Dream FAQ Dictionary: What is a lucid dream?

What is a lucid dream?

A lucid dream involves knowing you’re dreaming while you’re dreaming. In some cases, you can direct the events and outcome of the dream. Lucid dreaming has been linked to enhanced creativity and self-healing. It’s estimated that about 15 percent of the adult population naturally have frequent lucid dreams. Many people can learn to increase their lucid dreaming.

Source:Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Dreamspeak: How To Understand the Messages in Your Dreams

(See also: Lucid Dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Lucid Dreaming:

Dreaming in which the person is aware that the experience is a dream. Often associated with feelings of aliveness and freedom, and with the ability to control dream events.

(See also: Lucid Dreaming, Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What is Lucid Dreaming?

What is Lucid Dreaming?

Lucid dreaming is defined as dreaming while knowing that you are dreaming. The term was coined by Frederik van Eeden using the word "lucid" in the sense of mental clarity. Lucidity usually begins in the middle of dreams when the dreamer realizes that the experiences that are occurring are not that of the physical reality, but rather the creation of a dream.

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/C005545/english/dream/lucid.htm

(See also: Lucid Dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: f you are lucid, can you control the dream?

If you are lucid, can you control the dream?

 A. Usually lucidity brings with it some degree of control over thecourse of the dream. How much control is possible varies from dream todream and from dreamer to dreamer. Practice can apparently contributeto the ability to exert control over dream events. At the least, luciddreamers can choose how they wish to respond to the events of thedream. For example, you can decide to face up to a frightening dreamfigure, knowing it cannot harm you, rather than to try to avoid thedanger as you naturally would if you did not know it was a dream. Eventhis amount of control can transform the dream experience from one inwhich you are the helpless victim of frequently terrifying,frustrating, or maddening experiences to one in which you can dismissfor a while the cares and concerns of waking life. On the other hand,some people are able to achieve a level of mastery in their luciddreaming where they can create any world, live any fantasy, andexperience anything they can imagine!

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Lucid dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Is there a way to prevent yourself from awakening right after becoming lucid?

Is there a way to prevent yourself from awakening right after becoming lucid?

 A. At first, beginners may have difficulty remaining in the dreamafter they attain lucidity. This obstacle may prevent many people fromrealizing the value of lucid dreaming, because they have notexperienced more than the flash of knowing they are dreaming, followedby immediate awakening. Two simple techniques can help you overcomethis problem. The first is to remain calm in the dream. Becoming lucidis exciting, but expressing the excitement can awaken you. Suppressyour feeling somewhat and turn your attention to the dream. If thedream shows signs of ending, such as the disappearance, loss ofclarity or depth of the imagery, "spinning" can help bring the dreamback. As soon as the dream starts to "fade," before you feel your realbody in bed, spin your dream body like a top. That is, twirl aroundlike a child trying to get dizzy (you probably will not get dizzyduring dream spinning because your physical body is not spinningaround). Remind yourself, "The next scene will be a dream." When youstop spinning, if it is not obvious that you are dreaming, do areality test. Even if you think you are awake, you may be surprised tofind that you are still dreaming!

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Lucid dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What is False Awakening?

False Awakening

While the basic definition of lucid dreaming is merely the ability to be aware that one is dreaming, this definition can be broken down into two types of lucid dreaming. These two types are "high level lucidity" and "low level lucidity." A lucid dreamer that is dreaming with a high level of lucidity knows that everything being experienced is the creation of the mind. This dreamer is aware that he or she is actually in bed and asleep and can suffer no physical damage as a result of the dream.

Dreaming at the lower level of lucidity, the dreamer is not fully aware that his or her environment is a sole creation of the mind. This would then allow for the dreamer to do activities such as flying, or participating in what is most interesting to him or her at the time. However, the dreamer may still see physical threats and other dream characters as being completely real. While dreaming at this lower level, the dreamer is usually unaware that his or her physical body is actually asleep and in bed.

