Lucid dreaming is probably one of the most bizarre concepts that has become increasingly popular lately. It's basically that you are aware that you are dreaming and can control them. It isn't easy to do, but apparently there are some tricks that will help you develop those skills.
If you want to learn how to control your dreams so that you can do everything you ever wanted, then try out these tips and see if they help you out. It might take some practice, but if you can figure it out it'll change the way you sleep forever!
Wake Up Gently
Of course we all have places to be, but if you can at all manage to wake up a little bit slower it will help you focus on your dreams. It is recommended that you keep your eyes closed and move as little as possible and go over your dreams carefully in your mind before writing it down.
Keep A Dream Journal
If you want to learn how to lucid dream, you are going to have to learn to recognize when you are dreaming. The best way to do that is by writing down all your dreams as soon as you wake up and begin to look for patterns. The theory is that when you are in the same situations again in a dream you can notice that it isn't real and eventually control it.
Reality Checks Throughout The Day
As you are making your way through the day, ask yourself "Am I dreaming right now?" Think of the question sincerely and check for external cues. Check in throughout the day to monitor your feelings.
Try The Wake Back To Bed Method
You can try setting an alarm to go off after 4.5 hours, 6 hours and 7 hours of being asleep. Those are the most likely times for you to be in REM sleep. Stay awake for several minutes, usually around 45, before going back to bed. As you go to sleep tap your fingers in a pattern while thinking of your last dream. This will help you recognize the difference between dreaming and reality.
Once you manage to actually realize you are dreaming, there are a few ways to make the experience better...
Grounding Yourself In Your Dreams
Once you finally learn how to recognize that you are dreaming, the tricky part becomes convincing your body to stay asleep. A lot of people will wake up as soon as they notice, but if you can focus you will be able to control your dreams. Two tricks that you can try is to spin around in circles just like Maria, or look at your fingers and wiggle them. Basically any kind of action that requires focus will help you remain in the dream world.
Settle Into the World
Dreams can be pretty outrageous sometimes, but try to spend the first few moments doing nothing. Settle into the environment and try not to move. If you can manage to focus enough you will be able to start to modify the world and alter things as you want.
Don't Doubt Yourself
When you are attempting to do the impossible in a dream state, you need to be kind of like the Road Runner when he can run across canyons. If you want to fly, you have to think of only flying and not of the falling. If you can lose all the doubt then with practice you will be able to do a lot of things you've always wanted to do.
