Thread: Hello Everyone

I hope to gain much info about dreams, what they mean, how to control them, and the science behind them. I look forward to reading the posts because I do not have the answers, but i'm sure there will be some experts here!

What is considered a "Lucid Dream", something that is so real you don't know its a dream until you wake up?

The definition of a lucid dream is that you are aware you're dreaming. Nothing more.

Also, welcome to DV!

Thanks, i can do that. I can see signs that tell me its a dream and i can also control what i do and say in my dreams most times.

Originally Posted by DarkPassenger

Thanks, i can do that. I can see signs that tell me its a dream and i can also control what i do and say in my dreams most times.

People tend to call that a natural lucid dreamer. Most people are not natural lucid dreamers and very rarely have lucid dreams, if ever. Actually, many people don't even realize it is possible to know that you are dreaming. You are very lucky to be a natural and it is great you are want to learn more and appreciate it! We are happy to have you as part of our community. We may have a lot for you to learn but you would be surprised by how much us non naturals can learn from you too.

Thanks for the reply and the info. Sometimes when i take too much control over my dreams, instead of just going with the flow, they fall apart and i wake up. Its like the people in my dreams know i'm in control and realize it? You ever experience that?

Originally Posted by DarkPassenger

Thanks for the reply and the info. Sometimes when i take too much control over my dreams ,instead of just going with the flow, they fall apart and i wake up. Its like the people in my dreams know i'm in control and realize it? You ever experience that?

No problem I'm glad I can help! Typically, if you expect to wake up that is what will happen. Maybe one time you took control and coincidentally woke up and now that is what you expect. If you are confident that you won't wake up you should be able to stop following the dream plot. When I become lucid I can often get a half hour or more before I wake up.

Most dream characters in my lucid dreams are rather oblivious of the fact that I am flying or doing crazy stuff. Ocasionaly I will run into one who is smarter or even has powers of their own. A few even seem to realize thay it is a dream but they are rare for me.

I have also had "false awakenings" like i'm getting ready for work, the normal routine and i go to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The sink is filled with long black hair, what is this i say, this shouldn't be in my apartment? My GF is a blonde, i guess this is what you guys consider a "dream sign".

Originally Posted by DarkPassenger

I've experienced this multiple times, The dream is over, but i feel paralyzed, its like "limbo' between a dream and being actually awake. I try to mentally move my limbs which is very hard, but it is the only thing that will break me free. Sometimes it can last which seems a minute or two, it is a horrible feeling to be in.

I see. I myself never really get sleep paralysis so I can't help much. Many users with good intentions, including myself, have spread misinformation on the subject of sleep paralysis over the years. So much so that you will have a hard time finding useful information using the search bar on this site. I went ahead and found some information for you.

Originally Posted by Puffin

How do I get out of SP?

Sleep paralysis occurs when your brain thinks that you're asleep. Knowing this, here are some tried-and-true methods of breaking out of the paralysis.

• Change your breathing pattern - speed up or slow down your breathing to something different than what you were doing when the SP started happening. You can also try taking a deep breath, then a short breath - an irregular pattern of breathing.
• Open your eyes - granted, opening your eyes might not work if you're in a super dark room, but if your room is decently light, the visual stimuli will snap you out of the SP in no time. Know that before it stops, you might have some visual hallucinations because you're looking around the room.
• Imagine yourself moving - imagine the sensation of moving your toes, or fingers, and imagine yourself getting up out of bed. Willing this to happen could stop the SP.

In general, relaxing and not straining yourself trying to move may keep the experience from being to unpleasant. If other users who experience SP could chime in that would be great.

Originally Posted by DarkPassenger

I have also had "false awakenings" like i'm getting ready for work, the normal routine and i go to the bathroom to brush my teeth. The sink is filled with long black hair, what is this i say, this shouldn't be in my apartment? My GF is a blonde, i guess this is what you guys consider a "dream sign".

This would be an excellent dream sign If it is something that happens often in your dreams. Keep a dream journal and look back to see what other dream signs are commom for you.

I'm going to start a dream journal. One re-occurring sign that lets me know that i'm dreaming is my younger brother. In my dreams he is always much younger than in real life (he is 28yrs old right now).

Originally Posted by Puffin View Post
How do I get out of SP?

Sleep paralysis occurs when your brain thinks that you're asleep. Knowing this, here are some tried-and-true methods of breaking out of the paralysis.

Change your breathing pattern - speed up or slow down your breathing to something different than what you were doing when the SP started happening. You can also try taking a deep breath, then a short breath - an irregular pattern of breathing.
Open your eyes - granted, opening your eyes might not work if you're in a super dark room, but if your room is decently light, the visual stimuli will snap you out of the SP in no time. Know that before it stops, you might have some visual hallucinations because you're looking around the room.
Imagine yourself moving - imagine the sensation of moving your toes, or fingers, and imagine yourself getting up out of bed. Willing this to happen could stop the SP.



DarkPassenger
Wow! thanks for the research, these are actually the methods i have done to get out of that paralysis state!