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Lucid dreaming: Difference between revisions
>David Hedlund ==External links== *Lucid dreaming (Wikipedia) |
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[[File:Are you dreaming.gif |thumbnail|right|An accurate representation of how text may appear within a dream.]] | [[File:Are you dreaming.gif |thumbnail|right|An accurate representation of how text may appear within a dream.]] | ||
A '''lucid dream''' is any [[dream]] in which one is aware that they are dreaming. This is a well-established phenomenon | A '''lucid dream''' is any [[dream]] in which one is aware that they are dreaming. This is a well-established phenomenon that can occur during normal sleep. Various techniques can be learned to consistently [[Induction technique|induce lucid dreams]] at will; There are two classifications of the dreams these techniques would result in which were established by Dr. Stephen LaBerge; [[Dream initiated lucid dream]] (DILD) and [[wake initiated lucid dream]] (WILD), denoting whether the lucidity is established during a dream or while awake. Dr. Stephen LaBerge also developed an induction technique which he titled MILD (Mnemonic Initiated Lucid Dream), the similar naming convention has lead to confusion as MILD is technically a combination of complimentary techniques, and not a classification of techniques itself, in fact in the instance in which it was coined it falls into the category of [[DILD]]. | ||
Some individuals also experiment with dietary supplements and [[oneirogens]], substances believed to enhance dream vividness, though much of the evidence for these is anecdotal. These techniques offer different pathways to achieving lucidity in dreams, catering to various preferences and experiences of aspiring lucid dreamers. | |||
These techniques can be utilized as a powerful method of consciousness exploration, making lucid dreaming an important field of [[psychonautics]]. This article serves as a descriptive and comprehensive breakdown, analysis, and instructional guide regarding dreams and the behavior of their general content, their inherent limitations, and the skill sets necessary to consciously utilize them as powerful methods of self-exploration. | |||
==Techniques== | ==Techniques== | ||
Despite powerful senses of delirium and plot acceptance, there are moments within dreams in which a person becomes aware of the fact that they are dreaming, allowing one to control the dream and its circumstances. These are known as lucid dreams: any dream in which, for an uninterrupted and prolonged amount of time, one is consciously aware that they are dreaming. | Despite powerful senses of delirium and plot acceptance, there are moments within dreams in which a person becomes aware of the fact that they are dreaming, allowing one to control the dream and its circumstances. These are known as lucid dreams: any dream in which, for an uninterrupted and prolonged amount of time, one is consciously aware that they are dreaming. | ||
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===Improving memory recall=== | ===Improving memory recall=== | ||
One of the biggest hurdles that many encounter when learning to lucid dream is recalling what their dreams are about. This is easily changed and does not indicate an inability to dream, but simply means that the dreamer's brain does not focus any attention on memorizing them once they are over. The most effective methods of improving memory recall are listed below: | One of the biggest hurdles that many encounter when learning to lucid dream is recalling what their dreams are about. This is easily changed and does not indicate an inability to dream, but simply means that the dreamer's brain does not focus any attention on memorizing them once they are over. The most effective methods of improving memory recall are listed below: | ||
*'''Keeping a dream journal''' - Writing out any and all details within a daily dream log will drastically improve one's ability to recall their dreams. Preferably, this should be done immediately after waking up if possible, as it will quickly change one's memory into one which is attentive to its own dreams. The writing style should be in the first person and in the present tense to further improve one's ability to recall the specific plot as it is written down. If there was no dream the previous night, simply write down "I did not dream last night," then continue to use the journal as usual the next day. | *'''Keeping a dream journal''' - Writing out any and all details within a daily dream log will drastically improve one's ability to recall their dreams. Preferably, this should be done immediately after waking up if possible, as it will quickly change one's memory into one which is attentive to its own dreams. The writing style should be in the first person and in the present tense to further improve one's ability to recall the specific plot as it is written down. If there was no dream the previous night, simply write down "I did not dream last night," then continue to use the journal as usual the next day. | ||
*'''Use memory signifiers''' - If one is prone to waking up in the middle of the night, knowing that a dream will likely be forgotten the moment one falls back to sleep, simply arrange a random object in such a way that it is clearly out of place, making it easily noticed in the morning. Examples of this would be turning a drinking glass upside down or putting an object on one's computer keyboard. This will act as a powerful memory trigger when it is seen the next day, allowing one to write the dream down in their dream journal. | *'''Use memory signifiers''' - If one is prone to waking up in the middle of the night, knowing that a dream will likely be forgotten the moment one falls back to sleep, simply arrange a random object in such a way that it is clearly out of place, making it easily noticed in the morning. Examples of this would be turning a drinking glass upside down or putting an object on one's computer keyboard. This will act as a powerful memory trigger when it is seen the next day, allowing one to write the dream down in their dream journal. | ||
