Essay On Lucid Dreaming

If every human being were to become a frequent lucid dreamer, the world’s culture, art, technology, medicine and even science would quickly develop in a whole new direction. Consider if every inventor suddenly had a breakthrough about a new invention through lucid dreaming or if every artist suddenly began producing subconsciously inspired artwork. Imagine if every scientist could abruptly solve advanced problems that had left them stumped. If people had access to lucid dreams and used them in a productive capacity, the world would tap into a greater power within. Unfortunately, there is much speculation placed on the notion of lucid dreaming despite the numerous scientific experiments made to prove its existences.

Lucid dreaming is the ability of an individual to consciously direct and control one’s dreams. It transforms an individual’s inner dream world into an alternative reality – where everything the dreamer sees, hears, feels, tastes and even smells is as authentic as real life. Lucidity transpires during altered states of consciousness. According to Snyder & Gackenbach, as cited by LaBerge, lucid dreaming is normally a rare experience and only about a percentage of 20% of the world’s population reports to having lucid dreams once a month or more (LaBerge, 1990) which probably does not justify the existence of lucid dreaming. In addition, people have argued that lucid dreaming is just another theory and it is seems critical for one to be aware in an experience such as this.

To claim that lucid dreaming is “just a theory” is the same as saying that evolution and gravity are “just theories”, which in fact are real and proven by hard evidence and in no way should equate to belittle the subject of lucid dreaming at hand. In th...

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...overcoming phobias, working with grief, achieving greater self-confidence and by directing the body image in the dream to facilitate physical healing.” (LaBerge & Levitan, 2007).

To sum up, lucid dreaming happens when the brain switches into waking mode inside the dream. In comparison to normal dreams, where one’s self awareness is shut down, the conscious brain in lucid dreaming wakes up during sleep. Based on scientific research, this is a safe and natural state and it is not a literal out of the body experience as the dreamer always remains asleep in bed. Furthermore, when one becomes lucid in a dream state, their senses become more alive and are free to explore the inner workings of their subconscious mind. Lucid dreaming has also proved to be a powerful mental tool. To conclude, lucid dreaming exists and in no way should equate to belittle the subject at hand.