We tend to operate under the assumption that our dreams are something entirely out of our hands. We think of them as a mysterious happening which we do not fully understand, much less have the ability to control. However, these nightly journeys made by our subconscious are something which we can indeed take control of. Thanks to a technique known as lucid dreaming, dream control is an ability which is well within our reach.

Just what is lucid dreaming, exactly? Can anyone gain the ability of dream control? What is there to be gained by lucid dreaming? Read on for a look at dream control and how it can be helpful to you.

Dream Control, what is it?

Dream control, usually known as lucid dreaming means that you are totally aware when asleep that you are dreaming. You can control everything that is happening and can choose the outcome of everything that happens.

For people who suffer from recurring nightmares, this method, simplistic as it is, is powerful and may be just the system they need to rid themselves of the recurring nightmares and begin to enjoy a decent night's sleep.

Lucid Dreaming: Methods of inducement.

Effective methods for achieving the state of lucid dreaming involve use of binaural audio (listening to several frequencies simultaneously) to accomplish synchronization of brain waves.This encourages a deep state of relaxation and a possible state of lucid dreaming (REM-rapid eye movement).

Before it was possible to find CD and DVDs of binaural audio, the primary methods used to induce lucid dreaming were self-hypnosis and meditation. While these both work very well, it takes time to develop these abilities far enough to reliably gain dream control.

Other than self hypnosis and meditation, there are many other methods which have been developed over the years to help people have lucid dreaming experiences and begin using dream control. In every methods, the idea is to enable the dreamer to realize that they are dreaming, so they can then begin dictating the events of their dreams.

To achieve this state of dreaming, we must begin before we go to sleep. To trigger recognition is the key to doing or saying something while in a dream. In the mind, this is necessary and permits us the control of the situation in any dream.

This often comes down to you just saying to yourself, just prior to sleeping, that in a few minutes you will be dreaming, and that in the dream you will state something or do an action, and as this occurs, instantly you recognize you are dreaming.

This form of dream control training is called MILD (mnemonic induction of lucid dreams) and was developed by the scientist Dr. Stephen LaBerge. This mnemonic technique allows you to start using dream control to decide how your dreams will play out. Once you are lucid dreaming, there are no limits except for your own imagination!

There are other means of accomplishing lucid dreaming and one would be to keep a journal or a dream diary, in which to record your dreams. By keeping this notebook (and a pen or pencil) nearby on the table by your bed you will be able to write down what you remember about the dream right after you wake up, when it is fresh in your mind. Do this for several nights and soon you will remember what you wrote and you will have a similar dream and then you will be able to control your dream and the activities in that dream.

With dream control you can go anywhere, do anything and see anyone that you can imagine. There are no limits to what you can do when you are lucid dreaming.

However, keep in mind that you can have too much of a good thing, even dream control. Experts in the field have said that our dreams can be a way of our subconscious minds trying to tell us something important. It?s important to give yourself a few nights off from lucid dreaming now and then, as amazing of an experience as discovering dream control can be.