*'''Stop smoking [[cannabis]] before sleep''' - It is common knowledge among cannabis users that marijuana suppresses one's ability to dream; this phenomenon has been backed up by a study which indicated that smoking marijuana will inhibit REM activity during sleep, therefore suppressing dreams.<ref>Marijuana, Sleep and Dreams | | *'''Stop smoking [[cannabis]] before sleep''' - It is common knowledge among cannabis users that marijuana suppresses one's ability to dream; this phenomenon has been backed up by a study which indicated that smoking marijuana will inhibit REM activity during sleep, therefore suppressing dreams.<ref>{{Citation | title=Marijuana, Sleep, and Dreams | publisher=Psychology Today | url=https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-teenage-mind/200906/marijuana-sleep-and-dreams}}</ref> Once a person stops smoking marijuana before bed, however, REM activity undergoes a rebound effect and dreams will temporarily become much more vivid than usual. | ||
===Reality checks=== | ===Reality checks=== | ||
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This can be extremely frustrating but easily overcome through the simple stabilization technique of maintaining sensory input through the basic action of rubbing one's hands together. This technique keeps the dream perfectly stable and grounded. This can be further taken advantage of by continuously rubbing one's shoulder with their hand to maintain sensory input while walking around and admiring or exploring the environment. | This can be extremely frustrating but easily overcome through the simple stabilization technique of maintaining sensory input through the basic action of rubbing one's hands together. This technique keeps the dream perfectly stable and grounded. This can be further taken advantage of by continuously rubbing one's shoulder with their hand to maintain sensory input while walking around and admiring or exploring the environment. | ||
The effect of lucid destabilization does not occur to all lucid dreamers and as a result has lead some to believe that the effect may be a placebo effect. | |||
===Activities and control techniques=== | ===Activities and control techniques=== | ||
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*'''Enhancing clarity and detail''' - If the dream is blurred and low in clarity or detail (level 3), one can enhance and improve these factors (level 4) by verbally stating aloud "''enhance visual clarity''" and simply expecting it to work. | *'''Enhancing clarity and detail''' - If the dream is blurred and low in clarity or detail (level 3), one can enhance and improve these factors (level 4) by verbally stating aloud "''enhance visual clarity''" and simply expecting it to work. | ||
*'''Spawning objects''' - If one desires to spawn objects such as vehicles, weapons, food, people, etc., this can be done through two different methods. The first is walking into a room and simply expecting to find the object in a particular location, and the second is drawing the vague shape of the desired object in the air with one's hands while simultaneously verbally commanding the object into existence through expectant dialogue such as "''A jetpack is going to appear in front of me.''" The more specific the detail of the request, the more accurately the object will fit one's desires when it spawns. | *'''Spawning objects''' - If one desires to spawn objects such as vehicles, weapons, food, people, etc., this can be done through two different methods. The first is walking into a room and simply expecting to find the object in a particular location, and the second is drawing the vague shape of the desired object in the air with one's hands while simultaneously verbally commanding the object into existence through expectant dialogue such as "''A jetpack is going to appear in front of me.''" The more specific the detail of the request, the more accurately the object will fit one's desires when it spawns. | ||
*'''Travelling to new locations''' - If one desires to travel to a new location, there are two methods through which this can be done. The first of these is to spawn a door by drawing its shape in the air and stating clearly where one would like it to take them before walking through it. An example of this would be the statement "this door is going to take me to my childhood home." The second is to verbally state where one would like to visit while simultaneously spinning around in circles. Once one has stopped spinning, they should find themselves in the desired location. The more detailed the request, the more accurate the outcome will be. | *'''Travelling to new locations''' - If one desires to travel to a new location, there are two methods through which this can be done. The first of these is to spawn a door by drawing its shape in the air and stating clearly where one would like it to take them before walking through it. An example of this would be the statement "this door is going to take me to my childhood home." The second is to verbally state where one would like to visit while simultaneously spinning around in circles. Once one has stopped spinning, they should find themselves in the desired location. The more detailed the request, the more accurate the outcome will be. | ||
