Non-Lucid Control Better Than Lucid?

Hey, I just took a nap and had quite a vivid dream but never became lucid. However, in the dream I used an array of dream powers that I probably would have struggled with in a lucid, including the some flying I had done. I was doing aerial maneuvers like never before, flying upside-down, barrel-rolling, flips, hovering, etc. I've never flown like this before, but I liked it very much and it seemed akin to how fighters fly in dogfighting video games (minus the fact I was still a body and could do things like hover and use my arms and legs).

But here's the thing: a recurring trend I keep seeing is that dream powers are easier to use and feel like they are more "natural" when used in non-lucids rather than lucids. Maybe it's just me constantly being on the border of lucidity in these dreams and this gives me a greater sense of control, or maybe it's just that when you do things subconsciously in non-lucids they tend to work because you already assume they will instead of hoping they will like most people do when trying to master dream control.

Comment and post your thoughts.

i do things in non lucids that i would never think of other wise.my control is flawless in non lucids probably because i don't have to think about it i just do it.

I'd say non lucids. You aren't concerned about limitations because you aren't in the driver's seat. But when you are it is much harder to do because you have to train yourself to lose those barriers set by the waking world. ;)

I'd say lucids. I think one of my biggest lucid-inducers is precisely taking control of a dream, so it's sort of both I guess. My earliest LDs, when I was a kid, were simply "ejection seat" episodes from nightmares. Granted, I have problems with basic activities in lucids, but I can usually manage far better than my haphazard (non)feats in regular dreams.

Interesting topic.

For me, on the occasion that I have a non-lucid dream in which I have dream powers as if I was lucid, I'd say my level of control is roughly the same. I could easily see how it would be greater, though.

Part of being lucid is recognizing that those things like flying, telekinesis, etc, are abnormal, and while you know that they are possible since you dreaming, you still feel in the back of your mind like you are defying reality in some way. In a way, it's like you're fighting with yourself.

However, when we're not lucid, we can almost instantly explain away anything, as we are all well aware of. So while flying in a non-lucid dream, we don't think about maintaining our flight or anything like that, we simply accept our newfound super powers and move on. Or we invent some other strange circumstances to explain our abilities in way that makes us think "of course I can throw fireballs with my hands - duh!"

In a way, you could say that it's a matter of confidence. Well, that's my theory anyway.

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Originally Posted by DuB

Interesting topic.

For me, on the occasion that I have a non-lucid dream in which I have dream powers as if I was lucid, I'd say my level of control is roughly the same. I could easily see how it would be greater, though.

Part of being lucid is recognizing that those things like flying, telekinesis, etc, are abnormal, and while you know that they are possible since you dreaming, you still feel in the back of your mind like you are defying reality in some way. In a way, it's like you're fighting with yourself.

However, when we're not lucid, we can almost instantly explain away anything, as we are all well aware of. So while flying in a non-lucid dream, we don't think about maintaining our flight or anything like that, we simply accept our newfound super powers and move on. Or we invent some other strange circumstances to explain our abilities in way that makes us think "of course I can throw fireballs with my hands - duh!"

In a way, you could say that it's a matter of confidence. Well, that's my theory anyway.

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I agree very much with that theory, that's how I've always thought of the two. I think that's why making up reasons for things to work in your dreams can help give you dream control. It takes away that "but, this is impossible to do in real life!" factor and gives you the confidence that it will just work.

Unfortunately you are right. Non-lucid control is easier because the mind simply assumes it to be the normal thing at that time. Whereas if one is lucid, logic and all the things like gravity and impossibilities comes in and spoils the whole thing. I had no problems using a remote to change the lights in the living room in a non-lucid dream but it din't work in a lucid dream even though I tried.

IMJ

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Originally Posted by ray

i do things in non lucids that i would never think of other wise.my control is flawless in non lucids probably because i don't have to think about it i just do it.

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Great point. I'm guessing that in non-lucids, you're mind is only focused on 1 single thought that prevents other thought's like doubt and disbelief from ever getting in your way..huh

I never really have control in non lucids. If I do gain control, then its usually followed by lucidity.

I chose lucid, though it really matches non-lucid exactly. I have almost perfect dream control. Flight, phazing, teleportation, time travel... Never have I found my self limited in a dream. My non-lucids often have me performing equally astonishing feats, so perhaps that is why I find it so easy to do when I'm lucid?

It's hard to say. It's definitely easier to do 'supernatural' things in non-lucids, because they seem perfectly normal to my dreamself. However, I wouldn't say that I really have control in them, either. I chose lucid.

It is probably easier in non-lucids.
I do a lot of flying and spellcasting in NLs but when I first tried to take off in a lucid I only managed to float up like a feather or something... Like the others said - you're aware of what things "should be like" and they tend to behave accordingly. Still, that was only my 3rd lucid. I'm eagerly awating my next to see what happens then. I might change my mind yet. :)