For most people, dreams are mysterious ‘mini movies’ that play in their minds while they’re sound asleep, seemingly without their control, with some being rather pleasant, and others, not so much. However, we now know that it is actually possible to make dream control a complete reality, bringing about what is known as lucid dreaming.
But is this actually real or is the reality of dream control or lucid dreaming just a myth? It it really is true then what are the benefits of it? And can anyone really achieve this state of being able to control everything that happens when you are dreaming?
What Is Dream Control?
Dream control, using lucid dreaming, means that not only are you fully aware that you are dreaming, but that you’re also able to control what happens during the dream. While totally asleep, you realize that what seems to be going on is actually a dream and you are solely in control of the events that play out as well as the final outcome.
For those suffering from frequent nightmares, this simple but powerful method may serve to be just the thing they need to finally enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
The Common Methods of Achieving Lucid Dreaming are:
Using binaural audio is a great way for reaching the lucid dream stage, through this you listen separate frequencies (in unison) for the purpose of getting the brain waves synchronized, which allows you to relax, and the stage where lucid dreaming is able to occur known as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Before this use of modern technology was discovered and available on CDs or DVDs for the purpose of dream control, self hypnosis and meditation were the most widely used techniques for lucid dreaming, although many people report finding it too difficult to achieve this state using these two particular means of dream control.
In addition to these approaches to lucid dreaming, many other techniques have been developed over the years by those who are experts in the fields of both science and psychology. But, regardless of the initial method used, the main purpose is basically to train the mind, while asleep, to realize that it is in the midst of a dream.
To do this, we must, of course, begin while we are wide awake, with the key being to remember to do or say something in a dream, which will trigger the recognition necessary within the mind and allow us to then control what happens next.
It’s often a simple matter of telling yourself, just before going to sleep, that you will be dreaming soon and in that dream you will remember to do or say something specific, and when that happens, you will instantly realize that it is a dream.
In this method, particularly, dream control is known as mnemonic induction of lucid dreaming (MILD). This method was also discovered by a scientist call Dr. Stephen LaBerge, and with this method, your mind is in total control of what happens in the dream and its conclusion. There is nothing in your dream which can harm you, simply, it is all in your mind and you are in total control. The only limitations are in the scope of your imagination.
There is another way of reaching lucid dreaming and it involves making a dream journal or diary, do this by keeping a pen or pencil and a notebook of some kind by your bed so that you can jot down any information that you are able to recall in the moments right after you wake up. By doing this for several nights, you will begin to see that you are able to recall the facts you have jotted down and dream something similar but this time you will start to exert control over the events.
Tame monsters in your nightmares, ‘visit’ any location you wish, explore imagined worlds that you envision within your own mind, speak to anyone you like, and basically be free of all worldly constraints and limits. With dream control, all of this is possible, in essence, giving us the power to be the ruler of our own nightly fantasy worlds where we are in complete control of everything that transpires.
The experts say do that there is, however, one potential drawback to lucid dreaming, as much like anything in life, too much of a good thing can actually have the opposite effect. The main reason for this being that one of the most valuable aspects of dreaming ‘naturally’ is that it often tell us important things about ourselves that otherwise would have remained hidden forever. So enjoy dreaming lucidly. It really is an amazing experience, but remember to give yourself a few nights off!
Tags: conscious dreaming, dream control, lucid dream, lucid dreamer, lucid dreaming, lucid dreams