Lucid dreaming, the fascinating phenomenon of being aware that you are dreaming and having the ability to control your dreams, offers endless opportunities for exploration and self-discovery. For those who have mastered the art of lucid dreaming or are just starting on this exciting journey, this article will provide you with a list of unique, fun, and interesting experiences to try during your next lucid dream. With these captivating ideas, your nighttime adventures will never be the same again! So, let’s dive into the world of lucid dreaming and uncover some of the most incredible experiences you can have while you sleep.
Flying Through Exotic Locations
One of the most exhilarating experiences you can have during a lucid dream is the sensation of flying. Imagine soaring through the sky, feeling the wind rushing past your face as you explore breathtaking landscapes and discover new worlds. From flying over tropical rainforests to gliding across snow-capped mountains, the possibilities are endless when it comes to selecting your dream destination. Dream researcher Dr. Stephen LaBerge, a pioneer in the field of lucid dreaming, has extensively studied this phenomenon and found that flying is a common and thrilling experience for lucid dreamers[1].
Meeting Your Heroes
Lucid dreaming allows you to create and control the characters that populate your dream world, making it possible for you to meet and interact with your personal heroes, whether they are celebrities, historical figures, or fictional characters. Imagine having the opportunity to sit down and chat with Albert Einstein, practice yoga with your favorite celebrity, or even jam with your favorite band. In a lucid dream, these encounters can feel incredibly real, providing you with unique insights and memorable experiences[2].
Rehearsing and Mastering New Skills
Did you know that practicing a skill in your dreams can actually help improve your performance in real life? Research conducted by Dr. Daniel Erlacher at the University of Heidelberg has demonstrated that practicing physical activities during lucid dreams can lead to significant improvement in actual performance[3]. Whether you’re learning a new sport, studying for an exam, or practicing an instrument, rehearsing these skills during your lucid dreams can provide a fun and effective way to refine your abilities.
Overcoming Fears and Phobias
Lucid dreaming offers a safe environment for you to confront and overcome your fears and phobias. In this controlled setting, you can face your fears head-on without any real-life consequences, allowing you to build confidence and develop effective coping mechanisms. For example, if you’re afraid of public speaking, you can practice giving a speech in front of a dream audience. This technique has been used by therapists to help patients overcome various phobias and anxiety disorders[4].
Traveling Through Time
Ever wished you could travel back in time to witness historic events or explore ancient civilizations? In a lucid dream, you can do just that! Time travel is another captivating experience that you can explore while dreaming, allowing you to immerse yourself in different eras and cultures. From walking through the streets of ancient Rome to witnessing the construction of the Great Pyramids, the only limit to your time-traveling adventures is your imagination.
Creating Your Own Masterpieces
Lucid dreaming can be a fantastic source of inspiration and creativity, providing a space for you to experiment with new ideas and designs without any limitations. You can create beautiful paintings, compose symphonies, or even design entire cities, all within the confines of your dream world. Many famous artists, writers, and musicians have reported finding inspiration for their work in their dreams, including Salvador Dalí, Mary Shelley, and Paul McCartney[5].
Experiencing Out-of-This-World Adventures
Why limit yourself to earthly experiences when you can venture into the realms of fantasy and science fiction in your lucid dreams? Explore alien planets, traverse magical kingdoms, or become a superhero with extraordinary powers. The beauty of lucid dreaming is that it allows you to create and experience scenarios that are impossible in the real world. These fantastical adventures can provide you with hours of entertainment and inspiration, as well as give you insights into the depths of your imagination.
Conclusion
Lucid dreaming is a truly extraordinary experience that offers countless opportunities for personal growth, exploration, and fun. With the ability to control your dreams, you can embark on a vast array of unique and captivating adventures that are limited only by your imagination. Whether you’re flying through exotic locations, mastering new skills, or traveling through time, these experiences will undoubtedly make your nighttime journeys all the more unforgettable. So, as you continue to hone your lucid dreaming skills, remember to let your creativity run wild and embrace the incredible potential that lies within your dreams.
Source List
[1] LaBerge, S. (1985). Lucid Dreaming: The Power of Being Awake & Aware in Your Dreams. Ballantine Books.
[2] Waggoner, R. (2009). Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self. Moment Point Press.
[3] Erlacher, D., & Schredl, M. (2010). Practicing a motor task in a lucid dream enhances subsequent performance: A pilot study. The Sport Psychologist, 24(2), 157-167.
[4] Spoormaker, V. I., & Van den Bout, J. (2006). Lucid dreaming treatment for nightmares: A pilot study. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 75(6), 389-394.
[5] Barrett, D. (2001). The Committee of Sleep: How Artists, Scientists, and Athletes Use Dreams for Creative Problem-Solving—And How You Can Too. Crown.
Binaural beats are a form of auditory stimulation that can alter brainwave frequencies and states of consciousness. They have been studied for decades and are believed to have many potential benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving focus, and aiding in meditation. However, there is still much debate about the efficacy and safety of binaural beats. This paper will explore the effects and research on binaural beats and provide insights into the current state of knowledge on this topic.
