lucid dreaming 30 by Articles Uncovered
Published Date: 13/03/07
The purpose of dreaming has been explored since the early days of man. The topic is a complex and mysterious one. The spiritual aspects of dreaming have been an important aspect of the belief systems of many cultures. The topic of lucid dreaming has been explored in recent times in movies such as Vanilla Sky and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Carlos Castaneda's book The Teachings of Don Juan explores true-life experiences, the spiritual elements of dreaming and the use of drugs to reach such a state. But what is lucid dreaming?
The phenomenon of lucid dreaming may be best described as conscious dreaming. While in a state of lucid dreaming one is aware that they are in a dream. This awareness raises some interesting questions about how the brain works and the purpose of dreaming. If one can be aware that they are dreaming, can they then control what happens in the dream? If not, then it seems as though the brain is in charge of the dreamer and not the other way around. If a dreamer in a state of lucid dreaming cannot control the dream's events, then questions arise concerning the role of dreaming. Dreaming appears to be a natural function of the brain.
The connection to the cosmic world that one may experience in lucid dreaming may be realized through meditation. Many people do not usually remember their dreams. For these people, it is much more difficult to experience a lucid dream. For those who wish to experience lucid dreaming, there are several ideas on how they may reach that state. Waking up earlier than usual may allow dreamers to catch the end of a dream. Getting into the practice of writing down any dreams you remember may train your brain to view dreams as important and make you more likely to remember them.
Perhaps the most useful tool would be to make a conscious assertion telling your brain that you wish to remember your dreams. Several questions about the purpose of dreaming most likely will never be answered unequivocally. Where do we go when we dream? Are dreams a product of the brain working through and processing a vast amount of information? Are dreams really representations of our inner thoughts and feelings? If dreams are our own creations, why are we so often unable to understand their symbols and meanings? Modern science is able to explain only a fraction of the inner-workings of the human brain. I think it is likely that a majority of brain functions will remain mysterious, including lucid dreaming.
Perhaps it is the mysteriousness of our minds and the creative invention of dreams that leave us open to wonder about our own spiritual or mystical capacity. So long as dreams are mysterious, those of us that remember them are forced to ponder their meanings. Those that do not remember their dreams are left to wonder why they don't and search for ways to connect with their inner consciousness. Phenomena such as lucid dreaming may be meant to provide us with more questions than answers and in life sometimes questions are all we really have.
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