Being able to control a dream and being lucid in a dream do not always go hand in hand. You can have great control over a dream without the full knowledge that you are dreaming. It is also possible for to be completely aware that you are dreaming with very little control of the dream it self. However, a higher level lucid dreamer has the choice to be the participant or creator of the dream.

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/C005545/english/dream/lucid.htm

(See also: False Awakening, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Can Dream Predict the Future?

Can Dream Predict the Future?

Treat such dreams with caution and good sense. If you dream that your plane is crashing, there is no good reason to cancel your flight: the dream will simply be a reflection of your tension and a (perhaps unconscious) fear of flying. If you dream that that plane is piloted by a red-haired man with only one arm, and you are welcomed on board next day by a red-haired pilot with an empty sleeve, you might do well to be worried! However, most of them are only concidence according to statistics, although you think that the dream are predicting your future.

Practicality should always be underlined when we think of dream interpreatations. It is not a modern, untried theory - it has been used in many cultures throughout world history - though it is only in the present century that a general concensus has been reached about the way in which we should look at our dreams and discover how they can help us.

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/C005545/english/dream/lucid.htm

(See also: Prophetic Dreams, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Keeping a Dream Diary

Keeping a Dream Diary

Remember, however, that a recurring dream may also have a relevance to some current problem or preoccupation. Consider, for instance, a recurring dream in which a dog appears in a frightening context. It may be based on a subconscious fear of dogs; maybe one frightened you when you were in your cradle, an incident which you have completely forgotten. If you dream of being chased by a dog, the dream may well have its basis in such an incident, but i may recur when you are consciously or unconsciously feeling insecure and vulnerable, under circumstances as different as being offered a position of authority at work, for which you feel unready, or trying to decide whether to make an approach to a woman you fancy, but fearing rejection.

Predictive Dreams

We have always treated predictive dreams with great caution. There are some published examples which are, to say the least, extremely persuasive, and if many of them can be rationally explained, there are others which cannot. It would obviously be silly to look for predictions in every dream we have. Many people, on the night before a long flight, dream of an aircraft crashing. It is impossible to know for how many this has been a fatal prediction, but the number seems unlikely to be large.

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/C005545/english/dream/lucid.htm

(See also: Dream Diary, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Does everybody dream?

Does everybody dream?

 A. Everybody dreams. All humans (indeed, all mammals) have REM sleep. Most dreams occur in REM sleep. [REM=Rapid Eye Movements - in this sleeping stage the eyeballs move around like when awake.] This has been demonstrated by awakening people from different stages of sleep and asking if they were dreaming. In 85 percent of awakenings from REM sleep, people report having been dreaming. Dreams are rarely reported following awakening from other types of sleep (collectively called non-REM sleep). REM sleep alternates with non-REM sleep in 90 minute cycles throughout the night. In a typical 8 hour night, youwill spend about an hour and a half total time in REM sleep, broken upinto four or five "REM periods" ranging in length from 5 to 45minutes. Most dreams are forgotten. Some people never recall dreamswhile others recall five or more each night. You can improve yourability to recall dreams. Good dream recall is necessary for learninglucid dreaming. There are two basic things to do to get started withdeveloping dream recall. Begin a dream journal, in which you writeeverything you remember of your dreams, even the slightestfragments. You will remember the most if you record dreams right afteryou awaken from them. Before falling asleep each night, remindyourself that you want to awaken from, remember and record yourdreams.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Lucid dreaming, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: How can I relieve myself of nightmares?

How can I relieve myself of nightmares?

A. It's really hard to give an answer, since so much depends onyourself. Moreover, it's always risky to give or follow advice on whatcould be a serious problem from far away, and it's ultimately you whohas to decide whether it is just a nuisance you want to get rid of, orif you really suffer from depressions or health problems and it isnecessary to consult professional help.

The common "light" nightmares of permanently missing exams, falling orbeing chased can often be overcome with learning lucid dreaming (seesection 6). Basically, if you learn to deal with them, they are not aproblem anymore. Or, from a slightly different point of view, you'refacing the problems that cause your dreams and thus overcoming them.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Nightmares, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Flying : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Flying

FLYING DREAM

You first start dreaming of flying when you are 3 to 5 years old. It is a very common dream, though less prevalent in adults. More than one third of the dreaming population has dreamed of flying one time or the other.

