I have spent some time talking to a whole lot of people about my experiences I've had so far with lucid dreaming. But i have realised that most people have a whole lot of things that they are still unclear about when it comes to this dreaming experience. So below i have compiled a list of the questions that most people are always having in mind. Whether as a beginner or an experienced lucid dreamer, the below FAQs and answers are very important .
What is Lucid Dreaming?
Lucid dreaming is a dream that takes place when a person is aware of the fact that He or She is dreaming as the dream is happening. So in a lucid dream, a person dreaming or the dreamer is able to consciously awake in a dream and be in control to a certain degree or extent over their participation while in the dream, this means that the dreamer can manipulate the environment of the dream and the participation in that dream. these dreams can be vivid and realistic . This state of dreaming is achieved by straightening one's concentration, focus and consciousness.It might look like a new age practice but actually lucid dreaming has been around for centuries. This experience is without any doubts unique and one of a kind since the dreamer is able to influence the structure and activities within a dream. People normally have dreams but it is only when one is in the Lucid state that makes it possible for them to be consciously aware of the activities within the dream. This experience takes a dreamer to even higher realm, your senses are as realistic as in a normal awaken state, since you are able to wake up within the dream everything feels, sounds and seems real.
Can Anyone Have A Lucid Dream?
Whenever i came across this question i always laugh, no really hey. The thing is as much as this dreaming experience is unique and needs techniques, anyone who's knowledgeable can do it. I mean Lucid dreaming is not really for a specific group of people. But i have to stress and emphasise the fact that it is not easy to do but also once you study about it and practice a couple of times it really becomes easy to initiate. The most important thing that i believe most people seem to overlook at is the fact that you SHOULD study first, acquire as much knowledge about lucid dreaming before trying to Lucid Dream. I've seen people failing to reach the stage of lucidity simply because they never gave themselves enough time to learn about this experience. Why am I saying this?, Well it is simply because with lucid dreaming there are stages that one has to know about and even so it might get very complicated if not frightening for a beginner , even worst for a person with not that much knowledge. So answering the question about who can lucid dream, I would honestly say anyone who has the time and patience to study before trying to lucid dream.
What Is Dream Control ?
Well this is one of the very interesting sections of these FAQs . The ability to initiate and own control in a lucid dream is really an essential skill that all lucid dreamers and people interested in learning to lucid dream should have. There's nothing and as frightening as having a lucid dream but without any control.
You can also check out my post on How To Control Your Dreams to get more information and tips on dream control.
Remember what you see or create there in a dream is a projection of your thoughts raised from your subconsciousness. Now most lucid dreamers , especially beginners battle with mastering the skill of dream control. The thing is, one should always remember that no matter what happens in a lucid dream, it is just a dream and nothing more but your projection and you're in control.
Dream Control however can be an easy thing to learn by simply using what is called the "Dream Incubation". Well this is actually a prerequisite that you do. Before even sleeping, tell your self that you gonna have a dream a bout "So so So", whatever it is that you wish to dream about. But you have to repeat this a couple of times before you sleep so that it can sink in.
Now this is very beneficial, you'll notice that as soon you start having the dream immediately your awareness will come into play since you aware of the fact that you told yourself that you were gonna have that kind of the dream. Hence making you realise that it is a dream and you're in control. Now this this gives you confidence and control to manipulate the dream. With that in mind you're surely gonna have a pleasant lucid dreaming experience.
How Can I tell That I'm Lucid Dreaming?
Well as discussed on the previous answer, the ability to know that you're lucid dreaming can be simply attained by learning the skill of dream control. Now since you've told your self that you're gonna have a certain type of a dream, as soon as you see that kind of an environment immediately your consciousness is gonna be aware.
But we should also discuss the fact that even so, you might be having just a normal dream. So we need to also look at the things that happens in the lucid dream
1. Vibrations In a lucid Dream
If there's one thing that you can't miss about the lucid dream is the vibrations that you control with your mind concentration and focus. In a Lucid dream you feel these vibrations.
2. Manipulating Your surroundings In a Dream
As we have discussed that lucid dreaming grants you an opportunity to do whatever you want with your dream. So to confirm that you're in a lucid state, just create anything out of your thoughts projections. Think of wolves, No! , that might be too much. lets try puppies and if you see them you can then change that to kittens and if it happens, from that you should be assured that it is a lucid dream and start taking control.
