Why Have Lucid Dreams?

Some Uses of Lucid Dreaming

Some people are instantly "wowed" by the idea of lucid dreaming. Others don't immediately understand the appeal: "It's just a dream".

Hopefully this site in general will go some way to dispell the idea of "just a dream". However what is the specific value of lucid dreams?

Well, first and foremost lucid dreams are great fun! However for those who want more serious motives, here are a few possible uses of lucid dreaming:

• Rehearsal
Just about every self-help programme ever devised stresses the power of visualisation. Lucid dreaming is visualisation taken to the next step. In a lucid dream you can experience any scenario you want, any challenge you might be facing. Then you can rehearse it - not simply visualising but actually experiencing your success. This helps to boost your confidence when you face the real situation.

• Inspiration
Many creative people know that their best ideas come in dreams. Unfortunately ordinary dreams are often fleeting and don't come "on demand". In a lucid dream you can summon up the dreams you want. You can play with ideas, combining some elements consciously then letting the subconscious take over.

• Relaxation
Many people today are constantly on the go. The alarm jars them awake in the morning, they experience the stress of commuting to get to the office where they work late dealing with awkward colleagues and customers. When they finally gt home they grab a bite to eat, do a few chores and fall into bed - ready to do it all again tomorrow. Sleep is physically relaxing, lucid dreaming can make it more so. After a hard day like this just being able to spend a few minutes in a lucid dream sitting on a warm beach watching the waves can leave you feeling so much better the next day.

• Closure
We all have aspects of our life that need "closure". Sometimes these involve grief, perhaps due to break up or bereavement. No dream can undo what's been done, however in lucid dreaming at least you get a chance to explore alternative endings to a situation and to articulate the things you never said.
On a lighter note, it can also be a good opportunity to vent our feelings on those people who have annoyed us during the day!

If you have any physical or psychological problems then you should consult your doctor
first.