Categories

  • Home
  • Lucid Dreaming - Self Directed Fantasy or Self Imposed Reality?

Lucid Dreaming - Self Directed Fantasy or Self Imposed Reality?

lucids.jpg

A favourite dream experience for me is anytime I’m flying. Sometimes I fly like a bird flapping my arms like they’re wings, sometimes I take off and fly like Superman, and other times I leap off mountains or tall trees or towers so that I can glide or float lazily to my destination. It doesn’t matter what symbols my subconscious mind uses while dreaming to convince me I’m flying. What really convinces me is the feeling of fluttering in my stomach that is so real and is the same feeling that I have in my waking life when I look down from the top of the CN Tower. But in my flying dreams I feel no fear; just utter freedom, joy and euphoria.

I enjoy my flying dreams so much that when I first heard of lucid dreaming and the possibility of giving yourself an auto-suggestion to dream of whatever you wish, I chose to try to make myself dream of flying. And guess what? It worked.

 Flying dreams are thought by some to be related to or indicative of out of body experiences (OBE’s), which will be a topic of a future column. For now let’s explore lucid dreaming.

 What is a lucid dream?

A lucid dream is where one becomes aware that s/he is dreaming while sleeping. For many it’s like you suddenly or gradually ‘wake up’ and become aware that you are dreaming while the dream continues on. Instead of being an ‘actor’ in the dream, compelled to experience whatever the dream shows us, many will find they can now be the ‘director’ able to manipulate the dream, change directions, outcome, symbols and the entire dream experience. In other lucid dreams one is merely the observer, conscious that it is a dream but enjoying the different perspective. Lucid dreams have been reported since ancient times in many cultures although they have not been called lucid dreams since then. Tibetan monks practised a form of dream yoga as long as 1300 years ago that entailed remaining aware and awake while falling into a dream state.

 The term ‘lucid dream’ was first used by a Dutch psychiatrist Dr. Frederik van Eeden in 1913 in an article he wrote on dreams, and especially in the last 60 years, lucid dreaming has been vigorously studied by both medical scientists and mystics. Due to the scientific research available we now know that lucid dreaming does exist and a mountain of information is available in books and on the internet. It may be the most researched form of dreaming, given the number of studies currently being conducted by scientists and lay people, and why not? What a great and harmless way to escape the pressures of our highly stressful 21st century. Lucid dreaming has been taught to sufferers of frequent nightmares so that they become aware that they are just having a nightmare and over time has helped them reduce their fearfulness and the frequency of their nightmares.

Can I really make myself have a lucid dream?

Probably. It may take some practice but some may be surprised to find that you can experience a lucid dream the first time you try. There are at least four different primary methods used to initiate a lucid dream. One of the simplest ways is to give yourself an auto-suggestion before going to sleep along the lines of “I will become consciously aware of my dreams while dreaming,” or simply, “I will have a lucid dream,” repeated silently or even out loud several times with a calm but focused intent has worked for me. I have also found meditation before going to sleep an invaluable aid to having lucid or other favourite types of dreams, since meditation can be a form of autosuggestion that retrains the mind for various healthy goals.

 It may take a few attempts to reach or maintain lucidity. Try to remain calm when you become aware of being lucid in a dream as the experience is exciting and may cause you to wake up. Research has shown that a certain period in your personal sleep cycle may be more prone to lucid dreaming (REM sleep generally) and having a nap a few hours after awakening in the morning seems more conducive to having a lucid dream. Others may become more successful at lucid dreaming while practicing the suggested techniques found in scholarly books and websites on the topic.

I vividly recall my first lucid dream which occurred when I was about five or six years old. I was probably influenced by a cartoon I had recently watched, or maybe Lucky Charms cereal because I had been having a recurring dream about following leprechauns and rainbows and eventually finding a pot of gold. This had occurred a few times with varying details. Sometimes I would find the pot of gold, sometimes not. The recurring dream seemed to progress to me trying to hide or keep the pot of gold when I found it and one time I dreamed that I hid the pot of gold in my bedroom closet. When I woke up I immediately ran to my closet and was sorely disappointed to not find the pot of gold hidden under boxes of toys. Not long after I had the recurring dream again and when I found the pot of gold this time I immediately knew I was dreaming and was lucid throughout the rest of the dream. I watched myself hide the pot of gold in my closet again but lucidly knew it was only a dream and it wouldn’t be there when I woke up. Soon, I did wake up, but I still checked my closet for the hidden pot of gold. Sadly, I haven’t had that recurring dream since then and I miss my leprechauns.

