Lucid dreams have been around, well, since dreamers have been around. For centuries, many cultures have believed in their power and have been using them for everything from spiritual enlightenment to problem-solving. The ability to purposefully have a lucid dream is a skill that can be learned through practice and training.
Lucid dreaming is a powerful way to tap into the subconscious mind. Since you’re aware and can exert some control over the dream state, it can be used as a space for personal insight and growth. Some people even use it as a way to practice skills, work through problems, or engage with different parts of themselves in a safe and malleable environment. It’s like a playground for the mind where the rules of waking reality don’t apply, so you can explore and experiment with very few limitations.
So how do you train yourself to lucid dream? There are a a bunch of different methods you can try. Here are some to start you off:
Keep a dream journal: This is one of the most important things you can do to become a better lucid dreamer. By keeping track of your dreams, you will start to notice patterns and themes that recur in your dreaming. This will make it easier for you to become aware of when you are dreaming and take control of the dream. According to this study, predictors of successful lucid dream induction included superior general dream recall and the ability to fall asleep within 10 min of completing the lucid dream induction techniques.
Practice reality testing: This is a technique where you regularly stop and ask yourself “Am I dreaming?” throughout the day. The idea is, that by doing this, you will start to do it automatically in your dreams and become aware that you are dreaming. Though one study showed that this didn’t help promote lucid dreaming, we can share that using author Charlie Morley’s “hand check” helped us notice that we were, indeed dreaming (mellllttttting hands). Here is a clip where he describes this:
State your intention: A lucid dream affirmation is a positive statement that you repeat to yourself before sleep with the intention of programing your mind to have a lucid dream. The most important thing about choosing a mantra is that it resonates with you and that you feel confident and believe in its ability to induce a lucid dream. Some examples of mantras you can use:
The Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD) Technique recommends:
Next time I’m dreaming, I will remember I’m dreaming.
You might also like these affirmations:
I am a powerful lucid dreamer and I will know when I am dreaming.
Tonight I will have a lucid dream and remember it clearly.
I can influence my dreams and to better my life and the lives of others.
Note that the MILD technique is performed during a brief awakening after 5 or so hours of sleep.
More
Charlie Morley’s free Masterclass
BnB Founder Jessika Jake took his Mindvalley quest ($) and she says that it “beyond worked” in that “not only did I lucid dream 2x already, it brought me peace when it comes to dreaming in general, my dreamer, my shadow, and my subconscious.” Why not try the free masterclass to see if you would be down to take the quest too?