We tend to operate under the assumption that our dreams are something entirely out of our hands. We think of them as a mysterious happening which we do not fully understand, much less have the ability to control. However, these nightly journeys made by our subconscious are something which we can indeed take control of. Thanks to a technique known as lucid dreaming, dream control is an ability which is well within our reach.
But just what is lucid dreaming anyway? How can you learn to use dream control? Most importantly, what are the benefits of using dream control? Let�s take a closer look at lucid dreaming and what dream control can accomplish in your life.
Exactly What is Dream Control?
Dream control, or lucid dreaming is when you are completely aware that you are dreaming while you are doing so � and in control of the events which take place within your dream. Even while your body is sound asleep, your mind knows that you are dreaming and you are in the director�s chair for the proceedings.
Those who suffer from nightmares, especially recurring ones can get relief from these bad dreams by using dream control. Once they have learned this simple but powerful skill, these people can finally get the good night�s rest they so badly need.
Common Ways of Inducing Lucid Dreaming
One of the most effective ways of inducing lucid dreaming is also one of the newest � binaural audio. This is a technology which involves listening to two different frequencies at the same time. This listening produces deep relaxation and allows your brainwaves to synchronize, leading to the REM sleep state necessary for lucid dreaming to occur.
Prior to this technology being available for use through DVDs or CDs to help with dream control, meditation and self hypnosis were the popular methods to induce lucid dreaming, in spite of the fact, that numerous individuals complained about not being able to achieve the state of dream control through the use of these methods.
Other than self hypnosis and meditation, there are many other methods which have been developed over the years to help people have lucid dreaming experiences and begin using dream control. In every methods, the idea is to enable the dreamer to realize that they are dreaming, so they can then begin dictating the events of their dreams.
This training begins while you are still awake. The goal is to remember to perform some kind of cue which will remind us that we are dreaming � this allows dream control to begin.
This can be as simple as telling yourself that you will be dreaming and that you will do or say a certain thing in the dream; which will tell you that you are dreaming, setting off a state of lucid dreaming.
Dr. Stephen LaBerge discovered this method of dream control, which is considered mnemonic or mild way of bringing on lucid dreams. This method allows your mind to be in total control of what is going on in the dream, this also means that nothing will harm you, because it is just in your mind, and the only limits you have is your ability to imagine.
You can also achieve lucid dreaming by means of keeping a dream diary. You�ll write down everything you can remember about your dreams immediate after awakening; this will train you to start remembering your dreams and being able to start using dream control. You�ll find that after using this technique for a while, you�ll be able to �replay� a recent dream � except this time, you�ll be in control.
You can beat back those nightmares, go anywhere, do anything and talk to anyone you want in these dreams. There are no limits except for your imagination to your dreams once you have mastered the techniques of dream control.
However, there can be too much of the good thing which is lucid dreaming. Dreams can tell us important things, according to psychologists. So while you should unlock your full potential to have lucid dreaming experiences, make sure to give yourself some time off now and then to have natural dreams.
