Using lucidity to overcome troubles

**Aurata** · 03-07-2012 08:14 AM

I know this question is quite general and hopeful, but is there a way that lucid dreaming can be used to overcome a problem?
I realise it can be used to find inspiration, practice difficult situations and other 'troubles' such as these. But what about other troubles, such as forgetting something bothersome? I doubt that any positive responses will turn up, but it is worth a try.

**TheSmooze** · 03-07-2012 08:21 AM

You cannot use it to forget, but you CAN use them to face up against the issue in a safe environment and vanquish it. I've never read anything about using them to forget; I don't think they work that way.

**Aurata** · 03-07-2012 08:34 AM

I thought so. What about using it to get a false sense of power, that you could not have otherwise? For example, stopping people who treat you distastefully. I'm not sure if this would be beneficial though. Real life still persists, despite of a temporary and oblivious happiness.
Rehearsal for your waking life...

**xxdanxx** · 03-07-2012 08:40 AM

Lucid Dream has always been an escape from RL for me aswell as a way to get rid of the stresses. Although it is proberly not recommended. In my third LD it lasted around 8 minutes and within that time I used it to 'punish' those who have been crap to me in life, not bullying but just general crap. Although I would never do it in RL, it did make me feel differently about them and I no longer give a freaking toss about them.

**TheSmooze** · 03-07-2012 12:07 PM

It's strange how much a change in attitude could help. If you defeat whatever the problem is and feel empowered, it will be easier for you to face it in real life.

**Chewnie91** · 03-07-2012 08:16 PM

Lucid dreaming can have many uses. It can be used to overcome repetitive nightmares, stress issues, explore and discover whom you really are. I am currently researching (through my own lucid dreaming experience and knowledge) some more therapeutic uses for lucid dreaming. A few years ago I was a very stressed person, I had terrible anxiety that would arise from the silliest of situations. I believe it is through lucid dreaming that I have toned down and cured in a way the level of anxiety I have today which is far less.

**Aurata** · 03-07-2012 08:47 PM

Yes... you sound a bit like me, Chewnie. This is more or less what I was thinking of when I asked the question. I too am beginning to suspect I have anxiety. I feel sick for things that shouldn't be terrifying at all, such as going to school in the morning.

**Chewnie91** · 03-07-2012 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by Aurata

Yes... you sound a bit like me, Chewnie. This is more or less what I was thinking of when I asked the question. I too am beginning to suspect I have anxiety. I feel sick for things that shouldn't be terrifying at all, such as going to school in the morning.

Yes anxiety was taking over my life and making me miserable. I didn't feel like going to a psychologist because I didn't like the idea of being "labeled" anything. I cam across lucid dreaming and this wonderful website which became my lucid dreaming hub. I did tons of research and read stories about how it helped people with numerous anxiety, stress and depression issues. Once I became extremely fluent at inducing lucid dreams pretty much on command I began experiments of my own with which I found that learning about myself through my dreams and doing relaxation exercises in my dreams (ex. escaping to my ideal 'calm place' and just letting everything go, feeling free, confronting any anxious feelings through my unconscious) I was able to relieve anxiety feelings in my waking life and it really has helped me beyond measure.

**Aurata** · 03-07-2012 09:26 PM

Yeah, it does seem to make life much more difficult that what other people have to go through. I wouldn't mind the idea of being labelled. It's not great, but it would give you a sense of security, in that you have been officially diagnosed... not that I am going to get help either. I'm already labeled with 'OCD qualities', I don't mean to complain but I am usually in sadness too and just so stressed all the time!
How often do you have lucid dreams? Sounds pretty good, and congratulations on your recovery. You must be fairly skill full...

**Chewnie91** · 03-08-2012 09:10 PM

I have approximately 12-15 lucid dreams per week. Most of the time it's on a nightly basis. I primarily use WILD and DEILD because DILD and MILD don't work as well for (I have a hard time recognizing that im dreaming lol).

**Din** · 03-08-2012 09:23 PM

I love many of the responses people have made so far.

Lucid dreaming can be used to face problems that you might not otherwise face in waking life. Say, for example, you've recently been through a divorce and are angry at your spouse. You can create scenarios involving you and your person of choice in lucid dreaming. Now, I'm not sure how effective it would be to your stress level to make mashed taters out of your ex in your dream, but it is possible to talk to that person in your dream. From there, any question you ask that person will be directly answered by the copy of that person your subconscious creates. Of course, it isn't the actual person, but it's how you and your mind perceive them to be. From there, you can begin to further understand your relationship with that person, perhaps understand why things didn't work. Though you won't be reconciling with the actual person, you will be reconciling with yourself.

But, if it's a monster or something you're terrified of, then you can mash it to bits.

**Chewnie91** · 03-08-2012 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by Din

I love many of the responses people have made so far.

Lucid dreaming can be used to face problems that you might not otherwise face in waking life. Say, for example, you've recently been through a divorce and are angry at your spouse. You can create scenarios involving you and your person of choice in lucid dreaming. Now, I'm not sure how effective it would be to your stress level to make mashed taters out of your ex in your dream, but it is possible to talk to that person in your dream. From there, any question you ask that person will be directly answered by the copy of that person your subconscious creates. Of course, it isn't the actual person, but it's how you and your mind perceive them to be. From there, you can begin to further understand your relationship with that person, perhaps understand why things didn't work. Though you won't be reconciling with the actual person, you will be reconciling with yourself.

But, if it's a monster or something you're terrified of, then you can mash it to bits.

I've done this a few times haha. Usually when I'm extremely mad with someone, and its not to have a calm discussion with them either. I usually do it to go with the mash to bits choice you speak of

**Aurata** · 03-09-2012 01:56 PM

Yeah, Din. I see we have both independently come to the same 'mash to bits' idea, although I'm not good enough to bother yet. I want to talk because the real deal is illogical, yes...

Chewnie, 12-15 lucid dreams a week! You freak, that's like 2 lucid dreams a night

. Well done.