Hmmmm, maybe an auto-suggestion about leprechauns tonight before going to sleep…

 

Rob Shaw
~ since the 1970’s Rob has been a public speaker and facilitator of holistic health and metaphysical topics such as astrology, meditation, chakras and dream study, rshawis@gmail.com. If you have a dream you would like explained write to
editorial@tonictoronto.com


Comments (1)

Turk
Said this on 7-10-2011 At 05:21 am
Good point. I hadn't tohught about it quite that way. :)
Reply to this Comment
Post a Comment
* Your Name:
* Your Email:
(not publicly displayed)
Reply Notification:
Approval Notification:
Website:
* Security Image:
Security Image Generate new
Copy the numbers and letters from the security image:
* Message:
Click here for a list of HTML tags permitted in comments

Articles

What Your Aches Are Telling You

Managing Chronic & Recurring Pain

By Kashka Kril-Atkins

Mindful Eating

Consider How You Consume 

By Kristen Gallagher 

Kick-Start Your Fitness Routine

Try High Intensity Cardio Training 

By Kathie Kilpatrick 

Beyond January 1st

Realizing Your Resolutions

By Jamie Bussin 

Sulphites

The Hidden Allergy 

By Marni Wasserman 

Essential Oils for Weight Loss

Aromatherapy Can Help 

By Colleen Hague 

Can Herbal Remedies Relieve Pain?

The Alternative To Synthetic Drugs 

By Guy Chamberland 

The 7 Secrets of Weight Loss

What Every Dieter Should Know 

By Dr. Joey Shulman 

Be Happy for the Holidays

Holistic advice to help you handle seasonal stress 

By Kashka Kril-Atkins 

A Natural Approach to Breast Cancer - Part 2

In part one of this article published in the November issue of Tonic, I reviewed screening and risks. In this part of the article I'll discuss natural prevention and treatments for breast cancer. 

By Bryce Wylde  

My Yoga Practice, My Friend

How yoga probably saved my life

By Casey Soer 

Skin Health and Muscle Tone

Sleep, Diet, Exercise and these products. 

By Suzanna Ivanovics 

Fight Those Winter Blahs

Nine herbs and supplements to boost energy 

By Joel Thuna and Claude Gallant 

Gracious Holiday Hosting

How to Meet Guest's Dietary Needs 

By Maree Price

How to Avoid the Giant Germ

Fighting cold and flu.

By Kashka Kril-Atkins

 

Separate the Wheat from the Chaff

Going Glute-Free

By Marni Wasserman

A Natural Approach to Breast Cancer

Part 1: Screening and Risks

By Dr. Bryce Wylde

Let's Talk About Sex

A pivotal part of holistic health.

By Cory Silverberg

 

Sexing the Chicken

Monitoring estrogen levels in meat.

By Mario Fiorucci

 

Good Golly, It's Bolly!

The next dance fitness craze.

By Jamie Bussin

Sage Wisdom for Woman

Helpful Herbs

By Joel Thuna & Claude Gallant 

Frenemy Foods

Celiac, salicylates and how to deal

By Dr. Bryce Wylde 

 


Finding Her Bliss

Padma Stewart's yoga & meditation practice. 

By Jamie Bussin

The Age of Entitlement

How you can remain gracious and grateful

By Sonia Byrne 

No More of the "Moo"

3 dairy-free milk options

By Shannon Kadlovski

Yoga for Kids

Young Yogis and the joy of practice

By Anna Cipollone

A Summer Veggie Fritatta

A Summer Veggie Fritatta with Raddish and Seedling Salad

by Dan Dematteis, Chef de Cuisine at Café Belong at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto

You vs. Stress

Take Time to Cool Down

By Rod McDonald

Too Much of a Good Thing?

Fruit and Weight Loss

By Joey Shulman

Stretching Out Your Strains

Yoga Therapy for Back Pain

By Brenda Bell

SUN-AND-A-BEACH

Our Summer Road Trip to the Jersey Shores

By Jamies Bussin

Pack It Up

Lunch With a Conscience

By Lisa Borden

Healthy Food, Healthy Kids

Optimal Nutrition for Back to School  
By Dr. Bryce Wylde

 

Ziya Tong Busts 7 Major Health Myths

An Interview with the Daily Planet Debunker
by Jamie Bussin 

Summer Skin Protection

Summer Skin Protection
by Lori Stryker

Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

The Tiny Seeds with Big Benefits
by Jerry Zeifman

Summer Sizzle

Healthy BBQ Ideas
by  Dr. Joey Shulman

The Therapeutic Practice of Yin Yoga

Find Balance in Your Practice  
by Anna Cipollone

Eating an Organic Rainbow

Steps to a Great Garden

By Dr. Bryce Wylde

What is Your Relationship with Money

Defeat Debt with a Money Blueprint
By Victoria Lorient-Faibish

A New Meaning to Spring Cleaning

Yoga and Renewal

By Sari Nisker

Don't Be A Zombie-Mommy!

A How-to Guide for the Dreary Days

By Julie Watson

Pet-onomics for Dummies

5 Earth and Wallet-Friendly Tips
By Candice Batista

Help! I Can't Stop Sneezing

Help! I Can’t Stop Sneezing!
By Dr. Suzanna Ivanovics

When Your Foods Make You Sick

Allergies and Intolerance
By Joel Thuna & Dr. Claude Gallant

A Secret in the Heart of the City

There is a house situated in one of the most affluent areas in the city that carries with it a secret
by Tonic Magazine

GMO’s OMG!

An interview with Jeffrey M. Smith, leading expert in understanding the effects of genetically modified foods on our health.
By Jamie Bussin 

 

Do-It-Himself

The Top Seven Health Habits for Men
By  Dr. Joey Shulman 

Yoga For Men

Strength, Balance, Breath
By Courtney Sunday 

 

Saving Face

Skin Care for Men
By Lori Stryker

Preserving Your Prostate

The Herbal Approach
By Jerry Zeifman

Is Your Pet a Couch Potato

How to See Spot Run
By Candice Batista

Healthy Sin Foods

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Taboo Foods

By  Dr. Joey Shulman

Healthy Hair Secrets

For Naturally Luscious Locks

By Lori Stryker

Do You Feel Like a Fraud?

Exposing Imposter Syndrome

By Catherin Osborne

The Ins and Outs of Cleansing

Toxins and the Human Health Threshold

By Dr. Bryce Wylde

Banish the Winter Blues

A How-to Guide for the Dreary Days

By Julie Watson

Being Single Sucks

End Your Relationship with Non-Reusable Items

By Lisa Borden

It's the Little Things that Count

Small Steps Towards Success

by Mia Eng and Rod Macdonald 

Season Your Immune System

Oil of Oregano Facts and Fiction

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

Off to Market

Dufferin Grove 

by Joy McCarthy

New Year New You

5 Ways to Follow Through with Resolutions

by Julie Watson

Yoga Nidre

Heals What Ails You 

by Kathryn Beet

Who Needs Resolutions

5 Steps x 30 Days = Results

By: Dr. Joey Shulman

Stop the Sag

Is Anti-Aging Possible

by Lori Stryker

Make a Paw-sitive Impact

Throw the planet a bone and green your pet's food.

by Candice Batista

 

Fight Free Radicals

Anti-Aging Establishment!

by Dr. Bryce Wylde

Top 10 Green Gifts

For Mom and Baby

by Julie Watson

Keeping Up With the Spirit of the Season

8 Ways to Party in Good Health

by Lisa Borden

Look Beyond the Label

Understanding processed Food Claims

by Kirsten Gallagher

Emotional Eating Explained

When Psychology Becomes Biology

by Dr. Bryce Wylde

Cold Weather Comfort

Winter Skincare Essentials

by Lori Stryker

Diet and Exercise

A Troubled Relationship

By Rod Macdonald

Guide To Selecting the Right Knife

When looking for a new knife to add to your kitchen, there are many questions you have to ask yourself.

By Mario Fiorucci

Fit and Fabulous

Strength Training for Women

By Mia Eng and Rod Macdonald

Step Away from the Fridge

End Late-Night Snacking

By: Dr. Joey Shulman

Exercising to the MAX

Target Heart Rate for Women

by Julie Watson

Keeping It Off

The Keys to Regression Prevention

by Bruce Krahn

Dealing With Stress

Top Ten Adrenal Supporting Foods

by Dr. Bryce Wylde

The Truth About Nursing

Debunking the Myths About Breastfeeding and Exercise
by Julie Watson

Good Food Fast

Eating Smart and Eating Well In Toronto

by Jamie Bussin

Don't Drop the Ball

Seven Ways to Maintain Your Exercise Routine

by Julie Watson

Cacao Bean Crusted Elk Tenderloin

A French Bistro Dish Using Responsibly Raised Elk

From Brook Kavanagh, Executive Chef of La Palette restaurant

Pow! Right in the Kisser

The Best Natural Lip Care

By Lori Stryker

Omega-3 and the Oil Spill

What are fish oil manufacturers doing to source safe and sustainable fish oils in the face of the BP oil spill.

