A lucid dream is one in which you are dreaming and know that you are dreaming.

This awareness can occur at any time during the dream. Occasionally, the dreamer is also able to “step into” the dream as a director not just a player.

Participating in the dream while it unfolds is possible, but should be done cautiously. Remember that from the vast storehouse of the unconscious, your dreams relay what needs attention and can propel you into a transformative, healing process. Once you take over as the executive in charge, you relinquish your role as listener. Imagine looking into the eyes of a wise shaman and exclaiming, “Wait until you hear what I’ve got to say.”

Approaches vary in regard to lucid dreams, but here it is recommended that the approach address reaction rather than action. In other words, during an unpleasant lucid dream, if you find that you can enter into your dream, resist manipulating the dream story. It is unnecessary to be on the offensive and counterproductive to go on the defensive. Instead, remind yourself that this is only a dream which cannot hurt you. Calmly address your attacker or other stressful symbol, acknowledging them, allowing them to be. Already the dream may be changing. You are likely to gain insight you would not have otherwise if you calmly engage the uncomfortable image. You may incorporate other approaches, such as breathing calmly and deeply and asking for a blessing for yourself and all those around you. Greet the image warmly, engage in the connection. Ask what is needed, what they want, why they are here. It is your openness and calm that are disarming. This is done from the heart, not the head. If you have a pleasant lucid dream and want to increase benefitting from the dream experience, again, remain in an engaged, but cooperative, listening mode.