Google, the Universe, and the Pursuit of Answers

Hi there,

This is my first post here. I discovered the site through a quick google search after one too many strange, what I think to be, lucid dreams. I'm not sure what I'm after, perhaps just looking for others, who have also had similar experiences. Those who have answers, or at least more meaningful questions to ponder.

Anywho, here it goes:

It never happens at night, when I lay down for a long rest. It's always when I fall asleep in the morning, not really needing any sleep, it just happens. And it always starts the same way.

I feel my whole body tingling, like when a foot has fallen asleep and it's just starting to wake and not feel numb. Then I know I'm dreaming. I then start to fly, well not really fly, more like float. It's almost as though I have to give in and let myself go, otherwise I can stay in state where I'm tingling but firmly planted on the ground. Once I let go I float, and if I start to relax I float higher, I've floated outside of my apartment and towards the sky. I sometimes get anxious though or scared and wake myself up, but then I go back. I only have minor control, kind of like willing myself to go a certain direction. More recently it was almost like having what some would consider and outer body experience where I'd float above my bed and look down at myself.

It is very strange, and it always feels strange. I've attempted to 'conjure' things but to no avail. I have minimal control and I'm scared a lot of time. I guess my real goal is to feel more safe in them and perhaps learn how to take more control of them.

Alright, thanks for reading my wall of text, any insight or your own experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Bonwhin

Hi and welcome! It sounds like you're entering Sleep Paralysis and then experience some Hypnagogic Imagery. Try to visualize a meadow or any other place, try to imagine doing something with your hands on that place and keep your mind focused on the task. Soon you might end up in that particular place, doing whatever you were visualizing.

Experiment with it and don't be afraid, there's nothing that can hurt you. What you describe sounds just like OBE or Astral Projection, but those two haven't been confirmed are real and might aswell be a Lucid Dream.

Good luck and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

It does sound like OBE. This is a phenomenon that I do believe in, even if it is not metaphysical. It is possible that people hallucinate leaving their bodies at night. It is possible that they do leave their bodies at night. I don't know. Either way, I find it to be a fascinating experience.

Thank you for your responses. Sometimes there is no imagery at all and I just float through blackness. Next time I'll trying thinking of a meadow like you suggest. I don't believe in OBE but it's the only thing I could liken it to. Every time I've had it happened though I'm always anxious, it's as if it feels wrong and I shouldn't be doing it. I think I need to experiment more. I've just been so focused on trying to make things appear when it happens rather than go to different places or go to the things.

Yeah, try that or just relaxing even more. Ignore everything you feel and just wait for the images to become "real". When you feel you're inside the dream, try to stabilize it by activating your senses.

Also, is it natural for one to have lucid dreams without trying? I mean, many years ago I sometimes actively tried (and to note never obtained lucidity) but not since. The ones I'm experiencing now happen with an eerily scheduled occurrence without me wanting it. Whenever I take a nap mid morning they always happen, literally. It only started several months ago. I don't take these naps frequently so maybe once every couple of weeks but every time I do, it happens.

I think I will actively try tomorrow morning, but since it is happening when I'm not trying, likely trying will result in it not happening. :P

If you tell yourself you won't have one when you try, then you probably won't.

Make sure you don't feel like you have to get Lucid. If you're stressed out your odds will decrease. I've had many Lucid Dreams naturally without trying. It's not common, but it's possible.