The Controversy Of Lucid Dreaming

Candice Sadighim

Mr. Hiatt

AP English

31 March 2014

The Controversy of Lucid Dreaming

"Often when one is asleep, there is something in consciousness which declares that what then presents itself is but a dream"(Aristotle, Brainy Quotes). Lucid dreaming is the ability to become consciously aware of dreaming while in the dream state. This idea challenges both religious and spiritual views, which has made it extremely difficult for many regions of the world to accept. In the late 90s, scientist Keith Hearne began to test the idea of lucid dreaming in his sleeping lab. Though evidence was presented that lucid dreaming is in fact real, it was still difficult for many people to comprehend. Lucid dreaming conveys boundless dreamscapes under your conscious control, instead of inactively experiencing what pleasure or horror dreams bring our way. Lucid dreamers are able to dream what they desire. Robert Waggoner states, “Lucid dreaming offers science a revolutionary psychological tool to experiment and investigate the deeper aspects of the dream state, consciousness and the mind” (Waggoner, 10) in his book Lucid Dreaming. Waggoner and other oneironauts (lucid dreamers) clearly believe that lucid dreaming is a natural and authentic activity that can be done by anyone. But with every scientific breakthrough comes skeptics who do not accept the evidence given to them.

Religion and science never go hand in hand in history, because one always goes against the others opinion. Many people associate lucid dreaming with the supernatural, and believe that is linked to Satan. Lucid dreaming is often paired with the belief that one can have out of body travel capabilities. Christians believe the techniques used in lucid dreaming are taught in S...

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...er ankle.” When she was awake, she found her condition improving. For the first time since her injury Mattie was able to walk (Waggoner, 164).

The healing of Mattie’s ankle is something physical that one can see and cannot be made up. This is event shows physical evidence of how lucid dreaming is a helpful skill to acquire. Not only can you heal your body, but also you can connect with yourself. Waggoner discovers, “By consistently working with dreams, these personal fears and issues often become evident, moving us closer to acceptance and resolution as they loosen their distorting influence”(Waggoner, 246). Lucid dreams help find clarity within your mind, which helps with inner communication. Having a clear inner communication leads to a more coherent mental process. This makes it easier to associate your conscious and unconscious thoughts.

Lucid dreaming