Dream Control - The Truth

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By David Heoung

The vast majority of people think of dreams as something mysterious which is not within our power to control. Whether we have nightmares or very pleasant dreams, not everyone is aware that it is in fact possible to stop these dreams from being purely random. Through the method called lucid dreaming, dream control is something that anyone can have.

But what is lucid dreaming and how does one do it? What are the benefits of being in the drivers seat for these nocturnal journeys? Keep reading to find out more about the practice of dream control.

What Is Dream Control?

Dream control, or lucid dreaming is when you are completely aware that you are dreaming while you are doing so; and in control of the events which take place within your dream. Even while your body is sound asleep, your mind knows that you are dreaming and you are in the directors chair for the proceedings.

For those suffering from frequent nightmares, this simple but powerful method may serve to be just the thing they need to finally enjoy a restful night's sleep.

Common Methods of Inducing Lucid Dreaming

Binaural audio is a very effective method of inducing lucid dreaming. Binaural audio consists of two slightly different frequencies simultaneously; this brings about the necessary state of relaxation and the synchronization of the brain waves needed for lucid dreaming to occur; namely, REM sleep.

Before the availability of binaural audio on CDs and DVD's, the methods of choice for bringing about lucid dreaming were meditation and self-hypnosis; these are effective methods, but it can take a long time for people to master these techniques to the extent necessary to have lucid dreaming experiences at will.

Besides these methods, there are many other techniques which have been employed by experts in the field. Regardless of how one trains their mind to start using dream control, the idea in every case is to let the dreamer come to the awareness that they are dreaming and start to take control of their dreams.

This kind of metal training begins, of course while we are still fully awake. The aim is to give yourself a cue; either an action or a word which when performed in your dream, will serve as your signal that you are dreaming; which lets you start exerting dream control.

You may be able to do this by simply telling yourself as you are falling asleep that in your dream, you will do or say something and then you will know that you are dreaming. Once you know that you are dreaming, lucid dreaming has begun.

This form of dream control is called mnemonic induction of lucid dreams (or MILD for short), a technique developed by researcher Dr. Stephen LaBerge. Once reminded, you are then in control of your dream. You can then decide what happens in your dream, with your imagination being the only limiting factor.

You can also achieve lucid dreaming by means of keeping a dream diary. Youll write down everything you can remember about your dreams immediate after awakening; this will train you to start remembering your dreams and being able to start using dream control. Youll find that after using this technique for a while, youll be able to replay a recent dream; except this time, youll be in control.

Tame monsters in your nightmares, 'visit' any location you wish, explore imagined worlds that you envision within your own mind, speak to anyone you like, and basically be free of all worldly constraints and limits. With dream control, all of this is possible, in essence, giving us the power to be the ruler of our own nightly fantasy worlds where we are in complete control of everything that transpires.

The experts say do that there is, however, one potential drawback to lucid dreaming, as much like anything in life, too much of a good thing can actually have the opposite effect. The main reason for this being that one of the most valuable aspects of dreaming 'naturally' is that it often tell us important things about ourselves that otherwise would have remained hidden forever. So enjoy dreaming lucidly. It really is an amazing experience, but remember to give yourself a few nights off!

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