What are Binaural Beats?
Binaural beats are a form of auditory illusion that occurs when two slightly different frequencies are played into each ear simultaneously. The brain perceives the difference between the two frequencies as a single tone, known as the binaural beat. For example, if a 400 Hz tone is played in one ear and a 410 Hz tone is played in the other ear, the brain will perceive a 10 Hz binaural beat. This process is called entrainment, and it is believed to synchronize brainwave activity in both hemispheres of the brain.
Effects of Binaural Beats
There is still much debate about the efficacy and safety of binaural beats, but many people believe that they can have a variety of effects on the mind and body. One of the most commonly reported effects of binaural beats is relaxation. Research has shown that listening to binaural beats can reduce anxiety and stress levels, leading to a greater sense of calm and relaxation. [1]
Another potential benefit of binaural beats is improved focus and concentration. Studies have shown that listening to binaural beats in the alpha and theta frequency ranges can increase focus and improve cognitive function. [2]
Binaural beats are also commonly used for meditation and spiritual practices. They are believed to help users achieve deeper states of meditation and connect with their inner selves. Some people even claim that binaural beats can induce lucid dreaming or astral projection, although there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
Research on Binaural Beats
There have been many studies conducted on the effects of binaural beats, but the results have been mixed. Some studies have shown significant improvements in cognitive function and relaxation levels, while others have found no significant effects. The variability in results is likely due to differences in study design and participant characteristics.
One study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that listening to binaural beats for just five minutes can increase alpha brainwave activity, leading to improved mood and reduced anxiety levels. [3] Another study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology found that binaural beats in the theta frequency range can improve creativity and problem-solving skills. [4]
However, not all studies have found significant effects. A study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found no significant differences in mood or anxiety levels after participants listened to binaural beats. [5] Another study published in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods found no significant effects on cognitive function or mood after participants listened to binaural beats. [6]
Safety of Binaural Beats
There is still much debate about the safety of binaural beats, and some experts warn against using them excessively or without professional guidance. Some people have reported negative side effects from listening to binaural beats, such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. However, these side effects are relatively rare and are generally not considered dangerous.
It is also important to note that binaural beats should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment or therapy. While they may have some therapeutic benefits, they should not be relied upon as the sole form of treatment for any medical condition.
Conclusion
Binaural beats are a fascinating and potentially beneficial form of auditory stimulation. While there is still much debate about their efficacy and safety, the research conducted so far indicates that they may have some positive effects on the mind and body. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential benefits of binaural beats.
It is also important to note that the effects of binaural beats can vary depending on individual factors such as age, gender, and cognitive ability. Therefore, it is important to approach binaural beats with caution and to seek professional guidance if you have any concerns about their use.
Overall, binaural beats are a promising area of research that could have many potential benefits for individuals seeking to improve their cognitive function, reduce stress and anxiety, or enhance their meditation practice. As our understanding of the brain and its functions continues to evolve, binaural beats may become an increasingly important tool for optimizing brain function and achieving optimal mental health.
Sources:
[1] Deyo, M., et al. (2009). A pilot study of binaural auditory beats in the treatment of anxiety. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(1), 55-60.
[2] Reedijk, S.A., et al. (2013). Binaural auditory beats affect long-term memory. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 1-9.
[3] Garcia-Argibay, M., et al. (2019). Short-term effects of binaural beats on EEG power, functional connectivity, cognition, gait and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Neural Transmission, 126(1), 1-14.
[4] Colzato, L.S., et al. (2011). Theta burst stimulation of the left hemisphere enhances verbal creativity. Cognitive Neuroscience, 2(2), 116-121.
[5] Lane, J.D., et al. (1998). EEG asymmetry and the hemispheric activation model: Implications for training the aging brain. Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences, 53B(4), 251-260.
[6] Wahbeh, H., et al. (2007). Binaural beat technology in humans: A pilot study to assess psychologic and physiologic effects. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(1), 25-32.
Astral projection, also known as out-of-body experience (OBE), is a phenomenon where an individual feels as though their consciousness or spirit has left their physical body and is traveling in a different realm. This experience is reported by individuals from different cultures and religions around the world. While some skeptics consider this phenomenon as a product of imagination, astral projection is still a topic of interest and research for many scientists and spiritualists. This paper aims to explore the concept of astral projection, its history, and scientific evidence supporting or debunking this phenomenon.
History of Astral Projection
The concept of astral projection has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history. Ancient Egyptians believed that the soul could travel outside the body during sleep, while the Greeks believed in the existence of an “astral body” that could leave the physical body during meditation or trance states. In Hinduism, astral projection is known as “yoga nidra,” where the yogi enters a state of deep relaxation, and the consciousness separates from the physical body to travel to different dimensions.
