Lucid Dreaming Techniques
Learning how to have lucid dreams is a skill that can be developed through practicing specific lucid dreaming techniques. One of the more popular techniques is called Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD).
MILD Lucid Dreaming Techniques
The process of lucid dreaming starts with believing you’re going to have a lucid dream before you go to sleep. You can say to yourself, “The next time I dream, I will know I am dreaming.” Say it over and over, like a mantra. By convincing yourself that you’re going to have a lucid dream, you’re intentionally focusing your intent and preparing your mind. Before going to sleep, set in your mind the idea that you will recall your dream upon waking.
As you start to drift off to sleep, continue to see yourself becoming lucid. Continue to focus your intent on having a lucid dream. Once in your dream, look for a dream sign, like something that’s out of place or something that can only appear in a dream (this can be anything out of the ordinary). When you see your dream sign, continue with your fantasy. If you want to fly in your dream, at the point that you become fully lucid, you will be able to fly in your dream.
If while falling asleep something breaks your concentration or your thoughts of intention, you will have to repeat the lucid dreaming techniques from the beginning. The intent of having a lucid dream must be the last thing on your mind as you fall asleep.
Improving the Chances of Lucid Dreaming
Some studies show that the best way to experience a lucid dream is to wake from sleeping, stay awake for 30 to 60 minutes and then, using the lucid dreaming technique of intention, fall back asleep. This has been show to greatly increase the likelihood of experiencing a lucid dream during the second sleep phase.
While the MILD method is one of the oldest and most widely-practiced lucid dreaming techniques, there are many products and devices available that are said to promote the ability. Research shows that while the machines may help accelerate the process, using them does not automatically result in lucid dreams.
Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.
