Brother
Gary's 6 Easy Steps
to Lucid Dreaming
by Gary
Beckwith
By simply reading and following the
6 easy steps outlined here, you will attain the
useful skill of Lucid Dreaming. You are welcome to
read this entire paper before you begin, or while you
are in the process of following the instructions.
However, it is important that you finish each step
before you go into the practice of the next. If you
follow each step, completely and in order, you are on
your way to becoming a master of the Dream World.
1. Know What
Lucid Dreaming is and it's Uses.
In normal dreams, we are
"players" in a play. We don't know the plot
or the outcome until it happens. Things happen
"to us." It can be scary, confusing, dull,
stressful, and frustrating at times. We are not in
control. In lucid dreams, we are in control. We can
do anything we want. We can change the scene at will
- just wish that the monster chasing you was a
beautiful woman (or man) and POOF! Or better yet,
stop and ask the monster why he's chasing you. The
benefits of lucid dreaming are endless. Being in a
lucid dream is a very special time and place. The
wonderful thing about it is that it's as real as
"real life." Can you imagine a place
exactly like this world, except for the fact that you
have magical powers, can do absolutely anything you
want, and where wishes come true instantly? The only
difference is that in the Lucid Dream World, you
know, in the back of your mind, that you are
dreaming. But that doesn't decrease the real feeling
of it. And because you know you are dreaming, you can
do anything you want, without "screwing up"
anything in your real life. You can even fly, go to
the bottom of the sea, walk through walls, and
satisfy your wildest fantasies. Our normal dreams are
so real that we usually have no idea that we are
dreaming. Likewise, in Lucid Dreams, our experience,
our senses, and everything is the same, or even MORE
vivid and brilliant, than our waking hours. The key
to lucid dreaming is simply to be aware that you are
dreaming. The door then opens to infinite
possibilities of learning, adventure, healing,
fantasy, and awe.
2. Remember Your
Dreams.
If you don't remember a fair amount
of your dreams already, don't fret. Here's a recipe
sure to help: First, keep a notepad or dream journal
right next to your bed. When you wake up each
morning, before you move a muscle, and before you
open your eyes, ask to yourself, "What was I
dreaming?" When you get an answer, right it down
right away. Many times, we remember our dreams right
when we awaken, but we forget them by the time we get
out of bed. If you're like most people, it will only
take a few days until you start writing. Do not
attempt the next step until you are remembering some
of your dreams.
3. Check-in
Often.
Again, the key to the lock that
opens the door of the Lucid Dream World is the
knowledge that you are dreaming. In regular dreams,
we usually assume that we are awake, even though odd
things happen. The strangest thing might be
happening, but we usually don't suspect that we're
dreaming. Because everything is so real, we
f"all for it" and think it's our waking
life. Even when we do wonder, "hey, I could be
dreaming," we don't use this valuable suspicion
to our advantage. The best way to learn how to
realize you are dreaming is to "check-in
often." By this, I mean to get in the habit of
asking yourself, "Am I dreaming right
now?", even when you're awake. You must have a
way of checking to see if you are awake or dreaming.
One way is to look at some words, on a sign or paper,
or anywhere. If you are dreaming, the words will be
illegible, funny looking, or they might just not make
any sense. Somehow they'll be different than normal.
Another way is to look at the palm of your hand. If
you are dreaming, you will just know it. Once you
have chosen your method of checking, use it at least
6 times per day, while you are awake. The best time
to check is when anything seems just a little weird.
It may seem silly at first, but it only takes a
second or two, and it's well worth it. By doing this
often, you create a habit of doing it, which stays
with you even when you're dreaming. One day soon you
will ask yourself the question when you are dreaming,
just out of habit. You'll ask yourself, "Am I
dreaming?", you'll do your check-in, and you'll
find the answer is yes. This is a sacred moment.
While you are practicing your check-ins, and
developing the habit, you must also complete step 4,
so that you know what to do when this moment arrives.
4. Have A Plan
For What To Do When You Get A Yes.
If you aren't prepared for this
special moment, you won't be able to use it. As
stated above, people often suspect they are dreaming,
or even know they are dreaming, but they just go on
with their dream, still being a player in the play.
Knowing you are dreaming is extremely valuable
information and this information should be used, not
wasted! For one thing, if you know you are dreaming,
you don't have to worry about getting hurt. It's
"just a dream." (Actually the words
"dream" and "just" don't belong
in the same sentence). Still, you need to have a plan
for what to do when you realize you are dreaming. A
simple plan is to fly. All you have to do is take
off! If you want to, you can take a running start and
leap into the air. Think to yourself, "I am
going to fly now." An alternative plan is to
manipulate your surroundings. If there is another
person there, you can "will" him or her to
do anything, without saying a word. Or, you can
change an object into something else. Whatever you
choose for your plan, stay with that one plan until
it gets used. Start with something simple and the
rest will follow. If you do not have a concrete and
simple plan, you may wake up out of confusion. To
avoid waking up like this, set your plan firmly in
your mind while you are awake. Tell yourself,
"when I realize I'm dreaming, I will stay in my
dream and start to ..."
At this point you will have your
first lucid dream.
5. Consider Your
Dreams While Awake.
Now that you've succeeded in having
a lucid dream, think how you can use lucid dreams.
Think about what your dreams mean to you. Think about
how you can learn from them. Think up some fantasies
that you would like to live out. The best thing about
lucid dreams is that your mind will feel as if you
have actually done these things when you awaken. So,
if you always wanted to swim with dolphins, go for
it! Do it in a lucid dream and you will be fulfilled!
While you're awake, think about all the uses of lucid
dreaming, and make your plans for the next time it
happens. Set the plan firmly in your mind. Each time
you do your check-in, remind yourself of what the
plan is for today. The possibilities are endless.
Just a few examples:
- Flying and space travel
- Being with your favorite
famous person
- Performing in front of a live
audience
- Sexual fantasies
- Asking questions and receiving
guidance in real life issues
- Going to sacred places
- Confronting situations
- Being in awe of your
surroundings - your senses are heightened if
you focus on them. Scenes are more vivid,
sounds are more intense, etc... If you take a
moment, you can really feel the beauty.
- Experiment!
6. For A More
Complete Discussion
I highly recommend the book Lucid
Dreaming by Stephen LaBerge, PhD. It is filled with
more uses of lucid dreams and other ways to develop
the skill of having lucid dreams. Best of all, this
is not just something to read about - you can
experience it yourself!
Gary Beckwith, Certified
Hypnotherapist
uc 1993 This material is
UNcopyrighted.
The more you share it, the more lucid dreams you will
have!
published by:
The Harmony
Institute
2084 Garfield St.
Eugene, OR 97405
garyb@efn.org