Explaining What A Lucid Dream Is

By David Lancaster

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. The lucidity of a dream however can vary dramatically depending on the dream itself and how much influence you have in controlling the dream.

Without a doubt, the most remarkable aspect of lucid dreaming is that one is able to actually identify the fact that you're having a dream. Having the ability to control the direction of a dream is simply astounding to say the least, particularly because there are virtually no limits.

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 fantastic skill and it's hardly surprising that more and more people are becoming interested in learning how to master the art. Even though some people may not realize it, lucid dreaming is something which most people experience on occasions, but just for a minute try to imagine how it would feel if you could have a lucid dream whenever you chose.

A lucid dream can in many ways be compared to a gateway to the most fantastic experiences, where one is able to meet and mix with your favorite celebrities, or mingle with wild and exotic animals, or even travel to distant galaxies.That's right, you can explore all your fantasy world's or you can visit your lost loved ones.

Unlike in the past, experiencing lucid dreams on a regular basis is no longer as complicated as what it once was. Admittedly, people often had to spend months at a time receiving instruction and learning how to condition themselves before they could experience lucid dreaming. Even then, while some managed to achieve a certain degree of success, others simply failed miserably.

Can one find simple ways which make it possible to experience a lucid dream?

Interestingly enough, there are a great many people who believe that certain foods help to induce a lucid dream. It is said that one should eat these foods immediately before going to sleep. Amongst the foods which are reported for encouraging lucid dreaming are mustard, cheese, milk, and orange juice.

Fish, pickles, popcorn, and ice cream have also been mentioned. Even though these foods don't seem to compare with those mentioned above, many people do claim that these help to improve dream recall. Unfortunately for many people who may be on a diet, all the foods just mentioned contain a lot of sugar, salt, and fat, none of which are known to promote a good night's sleep.

How can technology help?

As time moves on, so too does technology so it comes as little surprise that technology can nowadays assist people with regards to lucidity. In fact, technology can now be used in order to both stimulate and induce lucid dreams. Various devices which come in the form of masks and eyeshades can now detect REM in a person and when they do, they then begin to blink a red beam of light. By integrating this beam of light with the dream, it is hoped that the beam of light will serve to remind the subject that they are dreaming, thus providing them with an opportunity to try and control the direction of the dream.

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.

Of course, what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another, but you can be rest assured that if you're interested in learning how to master the art of lucid dreaming, then this is by far the most reliable method available.

About the Author: