Waking Dreams

Waking Dreams

While many of us are familiar with having night-time dreaming,

there are other altered states that can be explored too. 

 

Examples are lucid dreams, hypnogogic states and waking dreams.

 

Some people may not remember their dreams whatsoever,

but it’s still possible to create a kind of dream imagery through the practice of waking dreams.   

How to Have a Waking Dream

Get Into a Comfortable Position

Get Into a Comfortable Position

Make sure you’re in a quiet space and turn your devices ‘off’ so that no sudden sound disturbs you.  The only exception might be to play some peaceful music very softly. Then sit or recline on a comfortable chair, sofa or bed. 

Close your eyes.  Scan your entire body noticing any places where you may have tension or tightness. Gently breathe in and out allowing any tense places to soften as you continue bringing your breath in and out. Simply remain present with  yourself.

Get Into a Comfortable Position

Imagine You are at Your Front Door

Allow yourself to imagine that you are standing at any door in your home that leads to the outside world. Open that door.  Pause for a moment and take in what it is you see in front of you.  It may appear ‘normal’ in that this is what you always see when you walk through that doorway.  Or, something unusual may show up instead.  Whatever you see is perfectly fine.

Now feel into what direction you’ll take as you step into the outdoors. Maybe you’re in an apartment and you see the hallway.  Just walk where you feel inclined to walk and perhaps that will eventually take  you outside although that isn’t always necessary. 

Notice What You Notice

Notice What You Notice

Be aware of whether or not you want to walk straight ahead, to the left or right or in any other direction or route. Follow that inclination as you continue to move; allowing yourself to simply feel into where you might head next.  As you do this, begin noticing your surroundings. 

Is there anything a bit different from what you might normally see?  What time of day is it.  What season.  Are there other people around. How do you feel. Is there anything out of the ordinary. 

You’re allowing anything to appear even if it seems highly unordinary.

More to Come…

Examples of Waking Dreams