3. Remind Yourself that You're Lucid
As you have told yourself before you slept that you will have a dream, you can also tell yourself inside the dream that it is a dream. Even though lucid dreams sounds, feels and looks real, but the manner in which things can change is definitely a signal. For an example, in a lucid dream just by repeat the words "this is A DREAM", you might find your surroundings immediately changing all of a sudden. Why is this?. It is because by reminding yourself that it is just a dream even though you might not be aware, but your subconsciousness immediately takes charge. At this point then you should know you're lucid dreaming and the only thing left to do is just to take control and own your dream.
3. Do Reality Checks In Your Dream
I can't tell you how important it is to have something that helps you differentiate between a dream and reality. Like in the Movie "Inception", the characters have objects that they use to check if they are dreaming or not. The thing is, Lucid dreaming feels real and the more you have lucid dreams the more real they become.
So you also can have something that you can always carry that helps you differentiate. You can have a coin that you can spin to check. Obviously you know that in reality the coin can't spin forever and if it spins longer than normally you know it's a dream. So there you go', have fun.
What are the benefits of Lucid Dreaming ?
Lucid dreaming can help a person improve a whole lot of things about themselves. Since this is a dreamers fantasy island, the dreamer is able to observe and learn a whole lot of things about themselves.
Treatment For Nightmares
We all know how painful and irritating nightmares can be. It is no secret that a lot of people find it hard to have a "beauty sleep" because of what they see in their dreams. But hey guess what?, we have a solution for that right?, ofcourse we do it's lucid dreaming. Nightmares are horrible, scary and dark , even the toughest people battle with nightmares.
But learning how to lucid dream allows you to face and defeat those monsters in your dream, How so?. Well a lucid dream has the ability to manipulate the dream, after when lucid dreaming dreaming you're in control of what happens in your dream. Lucid dreamers have the ability to consciously wake up in a dream and own it.
It is for the fact when lucid dreaming you're always aware of the fact that it's just a dream and nothing more that helps you defeat the nightmares. So the ghosts you see there in your dream when lucid , immediately you realise that this is just your fantasy world and nothing is gonna hurt you.
All you need to do is to take charge and stop fearing, if it's too much for to handle you can always wake your self up. Doing reality checks when having a nightmare in your lucid dream is vital, since this awakens your consciousness . Lucid dreamers know one thing about nightmares, and that's the fact the fact that they are nothing to be scared about.
Having Fun
A while ago when i read about the fact that when lucid dreaming you have a lot of fun things to do, the first thing that came to mind was "this is definitely for me". Seriously speaking though, can you imagine what can you do if you had a world that belonged to you. How about what you could possible change about the world you live in if you were ever given that authority, who would you talk to, where would you go or fly to.
I know hey it's amazing, This is your own world of unlimited possibilities. Lucid dreaming allows a dreamer to have limitless fun, this is one the exciting things about this dreaming experience. Some people only lucid dream just to have fun and i totally understand why. There's nothing as exciting as having things your way, well i know in real it's not always like that and they say it's not even suppose to be like that.
Well i say why not?. Really, why not escape to world where you can have unlimited fun and do the things that you enjoy and love without anyone disturbing you or telling you what to do. What not go to your secret world to do the fun things that you've always wanted to do but never got time to do them in this very busy planet we live in.
Well there you go, ask yourself what could possibly go wrong. We all need to have some fun right?. So have fun , but remember it's just a dream.
Creativity
Well i love this one hey, for real i do. Hhhmmm, let's get creative shall we?. The third time i had a lucid dream that's what i told my self immediately after realising that i was in a dream. I've always wanted to explore my artistic and creative side and honestly speaking I've tried in the real world but i couldn't come up with anything tangible.
Well when lucid dreaming though you have that advantage of bringing the creative you into play. This is not just only because of the fact that you own the dream and you're in control. But rather when you're relaxed and your brain in REM sleep, your creative side is strengthened and the possibilities are unlimited
At this state, the creative ideas just pop like fresh corn, I'm seriously not trying to be funny. Okay lets face it, in a lucid dream you're the subject and no one else but you. Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to be creative in a crowded space?. How about trying to be creative around people who are constantly talking to you?. Have you ever came up with a creative idea in a noisy place or even worst when you tired?. Well i don't think so.
So why not escape to that planet of yours for complete relaxation and a peace of mind.
Relieving Stress
It's no secret that we live in a very stressful world. The real world is full of things that we don't like, things that we wish they never existed. This is a sad reality though and we just can't change it, it's part of life. On daily basis we work hard at our jobs and even back at home you find that you still not as relaxed as you would want to be. Lucid dreaming is the answer, by now you should be already aware of why am i saying this.
Ofcourse there's nothing compared to that secret world of yours where things go your way. A world where there's no Boss shouting at you or kids driving you mad. No financial stress or health related stress bothering you. Depression is a very serious sickness and if not treated it takes away a lot of things from a person other than just just motivation, energy and focus.