• Flying dreams are known to have a positive relationship with relief from tension and nightmares.
• Lucid dreamers tend to have twice as much of flying dreams.
• An intense emotional condition can also trigger off a flying dream
• The dreams are not exclusive to the post flying machines era. They have occurred in ancient times too, as records in dream books of Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations reveal.
• People with an imaginative personality and creative thinkers have more flying dreams
• Those who fly planes have these dreams, though they rather fly like Superman in their dreams, not in aeroplanes.

    What triggers off a flying dream? The reasons offered for these dreams are

• Psychological - the dreamer has had an intense emotional experience
• Physiological Ð There is a change in the breathing pattern of the dreamer
• Physical -There is an actual physical movement of the bed.
• Precognitive Ð In preparation of a flying trip
• Consciousness Ð Awareness of movement around you

At an emotional level, a flying dream maybe your defence mechanism to ward of obstacles or transcend over them. But where is your flight headed? Are you seeking something in your flight or is it one of pure joy of the experience?

You will have to identify which particular meaning is the most relevant interpretation.

Source: http://purpleshaman.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Flying, Dream Dictionary Flying)

Flying dream : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Flying dream

FLYING:

Usually represents freedom from the physical body, as we experience in sleep & while dreaming where we don't use our physical bodies but instead use our mental & spiritual bodies to experience our dreams. It's one of the first things people attempt to do when they gain control of their dreams and start lucid dreaming.

Everybody seems to have a natural inclination to want to fly, unless that is changed by a fear of flying due to a frightening incident in their waking lives. Flying = freedom; either a desire for freedom, an "escape" from restraints in your physical life (like a mini-vacation for the mind) or any number of possiblities. Tie it in with the context of your dream...what were you doing in your dream besides flying? How did it make you feel? etc. Also, the type of flying I'm referring to, here, is the person flying on their own without an airplane or any aircraft at all. That would be a different symbol dealing with spiritual awareness, among other things.

Source: http://dreamemporium.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Flying dream, Dream Dictionary Flying dream)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: What causes nightmares?

What causes nightmares?

A. There is the dark side of dreams - nightmares, dreams of fear,pain, irrational bad feelings that often cannot be explained. Thesecan become a serious problem when you often wake up terrified, whenyou even don't sleep because of fear of nightmares... Nightmares occurmostly because some problem disturbs you unconsciously butseriously. Some nightmares carry obvious symbols that may indicatewhere your problems are, but often it is not that easy. Sometimes theycan indicate really serious problems like depressions, sometimes justan inadequacy of getting along with yourself. It's difficult.

How can I relieve myself of nightmares?

A. It's really hard to give an answer, since so much depends onyourself. Moreover, it's always risky to give or follow advice on whatcould be a serious problem from far away, and it's ultimately you whohas to decide whether it is just a nuisance you want to get rid of, orif you really suffer from depressions or health problems and it isnecessary to consult professional help.

The common "light" nightmares of permanently missing exams, falling orbeing chased can often be overcome with learning lucid dreaming (seesection 6). Basically, if you learn to deal with them, they are not aproblem anymore. Or, from a slightly different point of view, you'refacing the problems that cause your dreams and thus overcoming them.

Source: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/dreams-faq

(See also: Nightmares, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Flying : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Flying

Flying

 Many flying dreams are the result of lucid dreaming. Not all flying dreams are, however. Typically, dreaming that you are flying means you are on top of things. You are in control of the things that matter to you. Or, maybe you've just gained a new perspective on things. It may also mean you are strong willed and feel like no one and nothing can defeat you. If you are having problems maintaining your flight, someone or something may be standing in the way of you having control. If you are afraid while flying, you may have challenges that you don't feel up to.

Source: www.howstuffworks.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Flying, Dream Dictionary Flying)

Dream FAQ Dictionary: Can nightmares be dangerous?

Nightmares

Can nightmares be dangerous? Many people will always ask this question. Nightmares will only damage you if you allow them to. Of course a repetitive nightmare which wakes you night after night in a cold sweat of terror is worrying, and if it persists over a long period there is no doubt that it can have an effect on your confidence and self-assurance. The answer is not to give in to it; go to bed, not fearful of the dream that is waiting for you, but ready to face up to it, to ask what it is trying to say to you and to answer its statement.

Nightmares are not the product of overeating, overdrinking, or any other physical activity. They are the result of some waking anxiety which is so acute that it bursts into your dreams. Childhood, in particular, is full of such anxieties, often attached to the process of getting used to the world and facing problems which may seem stupidly minute to those who have forgotten what it was like to be five years old. If your child wakes screaming in the night, it will usually be the result of a 'bad dream' which has been forgotten by the time you reach the bedside. There is nothing you can do other than comfort the child, reassure her, tell her that 'it won't happen again' - which will probably be true, for she is very unlikely to have another nightmare the same night. If nightmares occur night after night, the problem is more serious, and you must look for the waking problem which is prompting them. Your child may feel insecure at school or at home; may be being bullied by a fellow-pupil or even a teacher; or may be distressed at your response to something she has done or not done.

Most importantly, consider your relationship with your partner. Children are remarkably susceptible to atmosphere, and often (especially if they do not have enough vocabulary, or feel they cannot discuss things with you) pick up tension or stress. Loneliness or jealousy can also be turned inwards and emerge in frightening nightmares. Recurring nightmares in adults also deserve careful study. Jungians would suggest that nightmares are the work of your shadow; instincts which for some reason you don't feel you can show to the world during your waking life break into your dream world and show their anger at being repressed.

Source: http://library.thinkquest.org/C005545/english/dream/lucid.htm

(See also: Nightmares, Dream Interpretation FAQ, Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams)

Flying : Dream Interpretation Dictionary - Flying

FLYING DREAM

You first start dreaming of flying when you are 3 to 5 years old. It is a very common dream, though less prevalent in adults. More than one third of the dreaming population has dreamed of flying one time or the other.

• Flying dreams are known to have a positive relationship with relief from tension and nightmares.
• Lucid dreamers tend to have twice as much of flying dreams.
• An intense emotional condition can also trigger off a flying dream
• The dreams are not exclusive to the post flying machines era. They have occurred in ancient times too, as records in dream books of Babylonian and Egyptian civilizations reveal.
• People with an imaginative personality and creative thinkers have more flying dreams
• Those who fly planes have these dreams, though they rather fly like Superman in their dreams, not in aeroplanes.

    What triggers off a flying dream? The reasons offered for these dreams are

• Psychological - the dreamer has had an intense emotional experience
• Physiological – There is a change in the breathing pattern of the dreamer
• Physical -There is an actual physical movement of the bed.
• Precognitive – In preparation of a flying trip
• Consciousness – Awareness of movement around you

At an emotional level, a flying dream maybe your defence mechanism to ward of obstacles or transcend over them. But where is your flight headed? Are you seeking something in your flight or is it one of pure joy of the experience?

You will have to identify which particular meaning is the most relevant interpretation.

Source: http://purpleshaman.com

(See also: Dream Interpretation, Dream Dictionary, Meaning of Dreams, Dream Interpretation Flying, Dream Dictionary Flying)

Lucidity:

1. An early term for clairvoyance. 2. Lucid dreaming

(See also: Lucidity, Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

A Hinduism dictionary with the most common spiritual words from P-Z. Also see these links: Hinduism, Spirituality, Enlightenment, Spiritual Dictionary and Hinduism Dictionary.

Paranormal Dream:

Dreams in which the dream imagery provides paranormal knowledge (e.g., ESP or precognition).

See also Announcing Dream, Lucid Dreaming.

(See also: Paranormal Dream, Psychic, Psychic Dictionary, Parapsychology, Parapsychology Dictionary)

Another term for lucid dreaming, in which you are both awake and dreaming.

(See also: waking dream, Magic, Shamanism, Pagan Dictionary)