Most of us have heard of lucid dreaming, or have even done it by accident once or twice. But, did you know you can use lucid dreaming as a shifting method? Many people claim that it’s the easiest way to shift, since lucid dreaming is a little easier to learn. Let’s get into the lucid dream shifting method!
What is a Lucid Dream?
A lucid dream is a type of dream where you become aware that you are dreaming while in the REM sleep stage. During this conscious state, you can control the dream’s narrative, characters, or environment. It’s considered a hybrid state of consciousness, combining elements of REM sleep with waking awareness.
How to Become Lucid
Like shifting, it’s different for everyone! Find what works for you. Here are some techniques and practices that have proven useful in the lucid dreaming community:
Dream Recall
Dream recall and journaling are SUPER important, because they help you remember the way a dream feels, which in turn helps you to realize you’re in a dream.
- Keep a dream journal, whether it’s on your phone or on paper. Write down anything and everything, even just bits and pieces that don’t really make sense.
- Before you fall asleep, set the intention to remember your dream, or use affirmations: “I am ready to remember my dreams.” or “I love remembering my dreams”.
- Try to look for patterns in your dream. You might be able to find some signs that will prompt lucidity, especially if you have a reoccurring dream. In real life, remind yourself that if you recognize that dream, you are dreaming.
- Read through your dream journal every so often, and imagine yourself getting lucid in those dreams.
Reality Checks
Essentially, reality checks help prompt you to question if you’re in a dream, by “checking” throughout the day while your awake.
- There are lots of ways you can reality check; counting your fingers (make sure you have five on each hand), try to poke your finger through the palm of your hand (if it goes through, you’re dreaming), plug your nose and try to breathe (if you can still breathe, you’re dreaming).
- You’ll become lucid because dreams work differently then your waking life. When you count your fingers during the day, you’ll count five. But, in a dream, you might count four or six, or maybe your hands won’t even look like hands. That’s when you become lucid.
- The important part is repeating the action throughout the day and making it a habit. If it’s a habit, you’ll end up doing it in a dream and becoming lucid.
Wake Back to Sleep Method
A method to lucid dream where you set an alarm for around 3AM (the average time that most people are in REM stage of sleep), stay up for a bit to become conscious (you can count your fingers to remind yourself you’re not dreaming), then go back to bed. If it’s done correctly, you’ll return back to REM sleep (the sleep stage when you dream) while still a little conscious. Therefore, it’s easier for you to become lucid.
Stabilize your Dream
I’ve found that when I become lucid, it’s not lucid enough to really control my dream. I feel rushed, like I’m going to lose control or wake up. So, here are some techniques to stabilize your lucid dream.
- Some people use touch: touch something beside you, touch the floor, rub your hands together, yell, etc. Something to make it feel real and use your senses. Even just genuinely asking yourself if you’re dreaming this very moment can work.
- Other people summon an object that’s easy to visualize. I’ve heard of people summoning a fruit, and even eating it. There are a number of ways you can summon it, just by saying it aloud or asking for it in your head – you control the dream, so do whatever feels right. You’ll know you’ve stabilized your lucid dream properly when the object you summon appears clearly and as you intended.
- Remind yourself you have time. Don’t feel rushed. When you become lucid, your thoughts control your dream. If you feel rushed, the dream will become rushed.
- Taking a moment to collect yourself and calm your excitement can make all the difference.
Lucid Dream Shifting Method
If you were to shift realities right now, what would be the easiest route? A door that opens? A portal? What reminds you of your DR? I like to imagine a door from my DR in front of me, my hand grabs the knob (if there is one!) and pushes it open, and I walk through.
- Take the time to properly visualize the door, portal or whatever, and affirm (very important!) that it will take you to your DR. After you walk through, you’re in your DR! Don’t rush this process, because it won’t work (trust me).
- Side Note: You might end up lucid dreaming in your DR. To wake up in your DR, just find a spot and go to sleep, and you’ll end up waking up there. Try not to explore too much while you’re dreaming – you’ll get the chance to when you’re awake in your DR.
- It will work differently for everyone, so just give it a try and practice.
Another Use for Lucid Dreaming
In this reddit post (I used it a lot in my research!), the author talks about using lucid dreaming to talk to your subconscious as a way to get answers to your questions. The way your subconscious appears to you in your dream can tell you about how you feel.
For example, if you’re afraid you’re not good enough for shifting, your subconscious may appear to you as a frightening, pessimistic person. Your thoughts, feelings, and expectations control your dreams, so you can learn a lot about yourself in them. I highly recommend reading through the post by the way!
Summary
Shifting can be a tricky skill to master. Lucid dreaming can be an easier way to shift, since it can be learned (usually) a lot faster. I’ve seen people lucid dream for the first time after just a week of practice! Even if you’re not into shifting realities, lucid dreaming has so many uses, so I highly recommend practicing this skill!
