Meditation and lucid dreaming.

Meditation has been a state of mind for 5000 years, and is a component of almost every religion.
Meditation is used for:

• Aiding relaxation.
• Improving concentration.
• To encourage abstract thoughts.
• Altering your state of awareness.

All the above are relevant in the practice of lucid dreaming, so meditation can be a great aid in realising your dreams.

There are 2 main skills to develop:

1. Focus: a higher degree of mental focus.
2. Quiescence: a stillness of mind.

Breathing to quiescence the mind, and Guided meditation to focus the mind.

Breathing Meditation:

Choose a quiet place. You can cross your legs (like a traditional Buddha) or sit in a chair. The key is to keep your back straight to stop your mind from becoming sleepy.

Allow your eyes to close naturally and focus on your breathing, without actually trying to control it. Breathe in and out through the nostrils and become aware of how the air feels as it enters and leaves your body.

At first, your mind will be full of jumbled thoughts and it may feel like things are getting busier. In fact, you are increasing your self awareness and noticing how many thoughts you really have. Avoid the temptation of following your thoughts as they occur. Stay focused on your breath going in and out of your nose.

If you realise your mind has wandered, bring it back. If you keep this up for 10-15 minutes, you will achieve a quiet state of mind. Your thoughts will be clear and lucid, like a calm lake that has not been disturbed for a long time.

Guided Meditation:

Choose a quiet place to meditate and sit comfortably. Focus on your breathing and allow your eyes to close naturally. You are about to increase your self awareness and mentally disassociate from your physical body.

Imagine that you are walking through a beautiful garden. It is natural and wild and never-ending. Feel the clean air entering your lungs, and observe the tranquil environment around you. If you use meditation CDs, follow your guide into the peaceful environment they describe.

The aim is to use your visualisation skills to increase your awareness of this imaginary landscape while allowing your mind and body to release stress. Listen intently to the peaceful silence. You may start to hear birdsong or the rhythmic sound of raindrops. The stronger the mental imagery, the better.

Feel the texture of the grass under your bare feet. Stop to touch the flowers and feel the warm air circulating around you. Make every movement slow and deliberate. Take as long as you like to explore your tranquil garden.

It may help you focus if you continue walking at all times, so that the scenery is forever changing. Moving down a gentle slope in your garden will mirror the action of your consciousness going deeper.

After about 15 minutes you will be in a trance-like state, with little awareness of your physical body. Gently rouse yourself from the trance by counting backwards from five to one, taking deep breaths as you do. Give yourself a few moments before you open your eyes.