Explaining What A Lucid Dream Is

July 27, 2009 by Paul White  
Filed under Yoga

In simple terms, if one has a dream and they’re actually aware of the fact that they’re dreaming, then that is known as a lucid dream. In the context of dreaming, ‘lucid’ means being aware or conscious, but of course the lucidity of a dream can vary dramatically depending on the dream itself, how much of the dream you remember, and also how much influence you have with regards to controlling the dream.

It is this last point which is by all accounts the most astounding quality of a lucid dream, given that you are actually able to identify the fact that you’re busy having a dream. Is it not remarkable that one can actually control the direction of your dream, and that you’re not restricted in any way whatsoever?

Can you even for one minute imagine what it feels like, bearing in mind that it not only looks and sounds like reality, but it even feels like reality. Of course the big difference is, when you have a lucid dream you know that it’s only a dream. Furthermore, you know that you cannot get injured and you know that you cannot die, so personal safety is not an issue. Of course, because there are no rules or regulations, you’re basically free to do exactly as you choose. The bottom line is; lucid dreaming is like having your own personal world of ‘virtual reality’ with a quality far beyond anything else known to man.

It simply cannot be denied that lucid dreaming is a skill which can only be described as being fantastic. It’s hardly surprising really that so many people are now longing to master the art of lucid dreaming. Interestingly enough, most people will have the occasional lucid dream but just imagine if you could experience one whenever you want.

Depending on your own personal desires, lucid dreaming can be your own private doorway to the most incredible experiences. From socializing with world famous celebrities, to visiting distant lands and exotic places, lucid dreaming opens up a whole new world of opportunity. In fact, one can even travel to the most distant planets of the universe or spend some quality time with loved ones who have already departed from this world.

Unfortunately, experiencing regular lucid dreams where you have the ability to control them has until recently been a fairly complicated process. In fact, many people had no option but to spend months undergoing instruction and learning how to condition themselves. Even then, while many people did manage to experience lucid dreams, even if only for brief moments, others never succeeded at all.

Are there any quick and easy ways to experience a lucid dream?

While some people may not agree, others believe firmly that certain foods have the ability to induce a lucid dream. In fact, it’s recommended that you have cheese, milk, orange juice and even mustard immediately before going to sleep.

Furthermore, it is said that other foods such as pickles, popcorn, fish, and even ice cream, can all help those wishing to experience a lucid dream. While these foods may not be as effective as those mentioned first, it is believed that these certainly do help to improve dream recall. Many also believe that these foods help to prepare the brain for future lucidity. The big problem however is, none of these foods will be much good as far as a good night’s rest is concerned, given that they are full of sugar, salt, and fat.

How can technology help?

Of course as technology continues to advance at an alarming rate, the ability to assist with lucidity improves. In fact one can now purchase certain devices which have the ability to not only stimulate, but also to induce lucid dreaming. From masks to eyeshades, these innovative devices are able to recognize rapid eye movement and in turn they respond with a blinking red diode the minute one starts to fall asleep. The purpose of this is to integrate the beam of light into the dream itself in order to remind the subject that they are dreaming. This in turn enables you to start taking control once you become aware of the fact that you’re dreaming.

In addition to the devices mentioned above, there have also been some marvelous developments in sound technology which by all accounts have quite literally opened the doors to the world of lucid dreaming. Scientists have developed a process known as binaural beats which utilize sound waves of different frequencies played into each ear.

Essentially, this intriguing new process aims to synchronize the two hemispheres in the brain and the amazing thing is; results are almost instantaneous in that rapid eye movement occurs almost immediately when one starts listening to these binaural beats. The state of sleep where REM takes place is of course the state of sleep required for lucid dreaming.

Anyone who has an interest in experiencing a lucid dream can be rest assured that this is without a doubt the easiest and most reliable way for getting started.

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