities, and, if you live in the San Francisco area, you can get paid to participate in lucid dream studies.
Techniques:
I have been told, and have read, that the use of opium before you sleep can help. I have never tried opium, so I cannot support this claim.
One method that works for me is laying on my back in a well lit room, when I'm kind of tired, but not really tired. Usually, lucid dreams occur when you're not completely asleep...about 75-85% asleep.
You can also get in the habit of asking yourself if you're dreaming in real life, even if it seems ridiculous. This way you'll be more likely to ask yourself when you really are dreaming, and realize it. (This is probably the most important part)
It's also important to get in the habit of remembering your dreams. Every morning when you wake, try to focus on the dreams you had throughout the night, remember them and think about them for some time. (The more you think about them, the more likely you will remember them). They say writing down your dreams in the morning or in the middle of the night helps.
Another method is focusing on something throughout the day, such as your hand (stare at your hand for 20-30 sec). If you do this a few times a day, it is likely you will do this in your dream, which at that point, you may realize you're dreaming.
The feeling of lucid dreams is amazing. Some people are lucid dreamers naturally, others need training, and some never experience them. I am curious if anyone else has experienced lucid dreams and if they can share any methods that may help.
