The Phenomenon of Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreams: “dreams during which the dreamer is conscious and aware that he is/she is dreaming while the dream is taking place” (PsychCentral) — or, a dream where the dreamer realizes that they are dreaming. What’s cool about this phenomenon is that when these dreams take place, the dreamers remain completely autonomous. They can do whatever they like and create whatever they want in these lucid dreams. According to Gillian Fournier from PsychCentral, not only do experiences in these dreams feel akin to reality, they also give dreamers a refreshing start in the morning. The concept of “lucid dreaming” was first proposed by former Dutch psychologist Frederik can Eeden; however, he could not substantiate his hypothesis with empirical evidence. Instead, it was the British psychologist Keith Hearne who scientifically verified the existence of lucid dreams through the Ocular Signaling Technique (PsychCentral).

To gain more information about lucid dreaming, I interviewed Winnie C. As an IB Psychology student, she was familiar with this topic. “I like the idea of being able to control and be consciously aware in my dream. I used to watch videos that would teach on how one can train oneself into a lucid dream,” she stated. Many people do not know that lucid dreaming can be achieved through practice and training. This fact interested me, and so, I did some research.

To manipulate elements of your dreams, you must determine whether you are dreaming in the first place. To figure this out, try to read any piece of text in your immediate vicinity. If you find yourself at a loss, it is probable that you are dreaming. Then, you will be able to alter your dream however you want.

Winnie C. also said that she has actually “experienced” a lucid dream before. She noticed she was soaring through the sky, which is physically impossible outside a dream. After this realization, she could “control the directions and speed” she flew at. This was also her first and last lucid dream. However, she still goes to bed every night “wishing [she] could do that again”.

Read about the interview with Dr. Keith Hearne, click here

To read more about lucid dreaming, click here