Dream Control Articles

A Guide to Dream Control

For most people, dreams are mysterious "mini movies" that play in their minds while they're sound asleep, seemingly without their control, with some being rather pleasant, and others, not so much. However, we now know that it is actually possible to make dream control a complete reality, bringing about what is known as lucid dreaming.

But, what does the term truly mean and how does it work, and what, if any, are the benefits, and is it really possible for anyone to achieve this means of making our nightly journeys into the world of dreaming our own continual series of fascinating adventures? Read on for the answers to these common questions about the art of dream control.

What Is Dream Control?

Dream control, using lucid dreaming, means that not only are you fully aware that you are dreaming, but that you're also able to control what happens during the dream. While totally asleep, you realize that what seems to be going on is actually a dream and you are solely in control of the events that play out as well as the final outcome.

For those suffering from frequent nightmares, this simple but powerful method may serve to be just the thing they need to finally enjoy a restful night's sleep.

Common Methods of Inducing Lucid Dreaming

A rather effective method known for achieving lucid dreaming involves the use of binaural audio, which entails listening to two different frequencies at the same time in order to synchronize the brain waves, bringing about a deep sense of relaxation, as well as a state in which lucid dreaming is possible known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

Before this use of modern technology was discovered and available on CDs or DVDs for the purpose of dream control, self hypnosis and meditation were the most widely used techniques for lucid dreaming, although many people report finding it too difficult to achieve this state using these two particular means of dream control.

In addition to these approaches to lucid dreaming, many other techniques have been developed over the years by those who are experts in the fields of both science and psychology. But, regardless of the initial method used, the main purpose is basically to train the mind, while asleep, to realize that it is in the midst of a dream. To do this, we must, of course, begin while we are wide awake, with the key being to remember to do or say something in a dream, which will trigger the recognition necessary within the mind and allow us to then control what happens next.

It's often a simple matter of telling yourself, just before going to sleep, that you will be dreaming soon and in that dream you will remember to do or say something specific, and when that happens, you will instantly realize that it is a dream. This particular method to dream control is referred to as MILD, or mnemonic induction of lucid dreams, which was discovered by scientist Dr. Stephen LaBerge. With this approach, your brain is then in complete control as to what occurs in the dream, meaning that nothing could or would come of harm to you as it's simply all in the mind and you are only limited by your own imagination.

Another means of achieving lucid dreaming is by keeping a dream diary or journal, using a small notebook and pen kept by your bedside to write down everything you can remember in the minutes after waking up. After doing this for a few nights, you'll start to notice being able to remember what you've written and have a similar dream in which you can then begin to control what happens.

Tame monsters in your nightmares, "visit" any location you wish, explore imagined worlds that you envision within your own mind, speak to anyone you like, and basically be free of all worldly constraints and limits. With dream control, all of this is possible, in essence, giving us the power to be the ruler of our own nightly fantasy worlds where we are in complete control of everything that transpires.

The experts say do that there is, however, one potential drawback to lucid dreaming, as much like anything in life, too much of a good thing can actually have the opposite effect. The main reason for this being that one of the most valuable aspects of dreaming "naturally" is that it often tell us important things about ourselves that otherwise would have remained hidden forever.

So however amazingly enjoyable lucid dreaming is, please remember you should have a few nights of normal sleep as well!