Up@dawn 2.0

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

(Sect. 11) Lucid Dreaming: Introduction (Riley Hammond Midterm Post 1)


Lucid Dreaming is a state of higher consciousness that can be accessed during REM by becoming aware that you are dreaming. It is something that has been scientifically proven since 1975, yet it has generally been ignored by science as something potentially greater- a portal to the true self. There are two different types of lucid dreaming, Wake Initiated (WILDs) and Dream Initiated (DILDs). Becoming aware that you are dreaming while fully immersed in the dream is called Dream Initiated Lucid Dreaming. Learning how to do this on demand and requires thorough study and practice, yet it is possible for ANYONE to do. In addition, with practice and knowledge about lucid dreaming, one can learn to stay lucid or “clear” BEFORE entering the dream state and even sleep, called Wake Initiated Lucid Dreaming, in which MOST out of body experiences occur (Nightlight 3(2-3), The Lucidity Institute).

OBE’s are classified as an experience of a higher consciousness, an experience outside the body, in which your awareness is separated from your human body. If you practice, you can learn how to control your dreams and use these out of body experiences in order to learn more about yourself, spirituality, and the world around you. Lucid Dreaming has been around thousands of years and has been proven scientifically, but it wasn’t until recent years that scientists have taken a REAL interest in it. Tibetan Monks knew about lucid dreaming dating back to 1000s of years ago. They practiced Dream Yoga in which they entered a state of higher consciousness through their dreams, and in turn learned more about their internal awareness (http://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/dream-yoga.html).

Today, scientists are becoming more aware of the potential wealth of knowledge that lucid dreaming has to offer. With practice and research, having an OBE while dreaming can allow you to literally speak to your subconscious. The mysteries of the natural state of the mind have yet to be FULLY revealed, yet once you tap into your inner awareness- the possibilities inside the dream are endless. In recent studies by the Neurological Laboratory in Frankfurt, scientists discovered

“… Significantly increased brain activity while lucid dreaming. An EEG machine recorded highly active frequencies up to the 40 Hz (or Gamma) range in lucid dreamers. This is far more active than the normal dream state (Theta: 4-8 Hz) and even waking (Beta: 12-38 Hz)……..The research also showed heightened activity in the frontal and frontolateral areas of the brain - the seat of linguistic thought and other higher mental functions linked to self-awareness” (http://www.world-of-lucid-dreaming.com/).”

In summary, scientific research SHOWS that higher mental functions are available through lucid dreaming. Now, It is up to your interpretation what this means about the self, and how this potential wealth of knowledge can be applied to your philosophical views of the world. Combined with meditation and practice, you could gain ultimate knowledge and enlightenment. The closer you come to knowledge about who and what you are, the closer you come to knowing what our universe is.


Second Post: Lucid Dreaming: The Experience, What to Know

Third Post: Dream Yoga & Benefits


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