Thread: A Couple Questions

WUT IT IS DV, I have a few questions pertaining to lucid dreaming.

1.) What holds people back from fully controlling their lucid dream? I've seen alot of posts where people realize theyre dreaming, however they can only partially alter things in their dream. For example people have mentioned they have trouble flying, cooperating with DC's, finding people, shooting fireballs, etc. I would think that the only impediment would be actually realizing that your in a dream, and then you can alter the world at will?

2.) From peoples experience, do crystals such as amethyst have a noticeable effect on lucid dreaming? And if so, is it likely just a placebo effect or is there tangible evidence that these crystals are beneficial?

3.) Anyone know the scientific reasoning as to why cannabis has a negative impact on your ability to lucid dream? I would initially think that the opposite would be true. At least with sativa-based strains.

Thanks guys.

Hey, welcome to Dreamviews! Or at least registration...

I'll do my best to answer your questions:

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spliff

1.) What holds people back from fully controlling their lucid dream? I've seen alot of posts where people realize theyre dreaming, however they can only partially alter things in their dream. For example people have mentioned they have trouble flying, cooperating with DC's, finding people, shooting fireballs, etc. I would think that the only impediment would be actually realizing that your in a dream, and then you can alter the world at will?

There can be several reasons for this, all of them will make sense once you have an LD. Most of the time, the mind interprets the dream as real life. Thus, when you try to fly, your mind will expect gravity to keep you grounded, and so it happens.

By reminding ourselves we are dreaming, we can in fact break these restraints. However, as it turns out, that can be much easier said than done. Unless you can completely convince yourself that you can in fact fly, then you will not. For some, it is as hard as forcing yourself to believe something you know is impossible. Also, our cognitive function seems somewhat hampered in a dream state, though occasionally we are 100% reasonable.

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spliff

2.) From peoples experience, do crystals such as amethyst have a noticeable effect on lucid dreaming? And if so, is it likely just a placebo effect or is there tangible evidence that these crystals are beneficial?

As far as I know, there is no such evidence of any effect. I believe there is a thread regarding this in the tutorial section, actually.

Luckily, placebo effect is just as favorable as actually having something effect you, as it IS your mind, after all. I imagine there will be several individuals who will argue the effects of crystals and such, but alas, with no evidence, I cannot in good heart try to argue this matter.

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spliff

3.) Anyone know the scientific reasoning as to why cannabis has a negative impact on your ability to lucid dream? I would initially think that the opposite would be true. At least with sativa-based strains.

I'm afraid I can't help you there, but you should definitely check the 'Lucid Aids' (There's an odd double meaning... hm...) section, as I do recall much discussion on such effects.

Thanks for deciding to join, you won't be disappointed.

1) The stuff that you see in the dream is unexpected, and surprising. It therefor must be created by a part of your brain which is distinct from your conscious imagination,
and in order to control the dream we need to control the parts of the brain that control the dream. Most people are not born with this talent, but it can be learned by practice.
Another possible explanation: some people believe the dream is not just created by your brain, but is created or at least influenced by something external, such as the collective consciousness, or some transcendental force, and in order to fully control the dream you need to control these external forces.

2) I don't beleive that crystals in general have any effect, but I never tried them.

3.) I think cannabis causes an increse in serotonin. When serotonin levels go up, REM is repressed and you dream less.

Hi there, Welcome to Dream Views.

I have nothing new to add to the questions answered but if you have any other questions just ask. But like Graysong said, check out the lucid aids section in regards to cannibus. There is almost always a thread floating around on the first page about that or similar topics.

First, freaking awesome choice of name. Calvin and Hobbes rocks all.

Secondly, I personally have no trouble whatsoever with dream control. Granted, I've only had a couple of LDs, but in them it was more remembering what I wanted to do than having trouble. But I had no problems, regardless. I think it's just your mindset going in. Simply believe. It's your dream, there is absolutely NO reason you shouldn't have absolute freedom.