Lucid Dreaming
For more information on Lucid Dreaming we recommend the following websites:
DreamStar Lucid Dream Program
That's right, along with the DreamStar comes a program free of charge designed to work hand in hand with the device. The program was designed to enhance and increase the lucid dream response time for people that are totally new to the lucid dream concept. That being said when dedicating time to the program and device the success and time to lucidity was much higher than doing the two separately. Improve Dream Recall
Arguably one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to achieving lucidity is dream recall. Research concluded that people who remembered a minimum of one dream per night reached lucidity faster than those who did not. The importance of dream recall stems from the fact that often you will experience the same dream over and over again. Also, there are certain objects, people, scenery etc... that will enter your dream on a regular basis - those are called DreamSigns. By remembering your dream and being able to identify DreamSigns you are one step closer to triggering a lucid dream.
Fortunately for those who are interested in lucid dreams but rarely if ever remember their dreams there is a solution. Primary research demonstrated that using the DreamStar, combined with the Dream Journal increased one's ability to recall their dreams.
Perform Reality Checks
Reality checks are probably the simplest of all lucid dream techniques. To boot quite often within a few days of practice will yield a glimpse at a lucid dream which will undoubtedly fuel your desire for more. The logic behind reality checks is habit. The goal is to create a habit in your awake state and carry it over to your dream state.
As you go about your day either randomly or at preset times ask yourself "Am I dreaming?" try to do this 5-10times during the day. It is extremely important to not simply brush off the question and assume that you are awake. Take the time to justify your answer; the more involved you get in creating this habit the greater its return will be in the dream state. The following are suggestions for both when to do a reality check and how to justify it.
- Jumping: when you jump, do you float and or feel lighter than normal?
- Hands: often your hands will look abnormal in your dream?
- Magic: can you walk through walls and or put your hands through objects?
- Mirrors: does your reflection look normal?
- Reading: can you read a sentence close your eyes and re-read the exact same sentence?
- Digital watch: if you look at a digital clock close your eyes and look at it again it the time the same?
- Personal checks: think of different things you do on a daily basis and create your own reality checks. Often since the idea came from you they will stick better than another person's suggestion.
Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)
-Mnemonic definition: relating to, assisting, or intended to assist the memory.
In other words, the use of internal "mental powers" to create reminders.
- Waking Up
At any point in time during the course of the night when you awake take the time to remember any particular details from your most vivid dream. Setting up an alarm a few hours before you have to wake up is a great idea. If falling back asleep during this process do something that will keep you awake or at least increase awareness for a few minutes.
- The reminder: I will Lucid Dream
Once you have taken a few minutes to remember all that you can about your dream you need to focus your attention on creating the reminder. You will do so by telling yourself and only having the following thought in your mind: "The next time I am dreaming, I will realize I am dreaming." This should be the only thought going through your mind. Repeat this phrase, this concept this thought in your mind for the next minute. Do not pressure or inflict stress on yourself during this process as it will interfere with your ability to achieve lucidity. Simply, relax and believe in yourself and your ability. Positive thinking, motivation and belief are the 3 single most important features of achieving lucidity.
- Visualization
Now that you have created the reminder in your head go back to step 1 where you remembered the details of your dream. Visualize yourself back into that dream using the key details you remember to project yourself back into the dream. Incorporate as much as you can your 5 senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste) to recreate the scenery. The vivid details you remember now become dreamsigns. As you drift back into the dream these dreamsigns serve as triggers for you realize you are dreaming and hence "trigger" the reminder you just created. Ultimately the reminder will lead you to the Ah Ha! moment where you will say to yourself: "I am Dreaming!" Once you have come to the realization that you are in fact dreaming you are free to explore the dream world and to fantasize. In most cases, the first thought/action for new oneironauts is to fly. Flying is one of the most rewarding and exciting experiences one can have.
Wake Induced Lucid Dreams
Wake Induced Lucid Dreams also know as WILD's is for most the trickiest technique to master yet it is the oldest of all techniques. WILD's have been practices by the Tibetans for thousands of years. If you can meditate this technique is for you.
The concept behind WILD's is to fall asleep consciously. Meaning as your mind and body starts to drift into sleep you hold on to a strand of consciousness in which you follow hypnagogic imagery to a lucid dream. This technique is best practiced at the later stage of you sleep cycle, meaning 6+ hours after onset of sleep and or during an afternoon nap. We suggest setting your alarm 1 hour prior to your desired wakeup time. As you fall back asleep follow these steps:
- Relax Completely
Lie in bed comfortably, close our eyes and relax all mental and muscle tension. Regulate your breathing to a slow consistent pace. Let go of all your stress, concerns, worries etc.... enjoy the sensation of being completely relaxed.
- Follow the Hypnagogic Imagery
As you drift away images will gradually appear, don't focus on these images but instead simply observe and let them pass by, change color and shape. You are but a passenger enjoying the scenery. The more you drift into sleep and REM sleep the more vivid, complex and "real" the images will seem.
- Lucid Dream
Eventually the images will flow, which, most likely will look like a movie. You should feel like you are watching from a distance. Again as you have been doing from the beginning don't try and control or change the now movie but instead wait to be drawn into the scene. There will be a point where you will become a part of the action instead of watching from a distance. Once you have reached that point you have effectively entered into a lucid dream.Tonight, escape reality with DreamStar!
