Lucid Dreaming

LUCID DREAMING by David Town

Most people don't realize they've been dreaming until after they've awakened and the dream has

come to an end. Some people, however, are conscious that they're dreaming. These lucid dreamers,

scientists have discovered, can literally direct their actions and change the content of a dream, deciding perhaps to talk physics with Einstein, woo and marry a movie star, or assume the powers of Superman. After nearly a decade of piloting these daring nocturnal flights, two psychologists - Stephen LaBerge of Stanford University, author of LUCID DREAMING (Ballentine), and Jayne Gackenbach of the University of Northern Iowa - have begun to develop a series of techniques aimed at helping ordinary dreamers "turn" lucid, and lucid dreamers gain greater control over the wooly behemoth of the night. These special techniques, still under development, have never before been presented in a public forum. For those who have aquired the knack of lucidity, the benefits can be enormous. Lucid dreaming gives one the chance to experience adventures rarely surpassed elsewhere in life. These experiences can enhance self-confidence and promote personal growth and self-development. By facing fears and learning to make the best of the worst situation imaginable, lucid dreamers can overcome nightmares. Because recent scientific studies have demonstrated a strong connection between dreams and the biological functioning of the body, lucid dreams might facilitate physical as well as mental health. And finally, because lucid dreaming allows us to tap the power of the unconscious, it may also be useful for creative problem solving. To direct your own nightly dream-time show, attempt exercises one, two, three and four as outlined below. LaBerge and Gackenbach suggest that you do the tasks as often as possible. Some people may succeed in having a lucid dream the very first night they use the techniques; others, the researchers note may need to practice for several weeks...