By Bryce Wylde 

What Makes a Fit Kid Fit?

Leading by Example.

By Rod McDonald

Do You Know What You're Taking

How to read a natural health care product label.

By Bryce Wylde 

Anywhere, Anytime!

5 Ways to Tone and Trim 

by Julie Watson

Beating Diabetes

Balancing Blood Sugar Naturally

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

Don't Take A Holiday from Your Workout

Vacation time is precious- but so is your body. Taking a week (or more) off from exercise will sometimes spell disaster for even the most well intentioned exerciser. 

By Bruce Krahn

Scrutinize your Skintype

A rundown to help you identify you skintype and what to look for in a face masque. 

By Raman Sekhon

Kale & Quinoa Salad

A simple and healthful recipe to try at home. 

From Edyta Lorek, Executive Chef of Kale restaurant

Solving the ‘Tryptophan Paradox’

What exactly is the right combination for a good nights sleep, and how can it be achieved?

by Craig Hudson

Hydration 101

The best beverages to keep to happy, healthy and hydrated this summer.

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

Investing In Water

As Canadians, do we tend to take our abundance of fresh water for granted?

by Susan Gottlieb

Beauty and the Beach

Busting 3 summer beauty myths. 

by Raman Sekhon

Feeding Thirsty Trees

A cheap and effective way to water your trees using little more than an bucket.

by Laura Shaw

The Skin You're In

Learning to dentify and address biomarkers.

by Bryce Wylde

A Little Taste of Spring

Asparagus With Béarnaise from Chef David Kokai, Executive Chef of Loic Gourmet

 

Doing the Farmers’ Market

The Art of Shopping Locally
Not only is hopping at the farmers’ market better for the environment, better for our economy and better for your wallet. It’s also fun, healthy and the food tastes better too.

by Lisa Borden

Spring Training

Four ways to exercise outdoors now that Spring is here.

by Julie Watson

Drawing Healthy Boundaries Protecting Yourself in Your Relationships

When does being ‘generous of spirit’ become ‘being a doormat’? When does being a ‘can do’ person become a problem? These are questions that many contend with as they learn about the concept of having and setting healthy boundaries.

by Victoria Lorient-Faibish

St. Lawrence Salad

This salad welcomes the spring with a mix of bitter greens, sweet flavours and a healthy crunch.

by Brad Long, Executive Chef of Veritas and My Place: A Canadian Pub

Don’t Get Stuck in a Rut - Renew Your Beauty Routine

Kick start your spring cleaning, by revamping your beauty routine. 

by Raman Sekhon

by Raman Sekhon

Fighting Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

Five Pain Relief Suggestions for Joint Pain and Discomfort

by Bryce Wylde

Veg Out

Blend Your Way to Healh

by Marni Wasserman

You’re Pregnant Now What?

Whether it’s your first or fifth, receiving news of a pregnancy comes with a rush of excitement and questions. 

by Julie Watson

Look Great in Those Greenjeans

The Ultimate Garden Workout to Shed Those Extra Pounds

by Anthony Westenberg 

Postpartum Workouts

Getting Back in the Swing of Things After Giving Birth

by Julie Watson

Detox Naturally

Eat These Foods and Herbs to Remove Toxins Naturally

by Alberto Trujillo

Optimize Weight Loss

The Top Five Diet Traps to Avoid

by Dr. Joey Shulman

MULTITASKING BEAUTY

Five products that will help you save money, and use less.

by Raman Sekhon

MAPLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP WITH CRISP CORN AND ROSEMARY FRITTERS

A Must-Try Soup from The Local Company

by Steven Wilson - Executive Chef of The Local Company

Prime Cuts

Sustainable Seafood – Making Informed Decisions

by Mario Fiorucci

Veg Out

Sprouts Anyone - Try these Delicious Recipes.

by Ben Stone

Veg Out

Five tips to get those raw fruits and veggies into your daily diet. 

by Gina Silvestri

Has the Cold Weather got you SAD?

