How To Lucid Dream
A lucid dream is one in which you become aware that you are dreaming, but don't wake up. Although some people naturally have the ability to lucid dream, most have to learn and develop the technique. Here's some advice on how to improve your chances of having lucid dreams.
Step 1: Prepare (准备)
The first step is to improve your ability to remember dreams, and just generally make yourself more aware of your dreams. Start by telling yourself each night before you go to bed, that you will have lucid dreams and that you will remember them in the morning. Repeating this over and over to yourself will make it more likely to happen. Keep a dream journal in which you record the details of all the dreams you remember, to help keep track of recurring images and themes. Also, use an alarm clock to start waking yourself earlier than your usual time, as this will help you remember dreams more clearly. As soon as you wake up, lie still for a few moments and try to recall all the details of your dream before you get up. Remember, there's not much point having lucid dreams if you can't recall them when you're awake. Taking supplements such as vitamin B-6, melatonin and 5-HTP can also increase the vividness of your dreams.
Step 2: Knowing that you're dreaming (明白你的梦境)
Sometimes when you are dreaming you won't be sure whether you are dreaming or awake. You can train yourself to look out for signs that you are dreaming. These are things which would be impossible in real life, such as being able to breathe under water or fly. You can also train yourself to know that you're dreaming by using reality checks. This can be done in the form of actions like pinching yourself or looking at your hands, or simply asking yourself the question ”am I awake?”. Start performing reality checks during the day when you know you are awake, to get your mind into the habit of asking the question. This will make you more likely to ask the question while dreaming. Sometimes the realisation that you are in a dream world can be such a shock that you suddenly wake up, but in time you will learn to keep dreaming and even take control of your dreams.
Step 3: Controlling your dreams (控制梦境)
Once you have developed the ability to recognise that you are in a dreaming state, you might then be able to actually take control of your dreams. For example, if you have recurring dreams of being chased, you may be able to control the dreams so that you turn around and confront your chaser and ask them what they want. Many people report that they can not only control their own actions in a dream, but control other characters in the dream as well. It's also possible to take control of scary dreams and nightmares and turn them into something much more pleasant. Don't worry if you can't induce a lucid dream on your first attempts. With patience and regular practice most people can develop the ability to have the lucid dream experience.
Sweet dreams!