What does lucid dreaming mean and how does our brain work in it

What does it mean to have lucid dreams​

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Deep down, everyone feels unique, even though the outside world doesn’t always affirm this. The ability to control your dreams is not a fantasy but a real skill that allows you to create worlds through the power of thought. For those who practice it, lucid dreaming reinforces their sense of uniqueness.

what does it mean when you can control your dreams

But what does it mean to have lucid dreams? Is it simply the realization that you’re dreaming? Is it the ability to change your surroundings, assess what’s happening in the dream, or experience heightened clarity? Is it about remembering what occurred in the dream? All of these are aspects of the concept of lucid dreaming, which seems astonishing the first time a person thinks about it. However, as lucid dreams become more frequent and natural, the boundaries of dream control expand. An experienced dreamer can determine the plots of their dreams and carry out pre-planned actions without being swept up in the chaos of images and events typical of normal dreams.

So, what does a lucid dream mean in practice? It means you’re no longer a passive observer of your own subconscious but an active creator within it, able to engage with thoughts, desires, and scenarios in real time.

Differences Between Regular Dreams and Lucid Dreams

It is often said that everyone dreams, though not everyone remembers doing so. Those who do remember their dreams often notice their randomness, absence of logic, and, at times, lack of meaning. Clear images, vivid emotions, and a logical sequence of events are often missing in normal dreams. Still, the sleeping brain perceives everything as real and doesn’t question the absurdness of what’s happening. People are immersed in their dreams, whether they’re actively participating or passively observing, without recognizing how strange things might be. That is, they believe everything is real.

When lucid dreaming — which means the dreamer maintains control over events that occur and the actions they take in the dream — a person reaches a new level of awareness. They know they are dreaming, notice the oddities around them, and can change the dream’s plot at will. All sensations and emotions felt in a lucid dream resemble those felt in real life and are sometimes even more intense. In these dreams, the practitioner can control the dream’s narrative, travel anywhere, interact with characters, and carry out pre-planned actions.

This leads us to another question: what does it mean when you can control your dreams? It means you are experiencing a conscious dream state where your awareness and intention can actively shape your experiences. You are no longer a passive observer but an empowered participant in your own subconscious world.

A lucid dream is an active, controlled dream where the dreamer directs the plot and interacts with the surroundings as they wish. In contrast, a regular dream is a passive, unconscious experience that emerges in the deeper stages of sleep; the events are often forgotten or only partially remembered. Simply put, what does lucid dream mean in contrast to regular dreaming? It’s the difference between watching a film and directing one from within.

Common Misconceptions About Lucid Dreaming

Lucid dreams are sometimes confused with mystical, paranormal, or psychedelic experiences.

Entering a state of lucidity while asleep or at the boundary between wakefulness and sleep often feels like an out-of-body experience (OBE) and can be mistaken for one.

If one forgets that dream worlds are created by the imagination, the experience of awakening from a dream can be misinterpreted as an astral journey into another dimension.

Sleep paralysis (when a person feels awake but cannot move, as their body remains asleep while their mind is conscious) may be interpreted as an encounter with extraterrestrials, though this state can actually be used to enter lucid dreams.

A subconscious desire for spiritual guidance may lead to the appearance of higher beings in a lucid dream. These experiences might be mistaken for mystical revelations or encounters with the divine.
Lucid dreams can also create a sense of déjà vu, as current events seem to have happened before, although they may have simply been modeled in a dream.

More details on this can be found in Michael Raduga’s book The Phase: Shattering the Illusion of Reality.

How the Brain Functions in a Lucid Dream

In a lucid dream, the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain associated with logical thinking and self-awareness — is activated. This region is also active when we are awake and aware of ourselves in the real world.

The ability to remember lucid dreams depends on the activity of the hippocampus.

The frontal lobes are responsible for the dreamer’s ability to control events and interact with characters in a lucid dream. Increased activity in the frontal lobes plays a key role in decision-making and dream management.

During lucid dreams, alpha and theta brainwaves are active. These waves are linked to relaxed wakefulness and meditation, which support clarity, calmness, and dream control.

The combination of these functions allows for the creation of vivid, controlled dreams that feel remarkably real.

Techniques and methods to train these states are covered in greater detail in Michael Raduga’s courses.

The Term “Phase” – What Does It Mean?

The term “phase” was introduced to unify phenomena like lucid dreams, astral projections, and OBEs due to their shared characteristics and mechanisms. The phase is the state that practitioners of lucid dreaming aim to achieve.

