For many lucid dreaming is something quite intangible – mainly because they’ve never heard or even had a lucid dream. However, we’re going to take you through what lucid dreaming is, where it comes from and how it works and also provide some tips on how to lucid dream yourself.
What is it and how does it work?
Lucid dreaming allows you to control your dreams and though many people would consider this quite a bizarre notion – it’s only because they haven’t experienced. In fact, it’s quite simple to prepare yourself and practice techniques that allow you to lucid dream.
Essentially, in a lucid dream you are aware that you’re dreaming – it allows you to realise that the experience you’re having is not a real one and that you’re asleep. By understanding this you will be able to take control of what’s happening and consciously do what you wish to do within the dream.
Dreaming and therefore lucid dreaming tends to occur during the REM phase of sleep. Science doesn’t really understand dreaming, let alone lucid dreaming and many argue that it’s impossible to take control of a dream. However, the numbers of people who would suggest otherwise would signify that lucid dreaming is quite real and very possible. Of course, you can try it and see for yourself.
How to Invoke a Lucid Dream
There’s no sure fire way of lucid dreaming – however there are plenty of techniques that can be performed that increase your chances of having one and encourage them. So, let’s take a look at some techniques used for lucid dreaming.
Take a Nap
One of the easiest ways to encourage lucid dreams will be favoured by those who love their sleep. Simply, wake up a half an hour earlier than you would usually and stay awake for 15-20 minutes before going back to sleep. As you don’t fully wake up the chances of you returning and quickly entering REM are high, increasing the chances of a lucid dream.
Only in Dreams
Another very easy way to increase the chances of lucid dreams is to ask yourself if you’re dreaming during the day. This tends to mean you will be more prone to asking whether or not you’re dreaming when in a dream and so improves the chance of a lucid dream.
MILD
The MILD technique, otherwise known as Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreaming is a longer term approach and takes a little more effort. Here’s how to do it:
- If you wake up from a dream, try and recollect it completely and in detail – writing it down in a dream log if needs be. After you perform this try and keep the last moment of the dream in your mind before returning to sleep. Ideally, you want to re-enter the dream at this point.
- If you succeed you then try and let yourself know it’s a dream and try and by doing this take control within your dream.
Lucid dreaming allows you to take control of your dreams and though there are some who downplay its existence, there are plenty with the opposite opinion. The only way for you to find out is to try it – so go right ahead.
Cormac Reynolds has worked and written on the area of lucid dreaming for years. He enjoys sports and relaxation.