Scared to start!

[mando00021000]

So i just found out what lucid dreams are and i am very excited, not only realizing that one can train themselves to have control over their dreams, but realizing that i have had a few somewhat lucid dreams in my life. There is only one problem, and that is that when i have been semi-concious in a dream or concious, it almost always ends with me, (though i know that im awake) having the same, horrifying nightmare (i dont know what to call it because i know its a dream i just can never wake up or move.) So because of my fear of having this "nightmare" i am very much afraid of starting to work towards controling my dreams. If anyone could help me that would be greatly appreciated. -thanks

[Bonsay]

Hi and welcome! That's called sleep paralysis (SP). There is no real reason to be scared of it, since it's there to keep you safe from hurting yourself. It's usually experienced when waking up or falling into the REM stage of sleep. If you choose to pursue LDing you'll probably get used to it and later even want to induce it yourself as a part of some LD induction technique. I used to be scared of this stuff as well, but it all passes. Just realize that everything that happens when you're in SP or in a dream is under your control. When you truly realize this, you won't be afraid anymore and as I said, you'll probably use it for various techniques. Good luck!

[Carolineg]

[deepsleep]

Ever wondered why when your walking in a dream your not actually up and about walking around your house? (Well I hope you aren't). It's because of sleep paralysis. I think the main reason it scares people is because well they don't have any kind of idea what is going on and.. They can't move!

[AndresLD]

Welcome =D!! Woah! You are able to get SP, being conscious without even trying? I'm jealous! That feeling of not being able to move, seeing images (which probably scare you) and hearing things is just an auto-mechanism of our body, it's called Sleep Paralysis (SP) and it's just so you don't move in real life, while you move in your dreams. Next time you feel sleep paralysis, and are fully/semi conscious just close your eyes and imagine a dream scenario, you will probably see yourself from a third person perspective, or be already in your body. Once you have created your dream scenario step into it, and enjoy your lucid dream . (Also, don't forget to stabilize your dream when you step into it, it will probably be a little blurry and dark)

[Baron Samedi]

Move toward fear. Say, "this is only a dream." Recognize it as SP.