Lucid Dreams 

Also known as intentional or conscious dreaming, lucid dreaming is one practice many use to impart change in their life.  By mastering lucid dreaming one can intentionally use the sleep state to work out problems or tap into information that exists on a higher consciousness. 
There are two main types of lucid dreaming:  wake initiated or dream initiated.  In wake initiated lucid dreaming one enters the sleep state directly from a state of consciousness.  Conversely, dream initiated lucid dreaming is the imposition of consciousness in the dream state:  you realize in your dream that you are dreaming.  Either practice can form the platform from which to define changes or tap into a higher consciousness to gain information and guidance.  The dreamer predetermines the journey taken during the conscious dream state. 

Do you remember your dreams?  This is an important part of successful lucid dreaming.  Before delving into the mechanics of lucidity in the dream state, practice improving your dream recall.  Keep a notepad by the bed and jot down what you remember from your dreams upon waking.  The first few minutes of wakefulness, before full consciousness engages, jot down what comes to mind from your dreams or, if you are uncertain, the first few thoughts that come to mind.  By developing dream recall you will be better prepared to utilize the information gained during your lucid dream sequences. 

Intentional dreaming is the most common form of lucid dreaming:  set a goal or define a desire and dream about it.  Note the details of the goal:  a new office, different job duties or a healthy bank account and focus on them as you drop off to sleep.  If you lose the thread of consciousness, pick it up whenever you can.  When learning this skill some people will wake after several hours of sleep, remain awake for an hour or so while focusing on the goal, and drop back off to sleep.  Since one’s active mind has already been rested, this can be an easier entrée to the lucid dreaming state. 

The best time to practice wake initiated lucid dreaming might be when napping.  One remains consciously focused on a subject or goal and enters a state of deep relaxation.  Controlled breathing and visualization are two ways to enter the dream state from a state of awareness.  Once the state of deep relaxation has been achieved, one interjects him or herself into the focus of the lucid dream exercise.  Envision working at your new desk or entertaining in your new home. 

While in the conscious dream state various physical manifestations may occur and it is important to know that they are normal.  Sleep paralysis, a sensation of rapid physical vibration and a feeling of spinning or falling are all common.  With time these sensations will become more familiar and less alarming to the dream practitioner. 

Lucid dreaming takes practice and persistence to master, but carries little risk other than possible fatigue.  As one becomes more proficient at lucid dreaming, however, one should awake with a sense of being fully rested and satisfaction that positive change is in motion 24-hours a day.