Lucid Dream

Lucid dreaming is a form of dreaming in which you are able to control your own dreams. Most of us, generally can’t control our dreams. That is mainly because in that moment, we think that this (the dream) is real. But the moment we wake up, we realize it wasn’t real. When we try to recall it, we might only remember about 7 % of the dream.

Lucid dreaming is basically when an individual is fully aware that they are dreaming while they really asleep. This let’s us have a certain degree of control of our dreams. People who get reoccurring nightmares, or have a desire to spend a little bit more time with their loved one who has passed away take help from this phenomenon.

Steps that can help you lucid dream.

1. Keep a dream journal. Immediately after you wake up, write in a journal about all the details that you remember from your dreams. Keep it next to your bed and make it a habit to write in it the next day. At first, you probably won’t have much to write. But with practice and consistency, you will be able to recall even the smallest details of your dreams.

2. Self-fulfilling prophecy. Before sleeping, keep reminding yourself to be aware of your surroundings. The longer you do that, the higher your chances are to be aware in your sleep. As we are usually not aware of the fact that we are dreaming, we are unable to control it. But by doing this, we slowly but gradually start getting aware of the fact that we are dreaming.

3. Mnemonic introduction of lucid dreams (MILD). It can be done right before you fall asleep. All you have to do is rehearse the dream that want to see and say, ‘I will be aware and I will dream this’. Now chances are that you won’t get it right the very first time. But again, persistency is the key. Keep saying that to yourself every time you are about to fall asleep. It will take time, but it will come to you.

4. Reality Check. By asking yourself if you are dreaming in the middle of the dream, can help you lucid dream. This is because of the fact that by asking yourself this question, in a way you are trying to stay aware of your dream. This one is hard, because naturally this question won’t immediately click to you. With some practice and will power, you can remember to ask yourself this question. After you ask this question, like in the movie ‘Inception’ you can check this by looking at a clock. If the clock is moving at it’s usual slow pace, you are not dreaming. But if time is moving drastically, you are still dreaming. It basically helps your recognize reality and dreams.

All these methods of lucid dreaming will only work if you constantly practice doing so. You need to be regular with these particular habits and after some time, viola! You will be doing whatever you want to instead of having no control on your dreams whatsoever!