Monday, December 28, 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.

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?

Just for a moment to try and imagine what it must feel like, bearing in mind that by all accounts it feels, looks, and sounds exactly like a real life situation. However, the difference is, it's only a dream. Unlike in the real world, one is not restricted by rules and regulations, and neither can one become injured and die in a lucid dream. The bottom line is; a lucid dream is yours. It is your personal virtual reality, and you can be rest assured that even the most sophisticated computers in the world can't provide you with anything similar.

As anyone who experiences lucid dreaming can attest to, it is simply an incredible skill and it's of little wonder that so many people are now beginning to show an interest. Admittedly, practically everyone will at some stage experience a lucid dream but can you imagine being able to enjoy one whenever you wish?

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.

Unfortunately though, being able to experience lucid dreams on a regular basis is not always very easy. Until recently, the vast majority of people wanting to experience lucid dreaming would dedicate months and months in order to receive suitable training and self conditioning. Admittedly, many of these people did eventually manage to have lucid dreams but for the most part they were very brief experiences, while many people on the other hand never achieved any level of success at all.

Are there any quick and easy ways 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.

Furthermore, it is said that other foods such as pickles, popcorn, fish, and even ice cream, can all help those wishing to experience a lucid dream. While these foods may not be as effective as those mentioned first, it is believed that these certainly do help to improve dream recall. Many also believe that these foods help to prepare the brain for future lucidity. The big problem however is, none of these foods will be much good as far as a good night's rest is concerned, given that they are full of sugar, salt, and fat.

Can technology help people to experience lucid dreaming?

Of course as technology continues to advance at an alarming rate, the ability to assist with lucidity improves. In fact one can now purchase certain devices which have the ability to not only stimulate, but also to induce lucid dreaming. From masks to eyeshades, these innovative devices are able to recognize rapid eye movement and in turn they respond with a blinking red diode the minute one starts to fall asleep. The purpose of this is to integrate the beam of light into the dream itself in order to remind the subject that they are dreaming. This in turn enables you to start taking control once you become aware of the fact that you're dreaming.

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.

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