Transcending the Dream State
Not so long ago I struggled with my dreams. It seemed that the more I tried, the more I failed, and various techniques for lucid dreaming resulted only in sporadic success or losing precious sleep.
Recently have I begun to see that my struggling with the dream state was exactly why it has eluded me. It seems the more I push, the more it resists, leading to nothing more than wasted effort and poor quality of sleep.
Out of mild frustration, I decided to give lucid dreaming a break, and so I began with a new technique that I intended as a way to be more restful rather than active while I slept. To my surprise, I found that my previously horrid ability to recall my dreams at once fell away, and my dreams were greatly extended. In only a couple of weeks I found that I was having more lucid dreams than I usually have in a month, and they were much longer.
It started with a realization that the dream state is a natural thing, and not something that I need to strive for. At times I would lay back to clear my mind, without intending to sleep, and I noticed I began to enter a dreamy state immediately. Flashes of scenes, brief noises and phrases, and physical sensations bubbled to the surface. These phenomena I know can be classified as hypnagogic imagery, or the onset of dreams. It then became obvious that I had been trying too hard to achieve this state.
My method is very simple, but as you may have heard, the simplest solution is often the best. The sole requirement is a discarding of all beliefs and preconceptions about dreaming. Then all that is needed is to lie down, get comfortable, and quiet all of the thoughts that have been racing through your mind throughout the day. This might be difficult for some, but with a small amount of practice it can be achieved with minimal effort. In fact, the key is not to try at all. Just observe.
The next step is to surrender to that state; no matter how much your mind wishes to churn about, keep relaxed. This process of transcending the mind happens naturally every night, but we usually aren't aware of it. This is where I found I had been going about it wrong. Instead of trying to enter a dream or focusing on your intentions, just be aware. As your mind makes its effortless transition, do not try to direct it in any way. Be aware of what is happening, but that is all.
As I have said, I did not intend for this method to be a way to enhance my dreams. But I think it makes perfect sense that letting the process happen naturally is far more effective than intellectualizing it too much. Of course, this method is not by any means a flawless way to have lucid dreams; it is merely a means of embracing the natural process of falling asleep. With time, however, it is easy to train your awareness so that you may always know the difference between a dream and your waking life. Just know that this will come naturally.
Remember, any intention or preconception you have before going into this will stifle your success, as will any attempt to focus on or direct the state into a lucid dream. Let it come naturally and, chances are, you will be happy with the results.
Good luck! ;-)
