Editor's Pick: Have You Tried Lucid Dreaming?
Have you ever wanted to try lucid dreaming? I mean...who doesn't want to take control of their dreams. (Inception, anyone?) But lucid dreaming isn't just about control, it's a spiritual experience that can have a profound effect on your understanding of yourself and your consciousness.
So...What is Lucid Dreaming Exactly?
We've all had vivid, crazy dreams. Lucid dreaming is a little different. Imagine for a second...not only are you experiencing a powerful, intense dream, but you're also fully present and aware in that dream. Lucid dreaming is a state of consciousness while you're dreaming - a lightbulb moment in your dream where you're aware that you're dreaming and have a degree of control.
Control?? What Do You Mean??
Some people have reported the ability to shift objects, talk to people, and pretty much do whatever the f*ck you want. Pretty cool, huh? Let's take a step further - because you can "control" your dream, you also go deeper and explore more of what your dream means. It's an opportunity to connect with yourself on a deeper level and understand all of those symbols, images, and people that have never really made sense before.
Why Try It?
Dreaming has always been considered sacred, across a wide variety of ancient cultures. The ability to interpret and understand your dreams is a coveted skill that can unlock a whole range of memory, emotion, and experience. Essentially - lucid dreaming unlocks your sub-conscious. Your sub-conscious is a complex space - lucid dreaming allows you to claim greater agency to explore, connect, and understand parts of yourself that you've never had access to through your conscious mind. You can make peace with past trauma, get a better perspective on current experiences, transform yourself, and more. The possibilities are endless.
How Do I Know I'm Lucid Dreaming?
Anyone can lucid dream, but it is harder for some adults (than it is for kids, for example). However, once you're lucid dreaming, you'll know it because you will feel fully present, aware, and be able to engage in your dream. You'll still be asleep, but you'll know it, and have the ability to create what you want. Anything that might have seemed blurry, weird, or intangible in past dreams will come into focus. It's an experience unlike anything else.
How Do I Start Lucid Dreaming?
Don't worry, it's not as complicated as it might seem at first! The best way to start lucid dreaming is to first open up your mind (and awareness) to the idea of it. Just this shift opens up your subconscious mind to the practice of lucid dreams. The tricky part is just staying in and remembering the state of the dream. It can be easy to get startled and lose control of the dream. It's important to stay calm and acknowledge the experience as it comes. We've also got a few tips and tricks up our sleeve to help induce lucid dreaming, as well as create a safe, beautiful space where you feel comfortable enough to start your journey.
Let's Get Started
Our favorite thing to do when getting ready to lucid dream is to set the stage with Kozmic Ryder's Lucid Dream tea. Handcrafted with a blend of organic and sustainably harvested ingredients like Cronewort, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Peppermint, Hibiscus, Damiana, Rose Petals, Licorice Root, and Lavender; this tea is designed to relax your mind and create the perfect space for lucid dreaming. All you need is just a hot cup of this tea, and you're on your way to your own personal dreamland.
While Your Tea is Steeping...
Think about what else you need to feel relaxed and safe. Diffuse some essential oils (like lavender) to create a relaxing environment. Cleanse and charge any crystals you use. Meditate. Take a bath. Practice your favorite self-care routine. For many adults, the main barrier to lucid dreaming is the day to day stress of adulthood. So, throughout the day, focus on coming into an awareness of your body. Check-in with yourself! You might also try a dream journal in the days leading up to your experience! Take 10 - 15 minutes in the morning and write down any dreams you remember. This helps prime your mind for lucid dreaming (and is also a great mental exercise).
But Most Importantly...
Set an intention and follow your intuition. What do you want out of lucid dreaming? What do you want to explore? Do you have a specific goal in mind or do you simply get a better understanding of yourself? Once you have this in mind, the possibilities are endless. Make sure to journal about your experience..and even better, tell us about it! What did you discover?
