Lucid Dreaming: Is it a trait you are born with, or a skill you can learn?

[Trance]

The reason I ask, is no matter how hard I try I cannot become lucid. I had an LD once, that lasted for about 30 seconds but have never again been able to even come close. It seems my biggest obstacle is overlooking even the most obvious dream-signs. Why does it come so easily for some, and not at all, for others? Other than keeping a dream-journal, is there any techniques or methods I can employ?

[Jeff777]

While lucid dreams seem to come more naturally for some than others, I believe it's a skill you can learn (but also a part of something we're born with that just needs to be worked on AS a skill to be improved upon).

[maxy126]

I wouldn't say it comes naturally u thinking u can't do it is ure first mistake let it come naturally or what u can do is do 20 RCs a day for a week I promise u will have Atleast 2 LUcid dreams

[Verto]

As long as you can dream, there really is no reason why you can't do it. Sure if you lucid from a young age its easier, but so is learning a language at that age. It doesent mean you cant learn a language later in life however. Just persevere and stop looking for excuses to give up. Good luck.

[slayer]

I think the question is debatable. I would say it's more of a learned trait though. If it was something you were born with, we'd probably be having a lot more lucid dreams.

[JamesLD]

all it takes is time, patients, and practice.

[Integral]

I wonder if it also has something to do with an individuals brain chemistry? There must be a logical reason why some people are able to LD easily and others find it nearly impossible. You might try investigating the area of supplements. I recently started using Galantamine and found it gives an 80% success rate.

[Sanquis]

Lucid Dreaming: Is it a trait you are born with, or a skill you can learn? The latter, if it was something people were born with, you'd notice a particular pattern, whereby certain communties would be capable of LDs and others weren't. Evidence points to that it is more of a skill, so to speak, but practice makes perfect. Also, LDs are the most frustrating balancing act, WILDs, for example, require a certain amount of concentration, too much making them impossible. DILDs (sounds like what your attempting) are brought about more easily by constantly checking IRL and accerting your grip on reality, checking often, and generally trying to understand the world around you at all times... So I'd say, keep writing your Dreams in your Dream Journal, keep talking on these forums, and keep going at it like more of a casual hobby, if you dont Lucid, dont worry! Worrying will damage your chances of Lucids, which will in turn make you more frustrated... ect. ect. Brains pooped out now, gonna take a nap.

[Underwaterer]

you have to train your brain... you have to build your ability. First, you must think about your dreams all the time, try to remember everything in your dreams, every possible detail.. the more you exercise your dream mind, the stronger it will become, the more real your dreams will seem, then... you will just do it... your dream mind will be strong enough. It takes a long time.

[Abren]

you have to train your brain... you have to build your ability. First, you must think about your dreams all the time, try to remember everything in your dreams, every possible detail.. the more you exercise your dream mind, the stronger it will become, the more real your dreams will seem, then... you will just do it... your dream mind will be strong enough. It takes a long time. +1 You need to learn to free your mind of all the things that block your ability to be awake in your dreams.

[mrdeano]

Anyone can learn how to have Lucid Dreams, there are no preferences or birth rights. The problem with Lucid Dreaming is that it is notorious for not working the harder you try. Lucid dreaming needs a lot of patience and need to take a laid back approach.

[DeeryTheDeer]

I think that the reason some people just naturally LD every single night since they were born and others struggle to have one consciously, has something to do with our waking life personality traits, quirks or genetic chemistry. Some people may be just naturally more aware of their surroundings in life, but becoming more aware is something that everybody can do. So I would probably say both, but more of the latter.

[Mariano]

tell me something trance. how much time did you practice becoming lucid? which things did you tried?

[Bizarre Jester]

it can be both leaning towards a skill that you can learn. If no one attempts to have a lucid dream, some people won't and some people may naturally have a few. If enough effort and desire is put into it, everyone can have a lucid dream. The time and vividness of them will also increase.

[Dr. Luxzig]

It's just like any other skill, whether it be playing the piano or carpentry, some people start of naturally better than others but anyone can become good at it through practice. Often people who werent naturally good but work hard end up being more skilled than the ones that started with an advantage because being naturally good can sometimes make you lazy. I remember it took my 4 months to have my first lucid dream and when I told my sister she just said 'oh yea I have those now and again', I was like 'what?! it took me 4 months!!' but with practice comes results.

[Trance]

tell me something trance. how much time did you practice becoming lucid? which things did you tried? I have kept dream journals, listened to meditation music and what-not. My fallback is I cannot bring myself to recognize even the most obvious or bizarre dream-signs

[jombo22]

The reason I ask, is no matter how hard I try I cannot become lucid. ... Join Date: Aug 2009 You aren't experienced enough yet to pose the question that the title of the thread asks. Keep at it.