Quote Originally Posted by Wolfdog View Post
A couple of days ago I began looking around the number of threads contained within the Research section of the forum, and I couldn't help but notice some things which I would like to mention. First of all, I read threads that went back almost 5 years (from 2008-2009), all the way to our current moment in time, looking for any evidence (whether anecdotal or otherwise) regarding the practical uses of lucid dreaming. In general, I noticed that much of the threads fell into a series of categories: threads involving the practice of X technique for X amount of days or a description of a new technique, threads regarding the effects of some drug for the induction of lucidity, threads involving some new and interesting articles on the subject of lucidity, and threads regarding the subject I was focusing on, lucidity and its practical uses.

Anyway, I couldn't help but notice that almost all of these threads (at least from what I could see in the Research section) originated around a very promising, interesting idea. Some of the experiments proposed were engaging, all ending in the possibility of them working or not. However, almost none of them were particularly undertaken. They were started, yes, but only for a couple of days to a week or two (at most), after which the thread ultimately found its end. Usually, a discussion rose from within the thread, with information and thoughts from dreamers who where both in favor or not with the possibility of the experiment delivering results. Even so, the most important thing, the actual experiment, was never done (at least from what I could see with the discontinuation of the threads read). It was all a discussion of ideas, intriguing ideas, yet it never got past that point. The results of the experiment never saw the light of day.

This got me thinking, is the general dreamer interested in the pursuit of the practical uses of lucid dreaming? Almost anything I see here are the experiences of people messing around in their dreams, yet almost none regarding things which could help them in their everyday life. What about acquiring new skills, changing character, habits, acquiring knowledge, health, information? What about other types of dreaming phenomena, like shared dreaming, precognition, etc.? What about using our subconscious and learning from it? Yes, there are threads every day about whether a lucid dream will help someone with some issue in their lives, yet the content of these threads almost always stay at the stage of discussion of ideas.

Or is it that dreamers are in fact interested in the topic, just that the quest for it is of a much more personal nature? I have also thought about this possibility, that maybe dreamers do pursue these things, but in their own time and for their own personal interest.

A year ago I had a conversation about lucid dreaming with a particular individual. Initially, I explained to this person about all the great things and all the much fun one could have while becoming lucid in a dream. The response I got was: "What's the point of it? What do you get from lucid dreaming apart from having fun? How can it be of use in my everyday life?" I continued, saying: "Come on, wouldn't you love to experience what is it like to fly, to visit other worlds, to live out your very own adventure?" This person insisted: "So what if I experience all these things you say, what then? There, I get to experience what flying is in my dreams, now what?" Of course, having fun while lucid is very much encouraged and is probably one of the main reasons we all felt drawn to the acquirement of this particular skill. But, I kept thinking about this answer, and I couldn't help but agreeing with this person, at least on the idea of using lucid dreams for the improvement of our waking lives.

Still, are other lucid dreamers interested in the use of lucid dreaming for the benefit of their own lives? I know many say they do, but do they actually pursue this, do they really practice for that goal?

I know there's many who are interested in pursuing this aspect of lucidity the same as I do, though to many, our level of experience might not allow for us to conduct a proper experiment, as of this moment. In effect, much more practice and experience is the top priority right now. But, to experienced lucid dreamers, have any of you actually experimented with this? At least an amount of experimentation that could allow for some anecdotal evidence? I'm sure many of us don't have the materials necessary for the outline of a proper experiment. Still, personal experience could offer some form of evidence which could be of use for that particular individual. And I mean proper experimentation (months or years of practice), not just: "Well, I practiced acquiring this new skill through my lucid dreams for a couple of days, but never got anything out of it."

So, I don't know if this may warrant a response from any of you dreamers out there, I just felt like sharing a few observations I had while navigating through the forum. As always, if any of you would like to express your thoughts on this, feel free to do so. Your opinion is always welcome and appreciated.
The desire to conduct these experiments is there but the motivation may wane as it can be difficult to maintain a controlled environment when you're not a scientist. Eventually life gets in the way for those who do other things for a living is one reason I can come up with the unfinished experiments that are mentioned.

As far as the practicality of lucid dreaming....I had a friend also bring this up to me and it also made me question myself about what practical use lucid dreaming has had for me and how it can be applied in waking life. How about considering the fact that lucid dreaming provides the opportunity to live life to the fullest. The purpose of life is simply to live it. In regards to practicality, as a hobby itself lucid dreaming is a way to keep idle hands from being the devil's plaything in that it's another goal to achieve that can bring healthy satisfaction and is not harmful. How are lucid dreams not useful if they are enjoyable? Joy bring stress relief and a sense of fulfillment. The paradox you learn to understand of being awake while you are asleep can help you gain a different perspective on life itself-one that may help you learn how to control your emotions and eventually understand the situation better. Perception is our personal reality and perception can be manipulated and changed in order to experience a different reality-in both waking life and dream life. Confrontation with your subconscious mind is a mind-blowing experience in itself and one that can help you acquire knowledge about yourself. It can help you get to know what you are capable of creating and how these creations are related to your daily experiences. I find the dream journal itself to be very useful! It's cathartic for one thing. Not everything in life or in dreams has to have a practical use such as in applying it to get better at sports or gain ideas. Lucid dreaming in itself is an experience that can be highly satifying and fulfillment; this in itself is therapy. Besides, what is the purpose of finding practicality in things? The answer is to find life more fulfilling itself.