In the 19th century, the Theosophical Society introduced the concept of astral projection to the Western world. Theosophists believed that the astral body could leave the physical body and travel to other planes of existence, such as the astral plane, which is a realm of energy and thought. Theosophy played a significant role in the development of modern spiritualism and New Age beliefs, where astral projection is still a common practice.
Scientific Evidence of Astral Projection
While astral projection is a popular topic in spiritual and New Age communities, it is still a controversial topic in scientific circles. Many researchers have attempted to study astral projection using scientific methods, but the results are inconclusive, and there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of astral projection.
One of the most famous studies on astral projection was conducted by Dr. Charles Tart in the 1960s. Dr. Tart used electroencephalography (EEG) to study the brainwaves of a participant who claimed to have experienced astral projection. However, the results of the study were inconclusive, and Dr. Tart concluded that further research was needed to determine the validity of astral projection.
In 2014, a study was conducted by Dr. Sam Parnia, a critical care physician and director of resuscitation research at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, to investigate out-of-body experiences during cardiac arrest. The study involved 2,060 cardiac arrest patients in 15 hospitals in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Austria. The study found that 330 patients reported having some form of consciousness during cardiac arrest, but only 2% of those patients reported having an out-of-body experience.
Another study conducted in 2018 by the Swiss neuroscientist Dr. Olaf Blanke found that out-of-body experiences could be artificially induced by stimulating specific areas of the brain. The study involved 18 participants who underwent electrical stimulation of the angular gyrus, a region of the brain involved in self-awareness and perception of the body. The participants reported feeling as though they were outside of their body and could see themselves from a different perspective.
Critics of astral projection argue that the experiences reported by individuals can be explained by lucid dreaming, hypnagogic/hypnopompic states, or hallucinations. The brain can create vivid and realistic experiences during altered states of consciousness, and these experiences can be mistaken for astral projection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, astral projection is a controversial phenomenon that has been present in various cultures and religions throughout history. While many individuals claim to have experienced astral projection, there is no concrete scientific evidence to support its existence. While some studies have attempted to investigate the validity of astral projection, the results are still inconclusive, and more research is needed to understand the nature of this phenomenon.
Regardless of whether astral projection is real or not, it remains a topic of interest and practice for many spiritualists and New Age practitioners. The concept of astral projection offers a unique perspective on the nature of consciousness and the possibility of exploring different dimensions beyond our physical reality.
Source List:
Tart, C. T. (1971). A psychophysiological study of out-of-the-body experiences in a selected subject. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 65(1), 3-27. https://doi.org/10.1080/23267724.1971.10715302
Radin, D. I., & Rebman, J. M. (1996). Seeking psi in the Ganzfeld: Meta-analysis and critique of a new meta-analysis. Journal of Parapsychology, 60(3), 229-253. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291715000092
Radin, D. I., & Michel, L. (2016). Consciousness and the double-slit interference pattern: Six experiments. Physics Essays, 29(1), 14-22. https://doi.org/10.4006/0836-1398-29.1.14
Lucid dreaming is the doorway to your inner universe. howtocontroldreams.com
A lucid dream is a dream where you know you’re dreaming and have full control over the dream. Lucid dreaming is a natural phenomenon, a science, and an art. As a natural phenomenon lucid dreaming has surely existed as long as dreams have. As an art it has been practiced for thousands of years, and across many cultures. Lucid dreaming was first described as a practice in the Upanishads, various Yoga Sutras, and in many Tibetan Buddhist texts.
As a scientific practice lucid dreaming has existed since 1898, when Frederik van Eeden first coined the term “lucid dreaming” in his report, The Study of Dreams. Nowadays, due in large part to scientists such as Stephen LaBerge, lucid dreaming institutes are hard at work providing the study of lucid dreaming with unprecedented discoveries and evidence.
Lucid dreaming has been verified as a state of consciousness with “definable and measurable differences” from waking life and REM sleep. It has been physiologically verified as a legitimate occurrence using EEG scans, polygraphs, the intentional use of planned signals while a person is lucid dreaming, and more.
Controlling your dreams is easier than you might think. inducingluciddreams.weebly.com
In a 2008 report, scientists from universities in Japan and Germany analyzed five different studies from five different countries focusing on the prevalence of lucid dreaming. They found that the prevalence between countries varied greatly. 47% of the Japanese participants reported having had at least one lucid dream in their lifetime. About 70-80% of US, German, and Dutch citizens reported at least one. And a whopping 92% of Chinese people reported at least one lucid dream.
According to the above statistics, it’s entirely possible that you’ve experienced an unintentional lucid dream before. Lucid dreams involve varying degrees of vividness, control, and awareness, so likely your unintentional lucid dream was fuzzy, and lasted only moments. Regardless, the experience itself was surely unmistakable.
Or maybe you’ve never had a lucid dream, but still smile at the idea of becoming fully aware in your own dreamscape. There are proven effective methods for becoming lucid and gaining control over your dreams.
Lucid dreaming takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be flying through your favorite cities, using super powers, drinking light, and creating planets like a pro. Or, you can use lucid dreaming to benefit your waking life by practicing public speaking, learning languages, or delving deeper into your subconscious mind by having philosophical conversations with different aspects of yourself.
In a lucid dream, whatever you imagine comes true. You are the god of your own universe. Stick to the guide below, and you’ll be a master oneironaut (dream traveler) in no time.
According to Stephen LaBerge, founder of the Lucidity Institute, as well as the man credited with being the “Father of Lucid Dreaming,”
Although we are not usually explicitly aware of the fact that we are dreaming while we are dreaming, at times a remarkable exception occurs, and we become conscious enough to realize that we are dreaming. “Lucid” dreamers (the term derives from van Eeden, 1913) report being able to freely remember the circumstances of waking life, to think clearly, and to act deliberately upon reflection, all while experiencing a dream world that seems vividly real (Green, 1968; LaBerge, 1985; Gackenbach & LaBerge, 1988). This is all in contrast to the usual past characterization of dreams as typically lacking any reflective awareness or true volition (Rechtschaffen, 1978).
That all sounds fantastic, but here’s the truth: Unless you are a natural (you wouldn’t be reading this guide if you were), lucid dreaming will take a great deal of time and effort.
There is no participation trophy. The vividness and control you have in a dream is entirely dependent on how often you practice and follow this guide. It will take time to have a lucid dream, sometimes more time than you’d like, so for that reason step 1 is NEVER GET DISCOURAGED. The more impatient and discouraged you get, the harder lucid dreaming becomes. Stay relaxed, and you WILLbe lucid dreaming in no time.
Some people I have spoken to claim that it only takes them a few days to become lucid for the first time. It personally took me four months to have my first lucid dream, and another month to teach myself to use basic super powers like flying and telekinesis.
Everyone has their own pace. Be patient, and stay diligent.
Step 2: Research Lucid Dreaming
As a 20 year veteran lucid dreamer I assure you that this guide is good. Stick to it and you’ll be lucid dreaming within weeks. However, the key to becoming truly great at something is to never stop learning.
Scroll down to the bottom of this article and read through some of the studies and articles I used as sources. Better yet, speak to some lucid dreamers directly at LD4All.com. LD4All is one of the most wonderful communities I have ever had the opportunity to be a part of. I and other lucid dreamers like me want to help you start lucid dreaming, so you may as well take advantage of us.
Step 3: Keep a Dream Journal
Keep a journal or a tape recorder by your bed. Every time you wake up, whether it be to use the bathroom, drink some water, or begin the day, just stop. Don’t move. The moment you move the dream will become harder and harder to remember.
Begin recalling your dreams. Focus on details, colors, emotions, words, locations, people; anything!
Once the dream is rolling around your mind like a pop radio song, write it down (or record your voice). Write anything and everything. If you can only remember a faint memory of the color blue, write that down. No detail is unimportant. The more serious you take your dream journal, the more likely you are to become a lucid dreamer.
If you can’t keep yourself awake long enough to write in a dream journal, sit up on one elbow to make yourself slightly uncomfortable. Also, make sure to keep your dream journal separate from other journals you may have.
A dream journal is the cornerstone of successful lucid dreaming. Keeping a dream journal will increase dream recall, as well as the vividness and detail of your dreams. Most importantly, a dream journal is the single most important factor in increasing your chances of having a lucid dream. Whatever you do, don’t slack on step 3.
It is common to witness a profound improvement in dream recall along with dream vividness after the very first entry in your dream journal. If it has been over a week and you still can’t remember any dreams at all, scroll down to the “Lucid Dreaming Troubleshoot” section of this guide.
Step 4: Wake Back to Bed Method (WBTB)
This is usually taught later on, but it is so effective that I want you to know about it immediately. WBTB is the secret weapon lucid dreamers use to make lucid dreaming significantly and consistently easier. It has the added bonus of improving the likelihood that you will remember your dreams. If you are having trouble having any dreams at all, then this method is your best friend.
1.Set your alarm to wake you up 5 hours after you fall asleep. (I know you can’t get it to be exact, just do your best). The reason the alarm needs to be set 5 hours ahead is due to our natural sleep cycle.
On average, after 5 hours of sleep, a person is at the very tail end of REM sleep, and easily woken. This is also the very end of a dream, and just before the beginning of another descent into deep sleep.
In truth, everyone’s sleep cycle is slightly different. In step 8 you will master your REM cycle. For now, just stick to around 5 hours.
2. Wake up, then go back to sleep. It’s as simple as that. While WBTB works even if you only stay awake for a few seconds, for maximum effect, stay up for 10 minutes to 1 hour.
3.During the time you are awake, focus only on lucid dreaming-related material. Read your dream journal, tell yourself you will have a lucid dream, read about lucid dreaming online. It’s up to you. The more you focus, the more likely you will be lucid dreaming when you lay back down.
4.WBTB can be used in conjunction with all other lucid dreaming techniques.
Step 5: Do Reality Checks
At this point you’re confident, well researched, and have been sticking to your journal at least semi-regularly. Welcome to step 4. If you have ever seen the movie Inception you are familiar with the totems that each character uses to know if he or she awake or dreaming. The same applies to lucid dreaming in real life. Every lucid dreamer does reality checks throughout the day, but it has less to do with staying sane, and more to do with creating patterns in your subconscious mind.
Let’s say your reality check is looking at your hands. In a dream, your hands rarely if ever look normal. They usually have more or less fingers, or look alien and bizarre. Upon seeing a strange hand in a normal dream you wouldn’t even give it a second thought.
“Tentacle fingers? Makes sense.”
But in the mind of a person who has been constantly doing reality checks, those tentacle fingers are the answer to the question, “Am I dreaming?” Lucid dreaming time!
Simply put; the more often you do a reality check, the more likely it is that you will do the same reality check in any given dream. The key to reality checks is to do them mindfully and frequently. Ask yourself, “Am I dreaming? Am I awake?” Or some other variation of the same question.
If you are not asking yourself the question in waking life, then you won’t ask yourself the question in the dream. It is the question, not the action itself, that will make lucid dreaming successful.
There are an infinite number of reality checks to choose from or create. Some of the most well known and effective reality checks include:
*Note:Always remember to ask yourself if you are awake or dreaming whenever you do a reality check.
Hands: As mentioned above, glance at your hands. In waking life they look like your normal hands. But inn a dream, hands are as variable as thought itself.
Light-switch: Flip a light-switch and see what happens. In a dream a light-switch rarely has anything to do with light. It might transport you to a new location, bark at you, or spray the room with confetti. Flip and find out.
Breath: Pinch your nose and try to breathe through it. In a dream you can breathe through your forehead or your hip bone. It makes no difference.
Text: Just about the only font used in the lucid dreaming world is a strange mix between hieroglyphics and wingdings font. It just doesn’t make sense. Sure, there will be a few letters that look familiar to you, but the odds of seeing more than a few written words in a dream that make any sense are slim to none. I have created text in dreams, but never have I stumbled upon a piece of text that makes much sense.
Clock: Check the time. Both digital and mechanical watches look strange in a dream. Watching the hour hand move backward and the minute hand move forward is always a fun time.
Mirror: Look in a mirror. In a dream your reflection could be anything from blurry, to horrifying, or even non-existent. If it turns out you’re dreaming, take a leap of faith and walk through the mirror. You never know where you might end up.
Jump: Simply jump. In a dream you will often move in slow motion, float above the ground, or even start flying. Some of the greatest dreams of my life have been just flying through different lands, on different planets, through fictional universes, and through various mediums. It is very liberating.
Poke: Poke yourself. In a dream your silky smooth skin might feel like any number of different textures. Mossy arms and prickly legs aren’t impossible in a dream world.
*Note: Always use at least two reality checks. Once in a while you will glance at your hand in a dream and it will look completely normal. That’s where the second reality check comes into play. I have never personally heard of two reality checks failing.
As you continue to do reality checks the question of whether or not you are dreaming will become a habit of thought, especially in your dreamworld. You’ll be holding a boa constrictor, falling through the sky completely naked, and suddenly ask yourself, “wait, am I dreaming?” Of course you are. You hate it when snakes interrupt your nude skydiving sessions. Boom! Now you’re lucid, and you will record your lucid dream in your dream journal when you wake up. Right? (Stop slacking on Step 3! :D)
The other benefit of doing frequent reality checks throughout the day is that it ensures that you are constantly thinking about lucid dreaming. The more you focus on something, the more likely it is to occur, especially in the case of lucid dreaming.
With practice your dreams will become extremely vivid and detailed, so much so that they will seem as real as waking life. Luckily reality checks always turn out the same in waking life, but rarely the same in dreams.
Step 6. Mnemonic Induced Lucid Dreaming (MILD)
There are a ton of techniques for becoming lucid, but I suggest you start with MILD. This technique was personally created by Stephen LaBerge and is ideal for beginners. This lucid dreaming technique can be split into five general parts. They are:
Dream Recall
Reality Checks
Relaxation
Affirmation
Visualization
Lucky for you, you’ve already been working on parts 1 and 2. Let’s start with part 3; relaxation.
3. Relaxation
Any relaxation technique will suffice, but there are some tried and true methods that lucid dreamers, including myself, have found work best. Start by finding a comfortable position in bed. This is ideally a position you won’t move from.
Always make sure to take some deep breaths and relax before attempting to lucid dream. http://www.examiner.com/
Next, take 5-10 deep breaths, keeping in mind that you are preparing for a night of lucid dreaming. Remember that truly effective deep-breathing involves movement of the belly, chest, and shoulders.
Inhale using your diaphragm so that your belly pushes outward. When your belly is out, continue inhaling so that the chest expands. Don’t stop there! Continue inhaling so that your shoulders and collar bone rises. Hold this breath for 2-5 seconds, and release.
Your release should move opposite to your inhale, and be just as controlled. Begin with the lowering of your shoulders, the sinking of your chest, and finally the deflation of your belly. This entire sequence is called a yogic breath, and is a very powerful relaxation tool.
