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Lucid Dreaming: Can You Control Your Dreams?

man sleeps in bed

Have you ever wished that you could direct your vivid, oftentimes bewildering dreams? The practice of lucid dreaming gives you the opportunity to do just that, as you gain the ability to observe and control a dream as it unfolds, even as you’re sleeping. A lucid dream occurs when you are aware that you are dreaming, which is something that naturally occurs occasionally for most people. This awareness can be developed if desired, in order to help us have a greater understanding of our subconscious thoughts. Why would we want to alter the outcome of our dreams? The answer is that it’s incredibly empowering to take control of our thoughts, even at the subconscious level. Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most widely used psychological therapy and it’s based on the premise that how we think has a powerful effect on how we feel and act. This same concept can be used with the thoughts that play across our minds in the form of dreams. Research shows that individuals who maintain awareness while in a dream state can influence the action as it unfolds. For example, if you have a fear of heights and this keeps playing out in your dreams, being able to walk yourself through the anxiety may translate to feeling more empowered in real life. If you’d like to give this amazing practice a try, there are a few simple things you can do to start. Keep a dream journal and write down your dreams as soon as you wake up while you are able to recall the most about them, recording as much detail as you can. Being able to go back over your dreams will help you begin to notice themes and patterns that you may wish to explore. Try to focus on what you wish to dream about as you fall asleep. For example, is there an issue you’d like to work through or a new skill you’d like to practice? If there is something you hope to be able to look at or work through your subconscious thoughts, begin by keeping the mind of those things are you fall asleep. These are some of the most basic tools to start you on your journey to understanding your subconscious. There are many resources in the form of books and websites with instructional videos that can help you further develop this practice. Lucid dreaming can be a powerful psychological tool, but it’s also a good way to simply get to know your unconscious better.

Arbor Behavioral Healthcare is here to help you throughout your recovery journey. We can help you be a healthier version of yourself. Call us today at 844-413-2690. We can’t wait to speak with you and help you today!