Lucid dreaming is a scientifically proven state of sleep where a person is aware he or she is dreaming and is able to control the dream. People can recall old memories, go where they wish, or do anything they want in these dreams.
Researchers have studied lucid dreaming and have found it to be a hybrid form of consciousness. Areas of the brain that normally rest during REM sleep become active during lucid dreaming. These “higher order” functions, which are associated with logical reasoning and voluntary behavior, are inactive during normal dreaming but active during lucid dreaming.
Many experts believe that it is possible for anyone to learn how to become lucid in his or her dreams. It may take some practice, but eventually, a lucid dream will come to most.
Here are 5 ways to induce lucid dreaming!
1. Reality Check and Recognizing Dream Signs
The thing about dreams is that they feel completely normal until we wake up. Thus, trying to determine whether we are dreaming or awake is essential for triggering lucid dreams. Many of these checks can be taken as signs of lucid dreaming because they cannot happen when one is awake. Experts suggest performing certain reality checks during waking hours. By consistently performing these checks, the mind will mimic them in a dream.Here are some useful reality checks to perform:
- Breathing - Is it possible to breathe with the nose and mouth shut?
- Jumping - When jumping, does a person float back down?
- Reading - Can a sentence be read twice without it changing?
- Vision - Is vision clearer or blurrier than normal?
- Hands - Can the hand be pushed through a solid surface?
- Time - Is it possible to read a digital watch or clock face?
- Flying - Is it possible to fly?
- Palms of Hands - Do the palms of the hands look normal up close?
- Mirrors - Does the reflection look normal in the mirror?
- Math - Is it possible to add up two numbers for the correct answer?
Take a look at the video below for some basic reality check ideas!
https://youtu.be/JYTBA9Y3gLE2. Mnemonic-Induced Lucid Dreams (MILD)
MILD is a good way for beginners to start the process of lucid dreaming. It is very simple and can easily be done by anyone. All a person has to do is repeat a mantra or affirmation about a dream and how he or she is going to dream.For example:
- Next time I go to sleep, I will have a lucid dream.
- Lucid dreaming comes easily for me when I sleep.
- When I dream, I know I am dreaming.
- I will have a lucid dream tonight.