Give it up Sivason. The SP myth is here to stay, in spite of DV's recent heroic efforts to curb the misinformation parade. Isn't this just one of three new threads specifically about SP? Face it, the mythology has won, to the detriment of many a newbie trying to LD. Since I'm not a moderator I can say screw it, I'm throwing in the towel... let 'em have their SP, if it makes em happy.
Shadowofwind: as usual everything you said makes sense, except that sleep paralysis actually is a known and carefully defined (and studied) disorder that has little or nothing to do with the "SP" as defined on these forums, which more closely parallels hipnagogic hallucinations or awareness of REM Atonia. Sleep paralysis is not like LD'ing, or a form of LD'ing, it is an unfortunate event that happens to a very few people when they consciously wake up before their body "wakes up," and the condition is accompanied by a complete inability to move (and a whole lot of fear -- REM Atonia or HH can easily be ended, and you are always able to move your body, tough occasionally with a little effort). I don't remember the exact number, but statistically about 5 in 100 people suffer from actual sleep paralysis chronically, though most people will experience it once or twice in their lives.
Regarding your earlier post: That all makes sense as well, especially if in this case you are saying that SP is analogous to the starch in the African baby Formula, and not the critics. If you are, then I agree: In my time here at DV I think this almost religious breathlessness about SP is hands-down the single most powerful deflection away from learning lucid dreaming.
Sivason doesn't just know something about SP, he knows a lot about it, and his concern should be noted. SP is a diversion from LD'ing because LD novices make it, and not the dream, their goal (note OP). Ironically they never "reach" it as a goal, unless they are one of the rare few who suffer from actual sleep paralysis. No, they just happen to be aware during REM Atonia or else are experience hypnagogic hallucinations, and then tell everyone they had SP, and it was so cool... of course, there is little to no mention of an LD, because that seems to have been forgotten. Then they get positive response from others who have "reached" SP, and the snowball grows. Again.
Just as you tend to lend your advice to people who are misusing, say, quantum mechanics, DV has been attempting to advise dreamers that SP is not a good goal in LD'ing, ever, and in my opinion, obviously, they are right. They are the critics of the formula. And this is not a semantics exercise; yes, REM Atonia is apparently a good place to be during OBE and AP attempts, but it is of little to no use in achieving LD's -- no matter how many posts attest otherwise..
Shalashaska: If you suffer from actual sleep paralysis and have found a way to use the condition to bring LD's, that's just great. But most people do not share your experience. You seem a fairly advanced dreamer, and your wisdom is welcome, but try to understand what Sivason is trying to say: actual sleep paralysis is a rarity, and even this experience of REM Atonia or HH can be more a distraction than a help toward LD'ing for most people. SP has been set on a very high pedestal on these forums, and, even if it worked for you, this elevation is proving an impediment for many new dreamers. And, as I noted above to Sivason, this pedestal apparently cannot be toppled by mere mortals; but is there really a need to raise it higher?
CbmGraphics: I suggest that you do focus on LD's before OBE's and AP. LD'ing encompasses the general skills and mindsets needed for attempting the other two (indeed, OBE's and AP may actually be LD's), and I personally think that being conscious in a dream state is a great starting point for such spiritual adventures as AP. Plus LD's can be a lot of fun, with potentials for personal creativity that far exceed OBE's and (in my opinion) AP.
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