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 or lucid dreaming.

Exactly 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.

There are people who do suffer from nightmares and frequently. This method is powerful and simple, and just the method they may need to relieve themselves of these disturbingly bad and distressing dreams.

Common Ways 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.

Many additional techniques, since then, have been developed as methods for inducing lucid dreaming by those experts in both fields of psychology and science. And regardless of any of the earlier methods used the basic purpose still remains the same. To train the mind while in the state of sleep to be aware of being in a dream. The state needed to begin lucid dreaming.

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.

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.

Chase away the bad guys in nightmares, travel to whatever location you desire, go to your imagined hideaways, talk to famous people if you want, and basically be unshackled by worldly concerns. Through controlling your dreams, you can accomplish this, it gives you the ability to be in control of your nightly dream world and all that happens there.

There is one potential drawback to lucid dreaming, say the experts. As with life in general, it holds true that an opposite effect is, an actuality, when you get too much of a good thing. The natural dream state is when we find out things about ourselves, things which would normally have been hidden from us and may never have surfaced. This is the main reason for you to enjoy your lucid dreaming, but you should also take some time off from lucid dreaming to dream in a natural state. Just remember to take a break and enjoy.

Guided meditation has its roots in western culture where it has traditionally been used by those interested in developing their psychic abilities and following a more spiritual way of life. In recent years guided meditation has seen a surge in popularity and adoption by a more mainstream audience who have come to realise just how relaxing and enjoyable it can be.

Guided Meditations are designed to take the listener on a visualised journey, they are not about stilling every part of your being as you would with a transcendental meditation. If you are the sort of person whose mind is forever racing in different directions or you sometimes struggle to quiet your thoughts then a guided meditation could be ideal for you. A guided meditation gives such people something to think about. Through listening to a soothing voice coupled with soft background music an over-active mind can be calmed and a state of gentle relaxation can be achieved.

If you are prone to stress then you could find this type of meditation particularly beneficial. We all have our daily troubles and woes and going on a visualised journey can be a fantastic way to escape for a short time. These journeys can take the listener to far away magical lands, or for those more experienced it can help them link to their Higher-self, their Spirit Guides and their Divine Creator.

In order to get the most from your meditation it is best to spend a little time preparing for it. Set aside some time when you know you will not be interrupted, switch off the phone and get comfy in your favourite chair or settled on your bed. An experienced guide will take you into quite a deep state of relaxation before bringing you back to reality gently, getting disturbed mid meditation can leave you a little disoriented. It is always a good idea to have a glass of water to hand as this can help to ground you after a meditation, to focus your attention and bring you back to the moment.

Many guided meditations have been developed to help people with the more common afflictions of modern day living such as stress, worry and difficulty sleeping. More specialised meditations have been produced to help people with illnesses, abusive pasts, perceived weaknesses and addictions. Other guided meditations are created simply to take you on a magical journey – perhaps you would like to visit the lost city of Atlantis, explore an Enchanted Castle or set out on a Shamanic Journey. Increasingly popular during the difficult times that many people are facing right now are angel meditations. Experienced guides will prepare you for your journey and get you to a destination before leaving you for a time, this allows you to explore on your own and means that your journey will be different each time you use the meditation.

Advanced and experienced users of guided meditations can use them to progress the abilities they have within themselves. Guided Meditation is a widely used method for developing the psychic and healing abilities in people and for providing a connection with our higher self and spirit guides.

Whatever your motivation for going on a guided journey, spiritual enlightenment or maybe just simple relaxation, one thing for sure is that you are going to feel less stressed and more at peace afterwards.