*'''Flying''' - There are different styles of flight that people use, each with a varied level of success for each individual. Methods such as swimming through the air as if it were water, “Superman style” (one arm outstretched), “Airplane style” (both arms out), and "bird style" (gliding through the wind, flapping one's arms to navigate air currents) are often used. There are a few methods of getting up into the air, such as jumping or willing one's body to rise into the air. Perhaps the easiest method of flying is to use a tool that the dreamer spawns in, such as a jetpack or a broomstick. | *'''Flying''' - There are different styles of flight that people use, each with a varied level of success for each individual. Methods such as swimming through the air as if it were water, “Superman style” (one arm outstretched), “Airplane style” (both arms out), and "bird style" (gliding through the wind, flapping one's arms to navigate air currents) are often used. There are a few methods of getting up into the air, such as jumping or willing one's body to rise into the air. Perhaps the easiest method of flying is to use a tool that the dreamer spawns in, such as a jetpack or a broomstick. | ||
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*'''Having sex''' - Many people learn to lucid dream purely for the sex it offers. This can be difficult, as it is often very challenging to maintain lucidity during the act of dream sex and the chosen partner may shift into an undesirable form part way through. In order to have sex within a lucid dream, all one needs to do is simply initiate it with a dream character; they will be perfectly compliant. Orgasms, which are often far more powerful than those found in waking life, are completely attainable with practice. | *'''Having sex''' - Many people learn to lucid dream purely for the sex it offers. This can be difficult, as it is often very challenging to maintain lucidity during the act of dream sex and the chosen partner may shift into an undesirable form part way through. In order to have sex within a lucid dream, all one needs to do is simply initiate it with a dream character; they will be perfectly compliant. Orgasms, which are often far more powerful than those found in waking life, are completely attainable with practice. | ||
*'''Body swapping''' - To swap bodies with another person, simply climb into them from behind and wear them over one's skin like a wetsuit. The most interesting application of this technique is the way in which it allows one to experience extremely convincing and detailed sex and/or orgasms as the opposite sex or within an entirely different body altogether. | *'''Body swapping''' - To swap bodies with another person, simply climb into them from behind and wear them over one's skin like a wetsuit. The most interesting application of this technique is the way in which it allows one to experience extremely convincing and detailed sex and/or orgasms as the opposite sex or within an entirely different body altogether. | ||
*'''Taking drugs''' - An excellent way to change the course of the dream is to ingest drugs which one may or may not have tried in real life. This will result in inducing the expected effects without any real ingestion of the drug itself. However, this action is extremely limited and incapable when it comes to psychedelic visual geometry. | *'''Taking drugs''' - An excellent way to change the course of the dream is to ingest drugs which one may or may not have tried in real life. This will result in inducing the expected effects without any real ingestion of the drug itself. However, this action is extremely limited and incapable when it comes to psychedelic visual geometry. | ||
*'''Eating food''' - Another great activity within the dreamscape is eating food. This results in food which tastes even richer and more detailed than any food found within real life, and is extremely pleasurable. | *'''Eating food''' - Another great activity within the dreamscape is eating food. This results in food which tastes even richer and more detailed than any food found within real life, and is extremely pleasurable. | ||
=== | ===Specific induction methods=== | ||
*'''[[Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming (FILD) | Most lucid dreamers practice specific techniques that aim to increase their chances of becoming lucid. The efficacy of some techniques, mainly MILD, could be no more than a placebo, however they do work for most lucid dreamers. It is important to remember when attempting a technique that some techniques work better for some people whilst others do not. It is important to experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. However with most things in life, for the techniques to be effective it requires patience. Try to avoid switching between techniques more than once a month as you could potentially spoil your progress on a certain technique, even if you have had no results yet. It is also possible to combine techniques, however beginners are recommended to stick to one and get good at it. | ||
*'''[[ | |||
*'''[[All Day Awareness]] (ADA)''' - This is a technique which involves maintaining complete, mindful focus on the present moment, all day and every day. This allows one to remain completely aware even when they are dreaming. This is perhaps the most effective and effort-intensive lucid dreaming technique. It can be read about in detail [http://www.dreamviews.com/induction-techniques/113253-all-day-awareness-dild-tutorial-kingyoshi.html here]. | |||
*'''[[ | *'''[[Dream initiated lucid dream]] (DILD)''' - refer to any lucid dream where the dreamer becomes aware that they are in a dream while inside it. | ||
*'''[[Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming]] (FILD)''' - FILD is defined as waking up from sleep, then doing light repetitive movements with the fingers as if one were playing the piano with their index and middle finger and allowing the body to drift off to sleep while the mind stays quiet, but conscious, until a dream is perceived. This process usually lasts for several seconds to a few minutes. | |||
