Exploration 9 - How To: Lucid Dream

Lucid dreaming means that you can control what you dream of as you sleep. There is a moment where you realize you are dreaming and yet, do not wake up.

The truth behind lucid dreaming is, however, controversial. But, there is a science behind lucid dreaming, "One study monitored subjects with electroencephalograms (EEGs -- a test of the electrical brain activity) as they slept. The participants motioned with their eyelids when they were in the middle of a lucid dream. The EEGs confirmed that they were in REM sleep while they signaled their lucid dream state" (HowStuffWorks).

The question is truly whether or not people can control their dreams. Some scientists dismiss the idea as nonsense, but others are enthusiastic and are researching more into it.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/inside-the-mind/human-brain/lucid-dreaming.htm

It is known that your first lucid dream will be the most difficult to achieve. There are lists of ways to prepare yourself and improve your experiments. For example, as a beginner, some ways to start off are:

• Write down at least one dream you have each morning
  
• Perform at least 10 reality checks throughout the day
• Do at least 20 minutes of meaningful meditation each day

http://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/first-lucid-dream.html

Personally, I have heard of lucid dreaming before but have never made an effort to try it. I do believe it is possible, but I would like to find out for myself. I have always been intrigued by sleeping and dreaming and meanings behind them. Maybe some day I will do some more research and try to lucid dream on my own.