How to Lucid Dream: Methods and Strategies to Act on Your Fantasies

What is lucid dreaming? Lucid dreaming occurs when you become fully aware that you are dreaming. While you are lucid you have full control over your dream, your dream environment, and other characters in your dream (hold that naughty Britney Spears or Tom Brady fantasy for a moment). Lucid dreaming can be a tricky, yet fulfilling, technique to master.

Why do I care about lucid dreaming?

Everyone with a healthy sleep cycle dreams. When you become lucid in your dreams, they're easier to remember. Also, because you're more "awake," it feels like you've slept longer.

When you become lucid in your dream, anything is possible. Many people enjoy flying in their dreams. It is possible to overcome fears or phobias while dreaming. You can see, hear, feel, and do things that are otherwise impossible (like the previously mentioned Britney Spears / Tom Brady fantasy). Your imagination is the rule.

Methods and strategies for lucid dreaming:

--Keep a dream diary.

Have some sort of recording device beside your bed. An audio device might be best, since writing can be cumbersome and requires some light. Make a habit of writing down your dreams when you wake up in the morning, during the night, or as you remember them. Because dreams can be so fragmented, they can be difficult to remember. The act of recording your dream can help you recall more of it.

You may start to remember that fantasy about Shakira once you start writing down that weird "my dog uploaded Jessica Simpson photos to my Myspace while lip-syncing to American Idol" sequence. You'll be surprised what you find once you start digging. Plus, it's a good strategy for writers and artists to discover new material.

--Reality check

Ask yourself the question "Is this real?" If you're out shoe shopping with Angelina Jolie and winning billions of dollars from your elite online poker strategies, chances are, you're dreaming. If you have recurring themes in your dreams, then every time you recognize one, do a reality check. Check a clock, look at a book, read street signs. If there's anything blurry or strange about them, then you're probably dreaming. Often I'll notice that I'm dreaming when a person that I'm talking to switches into a different person entirely.

Every time you do a certain mundane task, when you're not usually paying attention (like walking through a doorway or getting in your car), ask yourself "Is this real or am I dreaming?" This will train the mind to check and see if you are in the dream state. If you ARE dreaming, you might notice something strange and then proceed to go lucid.

--Concentrate on what you want to dream about

As you go to sleep, and you're in the "half and half" stage, concentrate on and visualize what you want to dream about. Make sure you are active and in control during this visualization. Maintain control as you slip into the dream state. Pay attention to your breathing. Notice all the details of your visualization and really try to make them "pop."

If the woman in your visualization is wearing Monolo Blahniks, then tell me what color they are. Is Brad Pitt wearing a real Rolex, or is it a knockoff? Does everything have a particular shade or haze about it? Is everyone's voice sharp or muffled? How does everyone react if you do something strange?

This is where you can learn to control your dream-state and gather clues to your dreaming patterns.

--Hypnotic induction

Some people might not be comfortable with this, but if you are interested, then hypnosis can be a useful tool. It can help you become more comfortable with the visual aspect of your imagination. If you are uncomfortable or disinterested in hypnosis, then having a daily regimen of creative visualization or meditation is an excellent way to tap into the "dream" part of your brain.

What are the effects/benefits of lucid dreaming?

If you have mastery over your dream world, then you will strengthen your mastery over the real world. Lucid dreaming is an excellent way to relieve stress, because you can do anything you want without repercussions!

Sing on stage with Beyonce. Fly around and explore the solar system. Zip through the phoneline, like in the Matrix, and give that telemarketer the swirly of his life. Arm wrestle Arnold Swarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone at the same time, but just make sure you turn your hat backwards. You can even win that kung-fu fight with Batman (you outrageous nerd). Live out your wildest fantasies.

But most importantly, HAVE FUN, and dream strong.