*'''[[Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dream]] (MILD)''' - In short, MILD is telling oneself as they are in bed, ready to sleep, that they are going to become lucid once they start dreaming, then visualizing oneself in a dream becoming lucid. This should be repeated until one falls asleep. | |||
*'''[[Wake initiated lucid dream|Wake initiated lucid dream (WILD)]]''' - This is a technique in which one maintains consciousness while their body falls asleep. It can be read about in detail [http://www.reddit.com/r/LucidDreaming/comments/trz9z/beginners_wild_method_adjustments_tricks_and_tips/ here]. | |||
*'''Use of dietary supplements and [[oneirogens]]''' - Certain foods or dietary supplements reportedly modify the quality of dreaming, but this is mostly backed by anecdotal evidence only. There also exists [[oneirogens]], substances specifically used to induce vivid dreams. | |||
==Subjective effects== | ==Subjective effects== | ||
===Internally sourced sensory input=== | ===Internally sourced sensory input=== | ||
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#'''Imaginative visualization''' - The lowest level of a dream is extremely common and occurs frequently during waking consciousness on a daily basis. It can be defined as the heightened state of mental visualization that one drifts into when daydreaming or using the imagination. This state results in a level of visualization that is mostly felt internally within the mind's eye, instead of visually perceived. It can be described as a short-term detachment from one's immediate surroundings, during which a person's contact with reality is blurred and partially substituted by a visionary fantasy. The generation of the details of this internal visualization are partially autonomous in nature but mostly controlled by the content of one's current thought stream. | #'''Imaginative visualization''' - The lowest level of a dream is extremely common and occurs frequently during waking consciousness on a daily basis. It can be defined as the heightened state of mental visualization that one drifts into when daydreaming or using the imagination. This state results in a level of visualization that is mostly felt internally within the mind's eye, instead of visually perceived. It can be described as a short-term detachment from one's immediate surroundings, during which a person's contact with reality is blurred and partially substituted by a visionary fantasy. The generation of the details of this internal visualization are partially autonomous in nature but mostly controlled by the content of one's current thought stream. | ||
#'''Partially defined hypnagogia''' - As one begins to fall asleep, the experience of daydreaming and general imagination begins to progressively heighten and form into what is known in literature as "hypnagogia". This is defined as the experience of the transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, and generally consists of hearing indistinct noises and seeing faded imagery behind closed eyelids. | #'''Partially defined hypnagogia''' - As one begins to fall asleep, the experience of daydreaming and general imagination begins to progressively heighten and form into what is known in literature as "hypnagogia". This is defined as the experience of the transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, and generally consists of hearing indistinct noises and seeing faded imagery behind closed eyelids. | ||
#'''Fully defined hypnagogia''' - As the vividness and intensity slightly increase, the spontaneous imagery becomes fully defined in its appearance and detail, and is now seen within one's direct line of sight under closed eyelids. Alongside of this, audible noises such as fleeting voices, music, and general auditory hallucinations are often present. | #'''Fully defined hypnagogia''' - As the vividness and intensity slightly increase, the spontaneous imagery becomes fully defined in its appearance and detail, and is now seen within one's direct line of sight under closed eyelids. Alongside of this, audible noises such as fleeting voices, music, and general auditory hallucinations are often present. | ||
#'''Partially defined dreams''' - As the ability to hallucinate increases, random flashes of spontaneous hallucinatory scenarios begin to show themselves. At this level, the hallucinations no longer consist of fleeting imagery on the back of one's closed eyelids, and instead become sustained as all-encompassing settings which surround the dreamer in what feels like a sudden breakthrough into an alternate reality. In terms of sensory vividness, the dreams are not completely defined in their appearance or sound. This means that they often display themselves as partially to completely blurred and transparent. Alongside this, the dreamer's physical body will also still feel at least partially connected to the real world. Other senses such as touch, taste, and smell seem to be extremely vague or entirely absent altogether. | #'''Partially defined dreams''' - As the ability to hallucinate increases, random flashes of spontaneous hallucinatory scenarios begin to show themselves. At this level, the hallucinations no longer consist of fleeting imagery on the back of one's closed eyelids, and instead become sustained as all-encompassing settings which surround the dreamer in what feels like a sudden breakthrough into an alternate reality. In terms of sensory vividness, the dreams are not completely defined in their appearance or sound. This means that they often display themselves as partially to completely blurred and transparent. Alongside this, the dreamer's physical body will also still feel at least partially connected to the real world. Other senses such as touch, taste, and smell seem to be extremely vague or entirely absent altogether. | ||
