Lucid Dreams Heighten Sensations
Dear Nancy: I just had an extremely vivid dream that was unlike any I’ve had before. I’ve been worrying about my mother lately because my father recently passed away and they were very close. - Joe
“I’m sitting on a bench in a park. It’s a beautiful day with the sun shining through the leaves of the trees. My attention is drawn to a strange animal on my right. He looks like a marmot but I notice he has wings on his back.
I realize I’m dreaming. I decide to go visit my mom and see how she’s doing. Suddenly I am flying among the stars at what seems to be hundreds of miles per hour. Then I’m sitting in my mother’s living room, chatting with her.
Everything is more colorful and vivid than in waking life. I’m excited and I tell her several times, `This is a dream!’ She doesn’t seem surprised at all.”
Dear Joe: Lucid dreaming occurs when we realize we are dreaming while we’re dreaming. Webster’s dictionary defines the word lucid as “clear perception or understanding.” Many people believe that these dreams are a direct link to creativity, power and freedom. Although they seem extraordinary, researchers have found that nearly everyone will have a lucid dream sometime in their life and 21 percent of all people have them at least once a month.
Cultures around the world have regarded lucid dreaming as one of the highest forms of spiritual disciplines. Buddhists, Hindus, the Aborigines of Australia and the Senoi of Malasia have all valued and cultivated lucid dreaming within their societies. Carlos Castaneda brought lucid dreaming to the attention of the West in his books describing his experiences with his teacher, Don Juan.
The discovery that we are dreaming is often triggered by flying or some other image that is strange or beyond the bounds of possibility. Your “marmot with wings” definitely fits this model. The key is that you noticed, and with practice and intention, we can train our dreaming mind to perceive these abnormalities.
One of the most interesting elements in lucid dreaming is the heightened physical sensations. Images are brighter, with an astounding clarity. Emotions are positive and intense, often including strong sexual feelings and orgasms and a sense of freedom and exhilaration. If the dream is spiritual in nature, a definite feeling of a link with the divine, involving feelings of transcendence, bliss and ecstasy will be present.
It would be interesting to speak to your mother about this dream. There are instances of “shared dreaming”, especially with loved ones, where we dream the same dream at the same time. This can be the beginning of exciting new nighttime adventures for you.
Reader’s tip
When we dream lucidly we have the ability to create whatever experience we desire within the dream. Choosing to fly, visiting a loved one, and yes, even having a conversation with God can all be a part of the lucid dream experience. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:
* Set your intention. A strong desire to dream lucidly is important. Repeat the phrase, “I’m dreaming, I’m dreaming….” as you fall asleep.
* Choose what you want to experience. If your goal is to fly, tell yourself during the day and before sleep, “Tonight I fly!”
* Read about lucid dreaming. My favorite book on the subject is “The Sun and the Shadow” by Kenneth Kelzer.
* Most of all, have fun with it. It is one of life’s greatest adventures available every night, for free!