Scientists suggest that the average 60 year old is asleep for 20 of those years. But do those years have to belong to the land of nod? I am speaking of course about lucid dreaming, which is knowing you are dreaming while still asleep in bed. By lucid dreaming, you can take back those boring dreams and start exploring the boundaries of the universe as you know it.
Once thought to be the territory of only mystics and yogis, now we know that lucid dreaming can be learned by almost anyone. The most important factor is for potential lucid dreamers to have a strong intention to learn, or they will be disappointed. Having said this, here are some things to consider if lucid dreaming is right for you.
Before anyone can learn about lucid dreaming, it’s important to be adept at remembering dreams. Indeed, if someone cannot ever remember their dreams, they will find it impossible to become aware during their dreams. Luckily, remembering dreams is also a learnable skill for most people; all it takes is some patience, and a journal beside the bed to capture dream fragments after waking up. That is the first secret of lucid dreaming: to make bridges between the day world and the night world.
Next, it is a fact that most excellent lucid dreamers have a better-than-average sense of balance. Vestibular activity plays a big role in consciousness, whether we are dreaming or awake. It follows that beginner lucid dreamers who have a body practice that develops their balance will learn the skill more easily. Some examples are yoga, tai chi, gymnastics, and the martial arts.
Lastly, the beginners who will have the greatest success are those who also are working on becoming more conscious in their daily lives. There are lots of ways to build brain power during the day, such as gardening, having a meditation practice, playing competitive sports, and board games like Scrabble or Risk. Lucid dreaming isn’t for everyone, but if you can remember your dreams, develop your body’s balance, and keep a mind-development regime, you will easily find success in becoming aware during the dream state.