Hello TSR!
Have you ever tried Lucid Dreaming?
Lucid dreaming is the ability to be aware that you are dreaming while you are dreaming. This means that you can control your actions and the environment around you. Lucid dreaming can be a fun and exciting experience, and it can also be used for self-exploration and problem-solving. Scientists have actually been able to objectively demonstrate that people do, infact, lucid dream. They did this with the help of fMRIs and some really tired people.
Fun fact: About 20-30% of the human population are natural lucid dreamers. Do any of you fall in that category? I don’t!😢
Unfortunately, like all things, lucid dreaming does have a dark side: some lucid dreamers have reported that they sometimes have a hard time distinguishing reality from the dream and in some cases, this could be taken as a mental illness. I imagine it would be like having to actually live through Inception (the 2010 movie with DiCaprio, you guys know it right?).
However, I still find the topic really interesting so I will ontinue to discuss it.
WARNING: Readers are advised to dream at their own risk!
lol.
How to Lucid Dream
There are a number of techniques that you can use to lucid dream. Some of the most common techniques include:
- Reality testing: This involves checking to see if you are dreaming by performing reality checks throughout the day. For example, you could try pinching your nose and see if you can still breathe through it. If you can, then you are probably dreaming.
- Dream journaling: This involves writing down your dreams as soon as you wake up. This will help you to remember your dreams more clearly and to identify patterns in your dreams.
- Mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (MILD): This technique involves repeating a mantra to yourself before you go to sleep, such as "I will know I am dreaming."
- Wake back to bed (WBTB): This technique involves waking up after 5-6 hours of sleep and then staying awake for 20-30 minutes before going back to sleep. This increases your chances of having a lucid dream.
Benefits of Lucid Dreaming
There are many benefits to lucid dreaming. Some of the most common benefits include:
- Increased self-awareness: Lucid dreaming can help you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This can be helpful for personal growth and development.
- Problem-solving: Lucid dreaming can be used to solve problems in your waking life. For example, you could use lucid dreaming to practice a difficult skill or to come up with new ideas.
- Creativity: Lucid dreaming can help you to tap into your creativity. You could use lucid dreaming to write stories, design new inventions, or simply explore your imagination.
- Fun and excitement: Lucid dreaming can be a lot of fun. It's an opportunity to experience new things and to have adventures that you could never have in the real world.
How to Start Lucid Dreaming
If you're interested in learning how to lucid dream, there are a few things you can do to get started:
- Do your research: There are a number of books and websites that can teach you about lucid dreaming.
- Practice reality testing: This is one of the most important techniques for lucid dreaming. Practice reality testing throughout the day so that you will be able to do it in your dreams and still be able to know when you're awake.
- Keep a dream journal: This will help you to remember your dreams more clearly and to identify patterns in your dreams.
- Be patient: It takes time and practice to learn how to lucid dream. Don't get discouraged if you don't have a lucid dream right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually be successful.
Conclusion
Lucid dreaming is a fascinating and powerful phenomenon. If you're interested in learning how to lucid dream, there are a number of techniques that you can use. With practice, you could even enter Dr. Strange’s mirror dimension!!! Or study for tests while your body sleeps; that’s what I would do.
See you on Wednesday!