Misconceptions About Lucid Dreaming

May 11th, 2007

This article is Part 2 in the series Mastering the Art of Lucid Dreaming.

Misconceptions about dreams and conscious dreaming abound. Many view dreams as frivolous and consider lucid dreaming a waste of time and effort, when in fact lucid dreaming can be an extremely beneficial practice. Dreams can provide us with a very effective method of learning more about ourselves and, in turn, discovering how to improve our waking lives.

Some view conscious dreaming as solely a spiritual pursuit, while others consider it "New Age mumbo jumbo." Learning to have conscious dreams may be a spiritual experience for some, but spiritual practice is not required in order to learn conscious dreaming. Conscious dreaming can provide the dreamer with very practical results.

Many people also believe that learning to control your dreams will interfere with the mind's natural dreaming process. This is also untrue. The experienced dreamer always has the option to refrain from exerting any control over the dream environment or events — to allow his or her unconscious mind to "steer" the dream, so to speak — while he or she simply acts as an observer and remains consciously aware that the events are indeed part of a dream. The dreamer also may elect to control only his or her own actions or attitudes within the dream while allowing the unconscious mind to control all other aspects of the dream.

A common objection is that lucid dreaming encourages an attitude of escapism. This depends entirely on the individual dreamer and his or her own personal approach. We frequently escape reality through other methods, such as reading a novel or watching a movie. Conscious dreaming may be considered to provide more practical benefits than many other methods of escaping reality, but, in the quest for conscious dreaming, it is important not to forget about or neglect the waking world.

A healthy sleep pattern should always be maintained. Not only will it ensure your waking reality is not ignored, it will also improve your chances of experiencing conscious dreaming.

Having said that, is important to note that using conscious dreaming for entertainment purposes can be relaxing and beneficial and should not be considered a negative thing.