What is Lucid Dreaming?

Lucid dreaming is defined as dreaming while knowing that you are dreaming. The term was coined by Frederik van Eeden using the word "lucid" in the sense of mental clarity. Lucidity usually begins in the middle of dreams when the dreamer realizes that the experiences that are occurring are not that of the physical reality, but rather the creation of a dream.


Interesting Phenomenon:
False Awakening

While the basic definition of lucid dreaming is merely the ability to be aware that one is dreaming, this definition can be broken down into two types of lucid dreaming. These two types are "high level lucidity" and "low level lucidity." A lucid dreamer that is dreaming with a high level of lucidity knows that everything being experienced is the creation of the mind. This dreamer is aware that he or she is actually in bed and asleep and can suffer no physical damage as a result of the dream.

Dreaming at the lower level of lucidity, the dreamer is not fully aware that his or her environment is a sole creation of the mind. This would then allow for the dreamer to do activities such as flying, or participating in what is most interesting to him or her at the time. However, the dreamer may still see physical threats and other dream characters as being completely real. While dreaming at this lower level, the dreamer is usually unaware that his or her physical body is actually asleep and in bed.

Being able to control a dream and being lucid in a dream do not always go hand in hand. You can have great control over a dream without the full knowledge that you are dreaming. It is also possible for to be completely aware that you are dreaming with very little control of the dream it self. However, a higher level lucid dreamer has the choice to be the participant or creator of the dream.


1.The Secret Power of Dreams by David Fontana
2. To Catch a Dream by David Koulack
3. The Secret Power of Dreams by David Fontana
4. Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. & Howard Rheingold

"It is difficult to say what is impossible, for the dream of yesterday is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow."
Robert H. Goddard

 

Lucid Dreaming

Dream

Introduction
Different Types of Dreams
Freud's Approach to Dreams
Jung's Approach to Dreams
Symbolisms of the Objects appeared in Dreams
Lucid Dreaming
Common Dreams and their Interpretions
Common Questions

Sleep

Health

Interactive Corner

Teaching Resources

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