You might be wondering, 'but escaping to your fantasy world might not solve the problem'. Well you are missing the fact that when in a lucid dream , you're able to face your face fears and worries and look at your life from a spectators point of view. You get a chance to escape the stressful world but also get time to look at what could you change to rectify whatever problem you're facing. I've done it my self many times and honestly speaking it works, and if ever you're facing the same situation i really encourage and advise you to try lucid dreaming.
Clear Planning
In a lucid dream a dreamer can have the advantage of properly planning about whatever it is that he or she wants. I know planning and decision making is a very crucial life skill, and even no matter how much we try to create a master plan in real life we sometimes find ourselves facing unexpected suprises along the planning route. This is very frustrating and makes you panic and lead to failure.
I'm not saying lucid dreaming gives you a perfect master plan that can't go wrong or fail, but rather it grants you a platform to clearly create a practical plan. Why am i saying a practical plan?, well when lucid dreaming everything feels real and you get a chance of practically evaluating every possible angle around your plan. By this I'm actually trying to point out the fact that it becomes easier for you to even workout what other options you should take should your master plan hit a brick.
Remember that since you're in control of your lucid dream, you can create different practical scenarios around your plan. You can get a chance to see what could possibly go wrong and what would be the best alternative should things go wrong. This is really one of the amazing benefits of lucid dreaming, and when implementing your plan in real life you'll find yourself more confident and ready to face anything that could come as a challenge. It becomes like a second time you doing whatever it is that your plan is about.
How can I prolong The Dream
For most people this question is always bothering them, but it is not really rocket science to stay lucid for longer. The thing is when lucid especially for beginners it can get overwhelming because of lucid dreaming's unique nature. Why am i saying this, it is simply because lucid dreams are adventurous and with so much to do in a lucid dream it is most likely for a dreamer to lose focus.
maintaining focus and concentrating the vibrations is an essential skill and it is the key to stay lucid for longer. Do not let anything in your dream distract your level of focus and concentration.Most people get frustrated over this, and i know myself too that it is really frustrating to wake up right when you still enjoying the lucid dreaming experience. One mistake that most people do is that they get so excited that they forget that they are dreaming which inturn distracts their consciousness and then the subconsciousness takes full control and then the dream becomes like any other normal dream.
The simplest and easiest way to stay lucid is to frequently remind yourself that you are dreaming and maintain focus. Focusing on the dream and don't allow anything that happens overwhelm you. Dreamers need to keep their level of excitement grounded. Make sure that no matter what it is you do you don't forget to stay calm. I have written a post specifically about this topic you can check it out for full clarity.
Is Lucid Dreaming A Scientific Experience?
Well I've spent some time researching about lucid dreaming, and it is without any doubt true that Lucid Dreaming is scientifically proven. Lucid dreaming might seem like a new age practice, but Science studies show that this phenomenon is scientifically proven and has been around for centuries.
Lucid Dreaming has drawn a lot of attention from the scientists and psychologist in the new age due to it's popularity. Many researchers believe that this phenomenon can be a tool that can provide deeper insight about a human beings brain. a number of Scientists believe that Lucid dreaming is not a "paranormal activity", but rather it can be used to explore and understand how a human being's brain function in the sleep state.
Even though most people still do not believe that this practice is legit, a variety of scientific studies have proven the existence of Lucid Dreaming.
Which Are The Commonly Known Scientific Studies Of Lucid Dreaming?
Ever since the act of lucid dreaming gained more popularity and recognition, it has drawn attention from scientists. There have been a variety of researches and experiments conducted on this subject alone. Around the world a number of people and institutions are researching Lucid dreaming as a profession.
Historical lucid Dreaming Scientific researches.
Dating back in the 1970's a variety of scientists and researchers have taken the time digging deeper on this subject of lucid dreaming. In some of the researchers of lucid dreaming we can mention respected people like Dr Keith Hearne, Alan Worsley, Dr Stephen LaBerge. These gentlemen are widely known as the first researchers of lucid dreaming. It was due to their work that lead to the recognition of lucid dreaming as a scientific phenomenon.
Back in 1975, Dr Keith Hearne conducted a laboratory experiment on lucid dreaming. Dr Hearne was a British Parapsychologist together with Alan Wosley who was a volunteer in a lucid state brought about a widely known term of "Rapid Eye Movements" (REM). Dr Hearne during this experiment recorded a set of 'rapid eye movements' which were said to be pre-determined durin Worsley's lucid state. In conclusion, this was an indication of Worsley's consciousness during the lucid state as they said that it was due to the fact that Worsley was choosing to look at different directions during the dream which proved that his consciousness was awake.