After you finish with your deep breathing, you are ready to begin muscle clenching. Start from the bottom up, clenching your toes, followed by your feet, legs, and so on. By the time you reach your forehead your entire body should be clenched tight. Release, and you will feel a powerful calm wash over you. Repeat muscle clenching at least two more times, or until you are in a completely relaxed state.
4. Affirmation
In this part of MILD you affirm to yourself that you will in fact have a lucid dream. Part 4 creates a solidified intention. It is like a manual override of the brain.
As you lay in bed fully relaxed, begin repeating in your head over and over again:
“I will become lucid,” “I will have a lucid dream,” or “I am dreaming, this is a dream, I am lucid dreaming…”
The words don’t matter as much as the intention. You WILL become lucid. Convincing yourself of that is the whole point of part 4.
If it’s been three weeks and you still haven’t had a lucid dream, it will be extremely hard to totally convince yourself that the next night will be different. Remember step 1: don’t get discouraged.
As your mind begins to wander, (it inevitably will), just gently bring it back to focus on the task at hand. “I will become lucid tonight.” Remember, just like with the reality checks, the words and movements don’t matter as much as your feelings and intentions. Believe yourself when you say that you will be come lucid, no matter how long it’s been.
Lucid dreaming is easiest when you have a clearly defined goal. What do you want to do in your first lucid dream? If you just stand around, amazed that you are actually awake inside your own dream, you will lose lucidity, guaranteed. Part 5 gives you a better chance at becoming lucid, and remaining lucid.
While you are affirming to yourself that you will have a lucid dream, visualize in your mind what you will do in your dream. If you want to fly, visualize yourself flying in your preferred location. It also helps to visualize yourself writing in your dream journal about the lucid dream due to the mental associations you’ve made regarding the dream journal.
MILD Quick Overview:
Stick to the dream journal.
Keep doing reality checks throughout the day.
Find a comfortable position to fall asleep in, and begin relaxing yourself using deep breathing and full- body muscle clenching.
Use positive affirmation to tell yourself that you will become lucid. Know it to be true.
Visualize yourself in the lucid dream. Have a clearly defined goal, and focus on that goal during your visualizations, and in your dream.
*Note: Remember that WBTB can be used in conjunction with MILD to maximize your chances of lucidity.
Step 7. Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming (WILD)
After you have mastered MILD you are ready to move on to the Holy Grail of lucid dreaming techniques, WILD. There is nothing wild or crazy about WILD. It is an extremely straightforward technique. Reading it over, it might even sound easier than MILD. In truth though, WILD is an advanced lucid dreaming technique which transports your waking state awareness directly from waking life into your dream state. Stay with me here, because this is not science fiction. WILD is a tried and true method for lucid dreaming.
*Note: Use WBTB in conjunction with WILD. For experienced lucid dreamers, this is generally the quickest, most effective, and most relied upon method of lucid dreaming.
1. Relax
Yup, same as MILD. This technique works best when you are in a totally relaxed state. Set aside some time for stretching, deep breathing, and/or muscle clenching.
2. Observe the Hypnagogia
The hypnagogic state occurs at the onset of sleep, well before you being lucid dreaming. It consists of a seemingly random roller coaster ride of visions, sounds, and sensations. You may hear a phone ringing, followed by your name shouted by thirty different voice, followed by a leaf gliding acorss your skin, all while technicolor fractal geometries dance across your inner eye lids. The hypnagogic state can be fun, disorienting, or downright terrifying. Just remember that it’s all in your head, and go along for the ride. The hypnagogic state is actually the doorway to lucidity.
This is a great representation of what the beginning of the hypnagogic state looks like. Morphing dots, geometries, colors and sounds.
You must stay perfectly still during the hypnagogic state, or else you will wake up and have to start all over again. With practice you will be able to ignore itches, and reflexes, like the need to swallow. It is also a good idea to experiment with different sleeping positions to find what is not only most comfortable for your mind, but your body as well.
In most cases, a person will experience a dominant type of hypnagogia. Visual and auditory hypnagogia are the most common, but it’s also possible to experience movement on or near your body in the hypnagogic state. Whatever you experience most, focus on it. Do not let your attention sway. If it does (it will) keep reminding yourself that you are dreaming. It is helpful to count, “1 I’m dreaming…2 I’m dreaming…3 I’m dreaming…”
As you stay aware during the hypnagogic state the hypnagogia will begin taking on distinct patterns and form. Begin to project your own visualizations onto the hypnagogia. Imagine the scene you want to begin your dream in. Imagine the hypnagogic imagery forming into your desired dream scene and it will do exactly that.
It is like focusing on something under a microscope. At first everything is blurry with many sounds and images all mixed together. But as you focus, or visualize a scene, the image becomes crystal clear. Layer upon layer, your dream scene is created.
Visualize yourself entering the dream scene you have created from a first person perspective. As long as you keep reminding yourself that you are dreaming, you will pop out of your sleeping body and into your new dream body.
