Lucid Dreaming And Emotional Intensity

We spend a third of our lives asleep, and half of that is spent dreaming. Many say that lucid dreams are the perfect answer to winning back those “squandered” hours. Experts in dream research, however, have never suggested that ordinary dreams are a waste of time. Instead, we can envision conscious dreaming as a chance to unfold the significance of the dreams we already have.

lucid dreaming is the art of being aware in the dream state. Even though many assume that lucid dreaming means you can control your dream, this is actually only a wish of beginner lucid dreamers. Rather, dream control is best achieved as self-control: learning to modulate emotions, attention, and intentionality in the dream. In particular, emotions are so volatile that without vigilance the lucid dream can spiral out-of-control into fears and confrontations.

So most of the talk about “dream control” is actually in defense of these strong emotions. Lucid dreaming scholars, such as cognitive psychologists and psychotherapists, recommend that consciousness in the dream is directed towards these emotional calling cards, rather than against. No wonder dream control sounds so tempting! Awareness is a powerful force, but it can easily be used in defense of self-knowledge. Throughout the world and in countless countries, conscious dreaming is part of healing traditions. Learning how to face and deal with powerful emotions is the first part of the process of learning the healing path of lucid dreams. To sum it up, focusing on self-control is the best way to learn about the gift of awareness during dreams.