#'''Fully defined dreams''' - At this level, all five of the senses are replicated perfectly as the dream becomes completely realistic and indistinguishable from that of everyday reality, in terms of the detail and sensory vividness which they provide. These sensations are equally capable of including both positive sensations, such as sexual orgasm, and negative sensations, such as pain. | #'''Fully defined dreams''' - At this level, all five of the senses are replicated perfectly as the dream becomes completely realistic and indistinguishable from that of everyday reality, in terms of the detail and sensory vividness which they provide. These sensations are equally capable of including both positive sensations, such as sexual orgasm, and negative sensations, such as pain. | ||
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When communicated with through spoken word, the level of coherency in which these entities can reply varies greatly, but can be broken down into four distinct levels of communication: | When communicated with through spoken word, the level of coherency in which these entities can reply varies greatly, but can be broken down into four distinct levels of communication: | ||
# '''Silence''' - This level can be defined as a complete unresponsiveness from the side of the dream character and an incapability of speech, despite their obvious presence within the dream. | #'''Silence''' - This level can be defined as a complete unresponsiveness from the side of the dream character and an incapability of speech, despite their obvious presence within the dream. | ||
#'''Partially defined incoherent speech''' - This level can be defined as audible linguistic conversational responses and noises which sound like words but do not contain any real content or meaning beyond a vague sense of emotional intent. | #'''Partially defined incoherent speech''' - This level can be defined as audible linguistic conversational responses and noises which sound like words but do not contain any real content or meaning beyond a vague sense of emotional intent. | ||
#'''Fully defined incoherent speech''' - This level can be defined as audible linguistic conversational responses and noises which contain fully defined and understandable words, but often lack grammatical structure or general coherency. | #'''Fully defined incoherent speech''' - This level can be defined as audible linguistic conversational responses and noises which contain fully defined and understandable words, but often lack grammatical structure or general coherency. | ||
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Regarding the amount of time in which they are experienced, hallucinatory dream plots and scenarios usually feel as if they are being experienced in real-time. This means that when 20 seconds have been felt to have passed within the hallucination, the exact same amount of time will have passed in the real world. At other points, however, distortions of time can make themselves present, resulting in plots and scenarios that can feel as if they last days, weeks, months, years, or even infinitely long periods of time. | Regarding the amount of time in which they are experienced, hallucinatory dream plots and scenarios usually feel as if they are being experienced in real-time. This means that when 20 seconds have been felt to have passed within the hallucination, the exact same amount of time will have passed in the real world. At other points, however, distortions of time can make themselves present, resulting in plots and scenarios that can feel as if they last days, weeks, months, years, or even infinitely long periods of time. | ||
An important part of any dream that contains obviously unlikely and absurd scenarios is a strong sense of uncontrollable and powerful plot acceptance. This sense of plot acceptance allows the dreamer to accept any plot as it comes as a completely real event in which the results of one's own actions will have genuine consequences regarding the dreamer's life. This delirium motivates the dreamer to avoid danger, solve puzzles, and accept the scenario as reality even if it is clearly and undeniably more likely to be a dream than an event which could never occur within waking life. | An important part of any dream that contains obviously unlikely and absurd scenarios is a strong sense of uncontrollable and powerful plot acceptance. This sense of plot acceptance allows the dreamer to accept any plot as it comes as a completely real event in which the results of one's own actions will have genuine consequences regarding the dreamer's life. This delirium motivates the dreamer to avoid danger, solve puzzles, and accept the scenario as reality even if it is clearly and undeniably more likely to be a dream than an event which could never occur within waking life. It is also possible in some anecdotal cases for a dreamers thoughts inside the dream to shape the dream, however this is not common. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Responsible use]] | *[[Responsible use]] | ||
*[[Induction technique]] | *[[Induction technique]] | ||
*[[Oneironautics]] | *[[Oneironautics]] | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[[wikipedia:Lucid dreaming|Lucid dreaming (Wikipedia)]] | *[[wikipedia:Lucid dreaming|Lucid dreaming (Wikipedia)]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Oneironautics]][[Category:Psychonautics]] | [[Category:Oneironautics]] | ||
[[Category:Psychonautics]] | |||
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