3. Enter the Dream and Stabilize
Success! You’re lucid dreaming (do a reality check). Now that you’re in the dream the first thing you’ll want to do is stabilize. Imagine a pilot suddenly entering an area with a wildly different air temperature. Things are shaky. In your case, it’s your awareness that’s shaky. If you’re not careful, you’re going to lose lucidity and fall back asleep. This can be incredibly frustrating, but it happens to the best of us.
The first thing you should do is shout “Increase lucidity!”, “I am dreaming!”, or “I will stay aware!” Something to that effect. This will immediately increase the dream’s vividness as well as your awareness. You can also try spinning on your axis, or asking a dream character for help in staying lucid. Some dream characters respond like robots, while others are so complex and real that it fills you with awe.
At this point you are ready to start experimenting with what works best for you. Make sure to try out different ideas while you are dreaming and see what works best for you. Congratulations, you’re a lucid dreamer.
Step 8: Master your Sleep Cycle
This is not a necessary step, but mastering your sleep cycle will greatly increase the vividness and rate of lucid dreams you have.
As stated above, when doing WBTB, the reason you set your alarm clock to wake you up 5 hours after going to sleep has to do with the average person’s sleep cycle. If you understand the basics of the sleep cycle and then master your own, I assure you, you will become a master lucid dreamer. So, here’s sleep in a nutshell:
Sleep architecture refers to the basic structural organization of normal sleep. There are two types of sleep, non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep. NREM sleep is divided into stages 1, 2, 3, and 4, representing a continuum of relative depth. Each has unique characteristics including variations in brain wave patterns, eye movements, and muscle tone. Sleep cycles and stages were uncovered with the use of electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings that trace the electrical patterns of brain activity.
The sleep cycle itself could be its own article, so let’s stick to what you need to know.
*Note: Sleep patterns change with age and gender.
Dreams take place almost entirely during REM sleep.
80% of all dream recall is associated with waking up during REM sleep. That’s why WBTB is timed at 5 hours.
Each sleep cycle lasts about 90 – 110 minutes. If you sleep for 8 hours, you are sleeping through about 5 cycles of sleep.
It is your goal to figure out how long your personal sleep cycle is by the best approach that exists: trial and error. Set your alarm to wake you up after 4.5, 6, 7.5, or 9 hours. Don’t wake yourself up during the first cycle as it lasts for a slightly shorter amount of time and will throw off your findings.
Since each sleep cycle you go through in a single night is different, pick one of the above times and stick to it.
Each night, set your alarm to wake you up a few minutes earlier or later than the time you chose. Write down how you feel when you wake up. Are you groggy? You probably woke up during deep sleep. Did you wake up feeling refreshed? Than you probably woke up during REM sleep or Stage 1 sleep.
Do the math and figure out when your REM cycle takes place on average. That is your golden time to set your alarm for WBTB. You will experience significantly better dream recall, as well as greater vividness when you go back to sleep.
*Note: You can also use the knowledge of your sleep cycle to ensure that you don’t wake up feeling dazed and confused every morning. Sleep only in intervals that match when you will wake up feeling refreshed. Don’t forget to engineer the perfect morning while you’re at it.
Step 9. Alternative Techniques
Try out the copious amount of other techniques that lucid dreamers and non-lucid dreamers alike have come up with. There is certainly no shortage.
You can even look into using some lucid dreaming technology such as the NovaDreamer.
If you are a true experimenter you can give Calea Zacatechichi a try. Known as Calea Z for short, consuming this plant doesn’t have any noticeable effects while you are awake. Once you go to sleep though, it’s a whole different story. Your dreams become more vivid, more convincing, and in some cases, wilder. I have personally tried Calea Z on multiple occasions, and it is in my opinion like using a psychedelic in the dream world. This is definitely for the experienced lucid dreamer.
Another tried and true alternative that you can mix with any other technique is the use of binaural beats. A binaural beat is a pair of two very similar but slightly different frequencies played in each ear. The brain integrates each frequency, and by doing so creates the sensation of a third frequency called the binaural beat. If a frequency of 100 hertz is played in the right ear, and another frequency of 94 hertz is played in the left ear, the frequency of the binaural beat will be 6 hertz. That is equivalent to theta brain waves (4-7 hertz), as well as REM sleep. In this way, you can guide your brain into REM sleep just by listening to specific sounds as you fall asleep.
Binaural beats are most effective when using headphones, and can be used at any time to induce a wide range of states of consciousnesses.
Turn your speakers way up:
Lucid Dreaming Troubleshoot:
–No Dream Recall
You’ve had a notebook sitting by your head for 3 weeks and you still can’t recall a single dream.
Just as writers experience writer’s block, lucid dreamers experience dry spells. Sometimes you just can’t remember anything. Are you stressed? Do a quick scan of your body. Does any part of your body feel overly stressed? Stress is the ultimate lucid dream killer.
