Sunday, November 15, 2009

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.

This last point which has been mentioned is without a doubt the most amazing thing of all. Actually being able to realize that one is dreaming is something which words simply cannot explain. It is by all accounts almost unbelievable that one can actually control the direction of a dream and be free of limitations.

Can you even begin to imagine what it must be like, considering that everything which happens in a lucid dream looks, sounds, and even feels just as you would expect it to in reality. Of course the difference between a lucid dream and reality is that in a lucid dream one cannot die or become injured, irrespective of what you decide to get up to. To a great extent, by mastering the art of lucid dreaming, you're taking control of your own private world of virtual reality.

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.

Many people tend to describe a lucid dream as being a doorway or gateway to the most wonderful experiences imaginable. In fact when you have a lucid dream and you're able to control it, you can then head off to any place you wish, whether you choose to go and meet your favorite celebrities, or whether you choose to go and visit loved ones which are no longer here with you. The amazing thing is you are only limited by your own imagination.

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?

While some people may not agree, others believe firmly that certain foods have the ability to induce a lucid dream. In fact, it's recommended that you have cheese, milk, orange juice and even mustard immediately before going to sleep.

Over and above those foods which have just been mentioned, many people claim that foods such as popcorn, pickles, fish and ice cream can also help those wanting to experience a lucid dream. While these foods may not be as effective as those mentioned above, it is believed they do help with regards to dream recall. Of course, from a health point of view these foods may not be ideal, considering that most of them contain a lot of fat, sugar, and salt.

Can technology help people to experience lucid dreaming?

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 these new the innovative devices, recent developments in some technology have also done much in the line of opening the doors to the world of lucid dreams. Just recently scientists have gone ahead and developed a process known as binaural beats; a process which involves playing sound at different frequencies 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.

While everyone has their own preferences, this new process which uses binaural beats is by far the easiest and most reliable way for anyone to get started.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment