Vivid or lucid dreams are not necessarily out-of-body experiences but a psychological manifestation similar to an internal projection. The unusual or even outrageous events in our dreams are creations of our subconscious mind specifically designed to grab and hold our attention. I have found that once we make a firm commitment to explore out-of-body, this type of lucid dream becomes a regular event. In effect, our subconscious mind is doing its best to assist us in achieving our goal for a conscious exploration experience. This, of course, is another reason why written goals are so vital. The more focused our goals, the more our subconscious mind is willing and able to assist us.
What are some basics that I need to know to get started?
If used properly, dreams can act as an effective trigger or signal for out-of-body exploration. Some of the most common signals are listed later in this chapter. One of the best ways to boost a conscious dream experience is to become aware or lucid within the dream. This can be accomplished by changing our attitude and approach.
Personally acknowledge the importance of your dreams in your daily life. Treat your dreams as valuable insights and messages from your subconscious mind. In effect, think of them as an actual form of communication, as real as your physical experiences.
Begin a daily dream/OBE journal. Record every dream you can, even the small fragments. This should be done immediately upon waking, either by writing or using a recording device. Pay close attention to your feelings, emotions, and sensations that are experienced during the dreams.
Firmly express your desire for increased clarity and awareness within your dreams. As you drift to sleep, strongly request your complete conscious awareness to be present in your dreams. Make a firm, verbal commitment to yourself as you fall to sleep that you will recognize, recall, and consciously experience every single dream.
Repeat a strong affirmation to yourself as you fall to sleep every night. For example, "As I fall to sleep, I remain aware" or "Now, I have a fully conscious experience" or "I become aware in my dreams."
When stating your affirmations, make them firm and positive. Fully expect your request to be granted. Like with out-of-body affirmations, concentrate your full emotional and intellectual energy into each one. It is important to focus and maintain your affirmations as your last conscious thought as you drift to sleep.
The transfer of your awareness can occur quickly so it is essential to remain calm and enjoy any changes in your personal perspective, environment, energy, or location.
What is the difference between a conscious OBE and a lucid dream?
The greatest difference is the degree of awareness present in the experience. In addition, many OBEs occur in a mundane physical-like environment almost identical to your physical home (many refer to this the etheric or parallel dimension). In this environment, you cannot easily alter your physical-like surroundings. During a lucid dream you can generally alter your environment. If unclear, test your reality by attempting to change it.
What are some actions I can take to elevate my dream to a fully conscious OBE?
After you recognize the dream anomaly, consciously acknowledge your awareness, such as, "I know I'm dreaming," "I am awake in my dream," or "I'm now aware." The next step is to be prepared for the transition or movement of your consciousness from your dream state to your nonphysical body. It is quite common to wake up in the vibrational state while still within our physical body or experience ourselves out of sync with our physical body. Remain calm and direct your inner self, your awareness, away from our physical body. “Door Now!”
This entire process is very natural. Now, more than ever, I believe that dreams are created and designed to assist us in our personal development. It is our choice whether we recognize and use them or ignore them. Whatever we decide, our subconscious mind will continue to send its dream messages to our conscious mind. Maybe the time has come to listen and learn from the imagery we receive every night in our dreams.
The following is a dream conversion that occurred to me some years ago.
“During my dream I was in a pet store. As I looked around, I noticed a small hermit crab on the floor in front of me. As I watched the crab by my feet, it jumped five feet straight up in the air. At first, I was startled and stepped back, then as I watched it became obvious that the crab was attempting to get my attention. Again, the crab jumped and I realized that I had to be dreaming. At that moment I said aloud, "I must be dreaming." Immediately, I felt a strange tingling sensation throughout my entire body and realized that I had entered the vibrational state while dreaming. Out of habit I focused my complete attention on the idea of floating up and out of my physical body. Within seconds I could feel myself lift from my body and move toward the living room.”
This type of dream conversion is possible to achieve if we are willing to recognize and accept the entire process. The most important element is how we respond when we become consciously aware within our dream.
Can you give me some examples of a strange occurrence that I should recognize in a lucid dream?
Several anomalies that I have recently heard are:
“I was attending a state dinner as a personal guest of Vladimir Putin.”
“I was upset to discover I needed to replace a window on my meatball porch.”
“There I was on the beach with Taylor Swift and we were talking about eyebrows.”
“I was walking around my new home and saw that the furnace was in the middle of the living room.”
Other examples might be: your silver four-door family sedan may become a bright red sports car. A suburban home may become a castle. A household pet is suddenly a lion or an eagle. A single thing or event in a dream can be completely out of place and outrageous: a jumping crab, a talking couch, or maybe a flying dog. Whatever it is, it is something so psychologically outlandish it captures and holds our complete attention. The following dream anomaly was forwarded to me and is a great example.
“In my dream, my friend and I became stowaways on a large pontoon type boat. We needed a ride somewhere and we found this vessel on a parking lot. We were impressed with the both the size and the detail as it was covered with a tall glass sides and roof, large enough to carry a dozen people in style. We could tell the views would be spectacular. The driver came on board and began to drive the boat away with us on it. I was thinking - it’s so weird to be on a boat that has wheels and we’re driving on a road. With that the driver turned around and said to me “It is also an airplane. The wings slide out from under the seating area.” I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in a flying boat, so we departed the next time he stopped. I think we were in Santorini, Greece. I had never been there in this physical life.”
There are a few things about this dream that would indicate a precursor to an OBE. The unusual style of boat is just one. I would also note the ability to drive, float, and fly in the same vehicle; transportation is a theme often found in an out-of-body experience. A good response could have been, “I am dreaming. Awareness Now!”
Enhance your Experience: How to Respond to Dream Awareness
- Become hyper-aware of strange or illogical events, situations, or objects within your dream. As much as possible, focus your complete attention upon the unusual occurrence within the dream.
- Verbally pinpoint the illogical event or object within the dream: "I can't fly" "I don't live in a castle" "That's strange, a car does not have square wheels."
- As you become increasingly conscious (lucid) within the dream, verbally acknowledge that you know you are dreaming. "I know I'm dreaming" "I must be dreaming—Awareness Now!"
- Be prepared for a rapid shift of your awareness. It is possible you will awaken out of phase with your physical body and/or in the vibrational state (unusual sounds such as buzzing or humming combined with vibrations flowing throughout your entire body).
- Remain calm and allow the inner sensations to continue as you immediately direct your full attention away from your physical body. Focus your thoughts on the idea of moving to another area of your home. “Door Now!” It is essential to maintain your full awareness directed away from your physical body; any thoughts directed to your body will snap you back into it.
- Demand clarity anytime your awareness or vision is less than ideal. "I demand clarity now!" "Clarity now!" “Awareness now!” Always make your request a firm specific demand for immediate action.
Can you give us some examples of Dream Signals?
Feeling or seeing yourself in or near a vehicle of any kind: an automobile, boat, plane, etc. Also, any dream experience involving a vehicle or motion, such as space flight or a boating adventure.
Recognition of a change in your day-to-day environment, such as your home now appears as a castle, palace, log cabin, etc. Also, any change in the location, construction, or color of the surroundings.
Recognition of any event, situation, or ability which is out of the norm such as the ability to fly, float, or move in other unconventional ways.
Having a falling or sinking feeling. This includes movement up and down stairs, elevators, or escalators.
Any element that changes rapidly (things appearing or disappearing quickly).
An environment that you can easily manipulate or control. Exploring a new environment like a desert, forest, or snow-covered landscape.
The recognition of a problem or conflict. For example, driving a car down a mountain and the brakes are useless.
The recognition of a bridge, tunnel, or opening of any kind. In your dream this opening may enable you to overcome an obstacle or barrier: a wall, river, etc.
Being taught or guided in any way or being with a companion who seems to act as a guide. Often this companion is next to you but remains out of your vision.
Meeting with groups of people in a classroom or conference room atmosphere.
Encountering multiple levels or floors of any kind: parking garages, office buildings, ships, etc.
Reading a book or computer program that contains unusual or advanced information.
What are some affirmations I can use to become more aware in my dreams?
Here are several affirmations that have been used successfully. Select the ones that are comfortable for you (or create your own) and keep them by your bedside as a reference to use as you fall to sleep.
Now I become conscious as I dream.
Now my dreams are a sign to become conscious.
Now I awaken in my dreams.
I become aware in my dreams now.
Now I know I am dreaming.
I awaken in my dreams and remember my dreams.
Now I become conscious in my dreams.
Now I welcome the assistance of my guides and helpers to have a conscious experience.
Does time of day make a difference in the ability to have a dream experience?
One of the best times to induce an out-of-body experience is early in the morning after two or three R.E.M. periods (three to five hours) have passed.
During sleep, every ninety to one hundred minutes we enter a dream period commonly called Rapid Eye Movement or R.E.M. Our eye movement during sleep is physical evidence that we are entering a dream or—in some cases—other forms of altered states of awareness. The scientific correlation between R.E.M. periods and out-of-body are yet to be confirmed; however, individual reports linking the two are commonplace.
Enhance Your Experience: Wake/Back to Bed (The Early Morning Technique)
The success of the following technique has little to do with the time of day; what is important is your mental state. After three to four hours of sleep, our body and mind are partially refreshed and completely relaxed. This mind awake/body relaxed state of awareness is the ideal starting point for any technique used in out-of-body exploration.
- Set your alarm for approximately three to four hours of sleep. After you awaken, move to another area of your home such as a recliner or sofa.
- As you become comfortable in your new location, select your favorite out-of-body technique. Completely relax and begin to do your affirmations and/or OBE-visualization technique. Repeat your affirmations, first verbally, then silently to yourself.
- As you become more relaxed, focus your complete attention upon your OBE method and away from your physical body. As you drift to sleep, attempt to boost the emotional and intellectual impact of your affirmations as much as possible. With increasing intensity, make your last affirmations before sleep a firm, personal, commitment—to have an immediate out-of-body experience. Your last thought before drifting into sleep should be your out-of-body affirmations. As you do this, feel completely open to receive your request immediately.
Remember to focus all your thought and emotions into the affirmations. Your intensity and personal commitment are most important.
Many people report an out-of-body experience or some other conscious experience immediately after they drift to sleep. If you have the time, this technique can be repeated several times. During the first few attempts, you may just drift to sleep; however, with repeated practice, this technique can provide dramatic results.
If you are having difficulty developing your visualization ability, I would highly recommend this technique as your best alternative. It is one of the most powerful methods available and does not require visualization skills.
Is the product galantamine effective for increasing dream recall?
Because we all have different physical conditions, I recommend that you consult with your medical professional before taking this supplement. That said, many people report that the natural pill form of galantamine is effective for improved dream recall when used properly. The directions indicated are to take after four hours of sleep and skip two days between use. This approach goes well with the popular. “Wake/Back to Bed” method for conscious out-of-body experiences. Also, it is important to learn the techniques to upgrade your awareness during dreams or lucid dreams to OBEs.
Taking Action: Am I dreaming?
If you find yourself becoming lucid in a dream, here are some quick things you can do to check what is happening.
Some reality checks to indicate a dream state.
- Repeatedly ask yourself during the day—am I dreaming?
- Notice any anomalies in your environment
- Pinch yourself
- Examine your hands—do they change?
- Attempt to read the time on any clock
- Ask—why am I here?
- Attempt to float or fly
- Count your fingers
- Examine your image in any mirror
- Attempt to turn the lights on or off
- Push your finger through your hand or the wall
- Attempt to read or write in your journal
- Ask aloud— where am I?
- Attempt to move by thought, such as spinning or floating
- Try to read something
- Visit a friend and talk to them
Always look for ways to upgrade your awareness and become more intensely present in your daily life. Become an active observer of your surroundings—question everything. This daily practice will bleed over within your physical life as well. During the day ask yourself, “Am I dreaming?” You can also place this question on your refrigerator or your computer and I Pad screen saver. Keep a daily detailed journal of your dreams.
What should I do if I find myself with dream visions that are frightening?
Here are two suggestions as you continue your journey:
1. Remember that you are always safe. When you feel threatened, send love to the situation. You can also use one of the workshop techniques that I have included in this book if you need something additional.
Waterfall Cleansing in the “Self-Knowledge Dissolves Fear” chapter.
Golden Blanket in the “Encouraging Our Young Explorers” chapter.
2. During (or even after) your experience, ask this question: what or who do you represent? You have the power to discover the answers.
Ultimately it is up to you to determine what these visions mean. Use your intuition and be sure to keep journaling to look for any streams of repetitive activity or scenery. And always remember that you cannot be harmed during these situations. The visions can simply represent something that you feel is a concern in your world.
I had a dream about being outside in my yard and there was a party in a nearby house. The voices were loud and many unusual noises were repeating around me. Can you tell me what this means?
I generally do not analyze dreams as they tend to have meanings that are specific to the individual based on their frame of reference. For example, if one should dream of sitting at a table eating a juicy cheeseburger—what can it mean? For some it may be an enjoyable experience, but a vegan may find this to be a personal hell.
That being said, here are a few thoughts about what might be happening in this example. Perhaps, in the instance of the loud voices and noises during the party nearby you are tuning into a nonphysical community (consensus reality.) This can be true of concerts, theater experiences, lecture halls, and any other place that may have large numbers of people in attendance.
Sometimes scenes can be part of a past life and in others the environment can have a special meaning that is unique to you. Just one more reason to journal your experiences and review their meanings as part of your own personal journey.
The following is a great example of a dream that provided a powerful and personal message to the writer.
“I dreamed that I woke up, walked into the living room, and the first thing I saw was my late husband; immediately, I became lucid. I went quickly to his side and said, “Babe, you’re here! I’m so happy to see you...I’ve missed you SO much!” I was hugging and fawning over him, as I always do in our dream visits. He was happy to see me as well, but seemed a bit confused by my astonishment and intense focus on him. He said, “I don’t understand...why are you so happy to see me...have I been away or something?” Without weighing his potential reaction, I blurted, “Babe, you DIED!” Suddenly, his face clouded over—he looked like he was about to cry. He looked at me with intense pain and sadness in his eyes and said, “No...YOU died!”
I felt his pain, his agony, and it nearly brought me to my knees. In that crystalline moment, I suddenly realized how one-sided my perspective on death has been. I was seeing the living as the ones who lose, who suffer when a loved one dies. Our loved one disappears from our lives—everything around us is the same, life goes on—except the person we love dearly is gone. But in that moment, I realized that it must be the same for those who die. They “wake up” in a different reality—one that seems much like the one they just left—except that we aren’t there. For them, it is as if WE died.
My husband didn’t believe in an afterlife. He thought everything would simply “cease to be” when he died—like when a movie ends and the screen goes black. Now I realize that at the moment of his death his awareness moved from the plane of the living to a different plane in which I didn’t exist. For him, I had died.”
From: Claudia Carlton Lambright
Author of: Just a Dream Away:
After-Death Communication Through Dreams
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Evidence of our spiritual awakening can manifest in many ways. Often it is a subtle shift of our consciousness that grows over time. Sometimes during our busy lives, the process of inner change remains unnoticed. It can be extremely helpful to recognize your personal shifts of consciousness in your daily life to reinforce your personal progress.
This includes an increase in lucid dreams, especially those that incorporate flying, contact with dead loved ones, and experiences involving spiritual training or instruction.