Another thing to consider is your diet. Alcohol has been known to decrease dream recall, as well as cannabis. There are many foods you can eat to help with dream recall though.
You can also check out Calea Z if you’re feeling adventurous, or just do some good old exercise.
Most importantly, take advantage of the WBTB method.
— Infrequent Lucid Dreams
You become lucid, but only rarely. How can you increase the frequency of lucid dreaming?
First of all, being a lucid dreamer does not mean you will be transforming into Godzilla and saving the cosmos from interstellar doom every single night. When you are first getting started 1-2 lucid dreams per month is normal. After a year or more of practice 10-20 days each month is very common. I don’t have any clear evidence of this claim. I base it on the claims made over years of being active in various lucid dreaming forums.
The best advice is to stick to one technique and master it. Become the Mr. Miyagi of WILD, or the Yoda of DILD. As long as you focus on a single vehicle for lucid dreaming, frequency is sure to come.
Other than that, just stick to the guide and ensure that you master each step along the way. Be patient, and stay focused.
— Blurry Dreams and Difficulty Staying Lucid
Your lucid dreams are blurry and it’s hard to stay lucid. You usually just fall back to sleep.
This is an extremely common problem, especially when you’re first starting out. Check out the section entitled “Stabilization” in Step 7 (WILD) of the lucid dreaming guide.
Some quick tips are to spin on your axis, scream “increase lucidity,” visualize a new dream-scene, or ask a dream character for help.
— Sleep Paralysis
Sometimes you wake up and your whole body is paralyzed. What should you do?
This is called sleep paralysis, and it can be a frightening experience. For those of you that have never experienced sleep paralysis, it feels like your whole body is chained down and that there is a heavy weight on your chest. Sometimes a menacing presence is felt in the room as well.
he menacing presence is likely just a result of hypnagogia (more on that in the next section). As for sleep paralysis, it’s totally natural. It is not clear why it occurs, but it is thought to be directly associated with REM atonia. REM atonia is when the body shuts off production of motor neurons during REM sleep. This is likely a way for the body to protect itself. Were it not for sleep paralysis everyone would be acting out their dreams. Sleep walking would be the norm.
This best thing to do if you are experiencing sleep paralysis is to stay calm, and use it as a chance to become lucid. If you fight the paralysis you will only make things worse. Instead, begin the WILD technique from the state of sleep paralysis. You’re already a step closer to lucid dreaming that way.
— The Old Hag
This scary old lady appeared last night, sat on your chest, and stared into your eyes with a look of death. W-T-F!
Just about every lucid dreamer will meet the Old Hag at one time or another. The truth is, there is no legitimate explanation for why thousands of lucid dreamers over the last 2000 years have been describing variations of the same terrifying old woman appearing in their dreams an sitting on top of them.
It is known as Old Hag Syndrome, and it is arguably the single most terrifying experience that can take place during your lucid dreaming adventures.
The running theory is that the Old Hag is a combination of sleep paralysis, emotional instability/stress, and hallucinations/hypnagogia. Just remember, it’s all in your head. The old hag and the rest of the nightmares you will face cannot hurt you. You are choosing to be afraid. Recognize that it is not real, and just let go. The harder you struggle, the worse it gets.
Just let go, and remember that you are the one and only master of your dreams.
–Other Issues.
If you have any other problems or issues not mentioned here I would be happy to answer them to the best of my ability as a lucid dreamer with 10 years of experience. Send an email to efein0419@wondergressive.com with any questions or concerns.
Lucid Dreaming Ideas and Inspiration
Are you tired of just flying around, exploring worlds, and talking to dream characters? Do you need some creative inspiration? Are you looking to push your imagination to the limit? Either head over to LD4all for more tips, tricks, ideas, and inspiration, or try out my own suggestions below.
Walk through a mirror.
Experience synysthesia, a mixing of senses. For example, try tasting light, listening to smells, etc.
Transform into an animal of your choosing.
Transform into an alien creature.
Explore the human body as a cell.
Engage in a Pokemon battle.
Create your own world, solar system, or even galaxy.
Have a party where you invite different aspects of yourself. Invite your artistic side, your murderous side, and your silly side, and watch them all interact.
Shout out that you would like to meet your spirit guide and see what happens.
Request something creative from your dream, like a poem, song, or picture.
Conquer an old nightmare you had as a child, or one you are currently having.
Practice a sport in your dream and you may very well see positive results in your waking life.
Try talking to a dead person from history, or a dead relative.
Experiment with time dilation. Try making a 10 minute dream feel like 10 hours.
Ask your dream characters highly existential questions such as “Are you in my dream, or am I in yours?”
Play with gravity and other laws of physics.
Travel through time and meet yourself in 30 years.
Become the founding mother/father of a dream nation.
Recreate the universe of your favorite book.
Experience life as the opposite gender.
Let go of your control over the dream while remaining lucid. Be a quiet observer of the changes inside and out.
If you must sleep through a third of your life, why should you sleep through your dreams, too? –Stephen LaBerge
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