LUCID DREAMING - Notions of Consciousness and Reality
Philosophical and Metaphysical Parallels and Implications
- In any dream, there are different or altered realities, universes, standards of time, space and logic (flying, abstract measures and dimensions). There are telltale signs of 'non-reality': Clocks running backwards, identity puzzles or contradictions, words or signs that change meaning when you look at them. The distinction in Lucid Dreaming is that you are aware that differences are occurring while you are dreaming. Once you achieve that awareness, you can work with them.
- Different models and representations of the Universe and the Self ; Wider possibilities of who I am.
- Out of body, near-death and afterlife experiences.
- Lucid Awakening (Eastern Thought) - The awakening state may not be real or there might be something more real (or a deeper awakening) than what we think of as conscious awakening. While we're dreaming, we don't notice the absurdities that are taking place. While we are awake, we may not be conscious of the absurdities in our existence.
- Observe to become aware and increase consciousness as this awareness provides choices.
- External world as a reflection of our inner world.
- Brain Design - We eventually perceive, but do not catch things that change slowly (movement of the sun, hands of the clock). We don't perceive things that never change... for example, a phenomenon so visible, so widespread that was it happening as with any other, it would be discussed incessantly. But precisely because it is so ubiquitous and visible, it receives hardly any serious discussion... Craziness that is everywhere goes unnoticed, whereas new craziness is recognized immediately.
Uses - Experiment While Dreaming
- Fun - Experiencing a kind of virtual reality.
- Rehearsal - Trying out life's situations in a harmless and reversible setting.
- Problem Solving.
- Therapy.
- The Undiscovered or Shadow Self - exploring contents of unknown aspects of Self.
- Nightmares - Arriving at the root of their causes.
- Myths - Personal and universal (and perhaps their relation.)
- Psychosomatic Ills.