Not after many years following the first experiment, Dr Stephen Laberge overshadowed dr Heane's research in 1983. Dr Stephen Laberge was a scientist at Stanford University. He was the first person to gain recognition after his experiment that came with the Lucid Dreaming induction technique known as MILD technique.
These researchers played an important role in helping the world understand the notion of Lucid dreaming. Today , their work is still recognised and it is an aid that makes new age Lucid Dreaming researchers' work easier.
New Age Lucid Dreaming Scientific Researches
As the notion of Lucid Dreaming has gradually gained recognition in the new era, more researchers have been even more curious to present their own findings. One of the most recognised recent experiment on lucid dreaming was in 2009. Neurological Lab in Frankfurt conducted an experiment on people who were in a lucid state. As one of the major findings of this experiment, it was evident that in a lucid state a human being's brain frequency is heightened. This experiment showed significant increase in brain capacity for people in lucid state.
In conclusion, they found that the brain frequencies in the lucid state were higher than both in waken state and normal dreaming state. Below are the frequency results of what they found:
Waken State : frequency is Beta: 12-38 Hz
Normal Dream : frequency is Theta: 4-8 Hz
But suprising enough this is what they found from the people who were in a lucid dreaming state:
The machine recorded a shocking highly active frequencies up to the 40 Hz during the lucid dreaming state. They also found that there is a heightened activity in the front side of a human being's brain when he is in a lucid dreaming state.
Is Lucid Dreaming Dangerous ?
This for me has been one of the first questions that people ask me when talking about lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming is safe ofcourse and there's really nothing to fear about lucid dreaming but ofcourse there are things that a person should know about lucid dreaming to avoid an unpleasant experience.
I can't remember how many times I've been asked this question hey and each and every time i come across this question i always find my self laughing. Well I'm not trying to be funny or anything, IS Astral Projection Dangerous?
Personally i believe that Lucid dreaming is an experience or excercise that people need to make that they fully understand before intending on trying to achieve it. Why am I saying this?. It is due to the fact Lucid dreaming is a very unique dreaming experience. I mean for a beginner this experience can be unpleasant if not frightening especially without enough knowledge.
I'm really not trying to scare you, but we can't overlook at somethings that a beginner can battle with. Lets make an example, if it happens that during your lucid dream you find your self in an uncomfortable situation or environment, then that ofcourse can be termed as dangerous, but I've never heard of anyone dying though. Simply put it can be an unpleasant experience to a person with less knowledge. But like i always say, Lucid Dreaming requires focus and also you need to always remember that you are in control whatever it is that happens in a dream won't hurt. if it gets uncomfortable during you lucid dream just lift your vibrations and go somewhere safe.
Let's look at some of the questions that people normally ask me when talking about the safetyness of Lucid Dreaming.
Can a person die in a Lucid Dream ?
Hahaha, well i always find it hard to hold my self from laughing whenever i come across this question. Simply put, NO. I mean you might have a near death or scary experience in a dream, but remember it is not real but just a dream. What normally happens is when this frightening experience happen you wake up. So basically if you've ever heard of a person dying in a lucid dream they woke up in real life. Lucid dreaming can never kill you, that is just a myth.
What if i get stuck in a lucid dream ?
Well if for a second that you once believed that it is possible to get stuck in a lucid dream, then I'm sorry to tell you that unfortunately it not true. It's just a dream nothing more but just a dream that you're aware that you are dreaming. Most people got scared after watching the movie Inception where one of the characters get stuck in a dream. Well this was just a movie that was inspired by lucid dreaming but not that everything in that movie was true. It was just a twist to make the movie even more interesting.
Just like in any other normal dream you always wake up from a lucid dream. Remember that you consciousness is awake when lucid dreaming which makes it even highly impossible to get stuck in a dream.
Can Lucid Dreaming damage my brain ?
No!, absolutely not true. You can never damage your brain when lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming is a state of complete relaxation and infact that's good for both your mind and body. Lucid Dreaming occurs during REM Sleep and i can assure there is really nothing that can be threatening to your brain about lucid dreaming.
Infact the only thing that can happen to your brain is actually a significant improvement in your memory. I'm sure that can't be bad.
What If I get addicted to Lucid Dreaming ?
Just like it is highly impossible to get stuck in a lucid dream, the same thing applies when it comes to being addicted to the lucid dream. Well an addiction is something that you battle to live without right?, but lucid dreaming can only serve the purpose of enhancing your real world but not to overtake it. You'll find that the awaken state becomes even more interesting once you start understanding lucid dreaming.
Even if you can try by all means it is really impossible to stay lucid all the time.