How Do I Lucid Dream Without Consciously Controlling It?
In the past, I have become conscious rather frequently in my dreams. For example, last night I was interacting with a few of my friends and right when the conversation took its most exciting turn, I realized I was dreaming and gained control of the dream. The only thing I wanted to do was hear the next sentence! I tried to wait out the end of the conversation and even tried to let the dream continue, but now that I was conscious, I couldn't really be surprised by anything that was happening.
What suggestions might you have for actually reaching the part of dreaming where conversation with the unconscious becomes possible? I'm not too worried about the flying or breathing underwater yet (which I actually have done on occasion), but rather, is there a way to really let the dream continue with my conscious mind playing only a minimal part in affecting the actions of others?
Rebecca says: I applaud your desire to use lucid dreaming for something other than dream control. This can be a big distraction for most of us. Conscious clarity of thought and experience is actually the true meaning of lucid dreaming. It's not primarily about dream control but simply having the higher capacity of thought and self awareness to enjoy the dream in a more vivid and meaningful context.
When you become lucid, heighten your awareness (rub your hands together and remind yourself you're dreaming) but refrain from exerting any other conscious will over the dream. I find if I passively explore the dreamscape for a minute (walk round a corner, or pass through a dream door, anything which requires new imagery) the dream picks up again on its own and I become wrapped up in the story.
If you're hanging around and still nothing happens, try actively handing the dream back to your unconscious. Say out loud: "Show me something I've never seen before" or "Take me somewhere really cool". Tell the dream what you want... not specifically, but that you're open to anything happening.
Another option is to go somewhere busy and be an observer. Fly to a city, sit on top of a building and observe the streets below. Lock onto a dream character you find interesting and follow them.
Here's another surprise experiment you might like to try. Find a portal - a mirror, door or even a wardrobe - and jump through. Expect to find something amazing the other side (perhaps a house from the past, or a spaceship of the future). Having an expectation will admittedly start to shape the result but it is usually necessary. You don't want to be standing at the back of an empty wardrobe, having not traveled anywhere. But that seed plants new possibilities for the unconscious to create a new dream scene which will evolve new characters and developments.
So give your lucid dream a little nudge, keep exploring, and it will resume its own path.
Return to Lucid Dreaming FAQ
About the author
Rebecca Turner is the founder of World of Lucid Dreaming. She is currently studying for a science degree in Auckland and becoming famous as a science writer. Try our free lucid dreaming course and connect with the team on Facebook and the lucid dream forum.
Historic Breakthrough in Lucid Dreaming Technology
18 July 2018: A complete game changer has emerged in the realm of lucid dreaming technology. A device that integrates reality checks instead of replacing them and uses Pavolivan Conditioning to establish learned
How to have amazing lucid dreams
Experts agree that everyone is capable of having lucid dreams. Dreaming itself is a normal function of the mind. We all dream every night, even if we don't remember. And we all achieve conscious awareness while awake every single day. So what does it mean to combine these states? Why, the amazing ability to have conscious - or lucid - dreams. Sounds simple, doesn't it? So why do I keep hearing from people who say they can't achieve their first lucid dream?
How to remember your dreams
To lucid dream, I recommend being able to remember at least one vivid dream per night. That will boost your self awareness in dreams (making lucidity more likely) and also means you can actually remember your lucid dreams. Which is nice. Here are four detailed tips on how to remember your dreams more frequently. And if you don't think you dream at all - trust me, you almost certainly do. It takes an extraordinarily rare sleep disorder to deprive someone of dream sleep.
What Do Lucid Dreams Feel Like?
Years ago, before I had my first lucid dream, I had a very specific idea about what a lucid dream would feel like. I thought it would be intense and magical and a little bit spooky. This turned out to be a pretty accurate representation. Becoming aware in the dreamstate is like entering another world. One where physical laws can be manipulated (there is no spoon, Neo) and your fantasies can come true in an instant. There's definitely something magical about that - and it's as if the lucid dream world is a living, breathing organism that can react to your very thoughts.
The Anatomy of a Dreaming Supplement
A lot has happened in the last 5 months. But how did we go from business as usual to changing the face of the entire lucid dreaming supplements industry? It’s a story that I think will interest you – and you might even learn a thing or two in the process. When I was first taken on-board as Chief Lucidity Officer in 2016, one of the first things I was tasked with was taking a good look at our operations and giving things a bit of an overhaul.
Mugwort: Dream Sage of the Chumash Indians
It is estimated that these wise and wily Indians have been using mugwort in their healing and ritual practices for 13,000 years, where it is known as the ‘dream sage’. They use the herb to promote good dreams, which they consider an essential aspect of normal human functioning! But that’s not all...
