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.

It is this last point which is by all accounts the most astounding quality of a lucid dream, given that you are actually able to identify the fact that you're busy having a dream. Is it not remarkable that one can actually control the direction of your dream, and that you're not restricted in any way whatsoever?

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.

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.

Are there any quick and easy ways to experience a lucid dream?

Interestingly enough, there are many people who believe certain foods such as orange juice, cheese, milk, and mustard, have the ability to help induce a lucid dream, providing they are consumed immediately before you lie down 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.

Is technology able to 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.

Furthermore, there have recently been some astounding developments with regards to sound technology. In fact, these developments have to a great extent made lucid dreaming possible for one and all. A process which uses binaural beats has recently been developed by scientists. This process involves playing sound at different frequencies into each ear.

Essentially, this process helps to synchronize the two hemispheres of the human brain. Furthermore, once listening begins, rapid eye movement is almost instantaneous, thus paving the way for a lucid dream.

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: