I have a recurring dream of being in various places where I know I am in a dream. I become anxious, and in the dream I will myself to wake up. I then wake up feeling awfully afraid of the dream world.
–Gary, 39, New Rochelle, NY
Lauri: Ooh! You are having lucid dreams, my friend! It’s an amazing state of consciousness, because you are awake and asleep at the same time. In my research, I have found that most people, when they become lucid, use this awareness to get out of the dream ... and that’s a darn shame. Because when you are aware that you are in a dream, you can do anything. You can jump up and fly (which is what I like to do), or you could ask one of your dream characters a question like, “What’s the meaning of life?” and see what kind of answer you get.
Becoming lucid is a wonderful opportunity for self-discovery. It’s a virtual playground for your mind and your creativity. Or if there is a current waking-life issue that has been weighing heavily on you, ask your dream to give you a solution. Your dreams are a gold mine of inspiration, direction and guidance. Lucidity gives you the ability to tap into the deepest recesses of your mind and extract the answers and wisdom you need. Please don’t fear this state of consciousness anymore. There is absolutely no limit to what you can experience, what you can come up with, what you can find out about yourself. You are lucky! Embrace it.
thedreamzone.com