For the vast majority of us the ability to tell the difference between what is real and what is fantasy is a skill we only have when we are awake. However for those that know how to lucid dream they can live out any fantasy they wish whilst fast asleep. For those that are not aware, lucid dreaming is the ability to be fully aware of the fact that you are dreaming. What this means is that rather than your dream being controlled by the whims of your unconscious, your conscious mind (i.e. you) takes control of your dream. So whatever adventure you wish to have whilst dreaming is limited only by your imagination.
Although all of this sounds like great fun you may be wondering how it is possible to actually take control of your own dreams. In fact you may even be thinking that you have enough trouble trying to recall your normal dreams never mind trying to consciously control them. No worries though, I’m here to help out. What you need if to learn lucid dreaming techniques and on this site you’ll learn just that.
Lucid Dreaming Technique: Dream Recall
The first skill you need to acquire to learn how to lucid dream is dream recall. This is important because the ability to recall common themes within your dreams will help you to recognize when you are actually dreaming. Practice dream recall by keeping a pen and writing pad at the side of your bed. Whenever you awake, whether during the night or in the morning, make a note of your dream. This will quickly help you identify any symbols, people or places that regularly crop up.
By regularly practicing dream recall you should notice two things. Firstly that your ability to recall your dreams quickly improves, and secondly that certain themes, whether they be people, places or symbols regularly occur in your dreams. These themes are important in developing the ability to lucid dream as they can act as triggers. By reminding yourself to look out for these triggers before going to sleep it may help you to realize you are actually in a dream. If for example you regularly see a red ball in your dreams then recognizing it may be enough to trigger the fact you are indeed dreaming. Doing so will then allow your conscious mind to be aware of the fact and allow you to take control.
Lucid Dreaming Technique: Reality Check
Another important lucid dreaming technique that can help in lucid dreaming is called the reality check. During waking hours try and get into the habit of asking yourself “is this a dream?” If you do this on a regular basis then that habit may well transfer itself to when you are dreaming. Many lucid dreamers state that asking themselves this question when dreaming acts as a trigger, and alerts them to the fact that they are indeed dreaming. Once that has been established, as with the thematic triggers, they can then begin to control the dream and take it in any direction they wish to go.
Of course as with learning any new skill you are going to have to practice patience, persistence and consistency. Chances are you are not going to master it overnight. Before going to sleep make sure you focus your attention on the fact that you intend to dream lucidly. Along with practicing the other skills needed to know how to lucid dream it should not be long before you can control your own dreams as and when you please. Doing so will allow you to become the director of your own movie and have incredible adventures whilst sleeping safely in the comfort of your own bed.