Seasonal Affective Disorder and 12 Ideas to Beat Winter Blues

by Joel Thuna and Claude Gallant

The First 30 Days

The first 30 days of a new mom’s life are a haze of pain killers, pads, diapers, breastmilk, bottles, catnaps, tears of joy and pain, and that desperate, unquenchable need for sleep. 

by Julie Watson

Don’t Lose Sleep Get a Good Night’s Rest

Everyone knows how fabulous they feel after a good night’s rest.  But how many of us consistently get enough sleep and what exactly are the health effects of losing those zzz's?

by Jennifer Salter MSW

Yoga for Health – Reiki for Healing

Yoga and reiki practiced interchangeably can help you achieve and or maintain a balanced state of being.

by T.S. (Tim) White

Ontario Lamb Rack

This Ontario rack of lamb with roasted garlic & rosemary crust , ratatouille & gremolata sauce will motivate your kitchen.

by Trevor Wilkinson - Executive Chef of The Roosevelt Room

TOXIC FACE: The Chemicals Lurking Inside Your Makeup Bag

Ever wonder about the list of ingredients in your thickening, lengthening, smudge-proof, waterproof, clump-free mascara that give you those ‘to die for’ lashes? Or the shelf life of your products?

by Raman Sekhon

Lucid Dreaming - Self Directed Fantasy or Self Imposed Reality?

What is lucid dreaming and how can you can achieve it? 

by Rob Shaw

Show Them The Money

Teach Your Kids to Earn, Save and Invest

by Susan Gottlieb

Eater's Digest

Probiotics, enzymes and good food choices during the holidays to keep our digestive tracks on track.

by Claude Gallant and Joel Thuna

New Beauty Resolution

While assessing your beauty resolutions for 2010, hold that expensive quick fix. Instead, try implementing these three simple, yet effective, remedies for your complexion.

by Raman Sekhon

The Modified Shoulder Press

The shoulder press allows you to effectively target your shoulder muscles while minimizing the risk of inflaming a pre-existing injury.

by Rod Macdonald

Parivritta Prasarita Padottanasana - A Proactive Defense

Parivritta Prasarita Padottanasana is a detoxifying asana that wrings out the kidneys and the liver - the vital organs responsible for filtering wastes and toxins from the body.

by Jennifer Findley

Seared Speckled Trout

Serve this Trout with an Almond Gratin over French Beans, Fingerling Potatoes and Oven Dried Tomatoes

by Kyle Demingo - Executive chef of The Ceili Cottage

Veg Out

Getting your greens in is the first step to optimal and long-lasting health.

by Marni Wassermanw

Dreaming - The Universal Language of Symbols

What is a dream, really? Why do we dream? What role does dreaming play in one’s life or psyche?

by Rob Shaw

Fall Beauty Solutions

Try switching to these three essential beauty products that will allow you to blissfully stroll through winter skin blues.

by Raman Sekhon

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs

Red Wine Braised Beef Short Ribs

by Ezra Title - Chef and owner of Chez Vous Dining

Prime Cuts

The Healthy Butcher’s Guide to Roasting Whole Ducks

by Mario Fiorucci

Self Acceptance

It takes great courage to face the things about ourselves that we would rather not acknowledge.

by Joan Foley

Okie Dokie Ahi Poke

Yellow Fin Tuna Tartar with Pineapple and Ontario Wild Leek Salad, Chili & Sesame Soy

by Michael Steh - Executive Chef, Reds Bistro & Wine Bar

With Gratitude... Padmasana (Lotus)

Padmasana is a classic yoga pose, challenging in nature, that most often requires regular attention and consistent practice to develop fully.

by Jennifer Findley

Living Without Stress

Is stress an attitude, an illusion or our reaction to something we think is askew?

by Joan Foley

Reduce Your Energy Bill

Busting Energy Efficiency Myths.
An energy conservation 101 refresher focusing on the many myths and misconceptions about energy efficiency.

by Tracy Chong

Taking Care of Business

Eight Tactics to Change the World While You Work.
Despite your age, or where you fall on the eco-spectrum, your actions have an impact, so make it positive for all of us that share your world.

by Lisa Borden

On Happiness

On Happiness

by Joan Foley   Bolano of All The Best Fine Foods uses seasonal produce from Ontario farmers to create a delicious savoury crepe.

Natural Solutions for Insomnia

You Are Getting Sleepy… Very Sleepy

by Shawna Page  Bolano of All The Best Fine Foods uses seasonal produce from Ontario farmers to create a delicious savoury crepe.e Best Fine Foods uses seasonal produce from Ontario farmers to create a delicious

Liberate Your Spine…and Your Mind!

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge)
& Urdhva Dhanurasana (Bow)

by Jennifer Findlay


Genuine Health Ad
Blueprint Wellness
AgeOff Ad