The term “phase” is explored thoroughly in Michael Raduga’s books and courses, which provide a fluid understanding of various concepts related to lucid dreaming practices.

Final Thoughts: What Does It Mean If You Have Lucid Dreams?
In conclusion, what does it mean if you have lucid dreams? It means more than just recognizing you’re asleep. It’s about gaining control over dreamscapes, tapping into the deepest parts of your mind, and unlocking new potential for creativity, self-exploration, and psychological growth. Lucid dreaming can serve as a powerful tool for understanding yourself and mastering the landscape of your inner world.

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FAQ

What does it mean if you naturally lucid dream?
If you naturally lucid dream, it means your mind is spontaneously aware during sleep. You may recognize you’re dreaming without effort and even control the dream narrative. This reflects a heightened level of self-awareness during sleep and often suggests an active prefrontal cortex, which supports conscious thought and logic—even in dreams.
What kind of people lucid dream?
People who are introspective, imaginative, or actively engage with their dreams tend to lucid dream more often. However, anyone can experience lucid dreams—regardless of background or personality—especially if they practice awareness and dream recall techniques. Some individuals begin lucid dreaming naturally, while others train to develop it.
Why is lucid dreaming so powerful?
Lucid dreaming is powerful because it gives the dreamer conscious access to the subconscious mind. In this state, people can shape dream scenarios, face fears, unlock creativity, and explore deep psychological landscapes. Emotions and sensations in lucid dreams can be even more intense than in waking life, making the experience transformative and deeply impactful.
Is lucid dreaming just thinking?
No, lucid dreaming is not just thinking. While thought and awareness are present, a lucid dream is a fully immersive experience where you can see, feel, and interact with your environment—just like in real life. The brain treats these dreams as real experiences, activating regions responsible for decision-making, logic, and memory.
Why can I lucid dream without trying?
Some people naturally experience heightened self-awareness during sleep. If you lucid dream without trying, it might be due to strong mental clarity, vivid imagination, or increased frontal lobe activity during REM sleep. Your brain may naturally engage in the kind of conscious observation needed for lucidity.
What are the odds of having a lucid dream?
While everyone dreams, only some people have lucid dreams—and even fewer experience them regularly. Studies suggest that about 50% of people have had at least one lucid dream in their life, while around 20% experience them monthly. With practice, the odds can be significantly improved.
What does a lucid dream feel like?
A lucid dream feels vivid, realistic, and emotionally intense. You are aware you’re dreaming, yet your senses—sight, sound, touch—feel as real as waking life. You can move freely, make decisions, and explore limitless scenarios, often with heightened clarity and control.
What type of people can control their dreams?
People with strong focus, creativity, and self-reflection often learn to control their dreams more easily. However, with the right techniques and training, anyone can gain this ability. Dream control is tied to awareness and the brain’s ability to maintain consciousness during sleep.
What are lucid dreams trying to tell you?
Lucid dreams can reflect your thoughts, emotions, and unresolved issues. While not mystical messages, they often mirror your subconscious concerns or desires. Through lucid dreaming, you can confront fears, explore ideas, or experience goals in a safe and controlled space.
Is lucid dreaming a skill?
Yes, lucid dreaming is a skill that can be developed through practice. Like meditation or visualization, it involves training the mind to stay aware during sleep. Techniques and regular mental discipline can help people learn to enter and navigate lucid dreams intentionally.
What lucid dreaming does to your brain?
During lucid dreaming, regions like the prefrontal cortex (linked to logic and awareness) and the hippocampus (related to memory) become active. This unique brain activity blends REM sleep with conscious thought, enabling clear perception, decision-making, and memory retention during dreams.
Is it good to have lucid dreams?
Yes, lucid dreams can be beneficial. They offer opportunities for creativity, personal growth, emotional processing, and overcoming nightmares. While not everyone finds them helpful, many use lucid dreaming as a tool for self-exploration and mental development.
What do scientists say about lucid dreaming?
Scientists recognize lucid dreaming as a measurable, neurological state in which the brain shows unique activity patterns—especially in the frontal lobes. Research has explored its therapeutic potential and cognitive benefits, with many experts viewing it as a valuable psychological phenomenon.
Is lucid dreaming a talent?
Lucid dreaming can be a natural talent for some, but it is also a trainable skill. While certain individuals may find it easier to become lucid, consistent practice and awareness training can help nearly anyone develop the ability to lucid dream.

Recommended reading

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Consequences of lucid dreaming

What can u do in a lucid dream

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