Since I was a very young girl (which of course was just yesterday...), I "programmed" my first dream of the night. As I would drift into sleep, I'd decide what I wanted to dream about. I "directed" the dream, including re-running scenes or changing the dialogue of different characters.

I thought this was normal, and assumed that everyone else in the world did the same thing. I didn't know what lucid dreaming was, there certainly wasn't any information available in books. The few times I mentioned it to other people, I quickly realized that they had no conception of what I was talking about.

I noticed in some of my other dreams I would have a running "commentary" in my head about the action. There was a "separate" awareness while I was dreaming. When I grew older, I realized not only was a part of me aware of what was going on, I could also consciously change what was going on in my dreams.

I am glad that today one can easily find information about Lucid Dreaming. It's been a great tool to me throughout my life. It's also heartening to know that if one doesn't do it naturally, it can be learned. If you do not already produce lucid dreams, or even remember your dreams, I would encourage you to read our series on dreams.

There are many applications for lucid dreaming, such as for entertainment, creative problem solving, wish fulfillment, health and healing, and psychic exploration. I know some people might think it's silly to "program" a dream simply for entertainment, especially in light of some of the things one can do with lucid dreams. I disagree! I have found it to be a very strong tool for stress relief. After all, we go to movies, read books just for entertainment... why not make our dreams entertaining?

For me, it's play time. In this hectic day and age, we can get caught up in the "rat race" of work and power. I take care of myself by allowing myself time "off". My days are often completely filled with work and projects. Often dreaming is the only "free" time I have. I make use of it to relax.

Some people don't feel they are creative enough to invent a story line. Well, it's your dream, so feel free to borrow! Do you read books or see movies? Simply cast yourself in the role you like. You have full rein, so simply replace the character with yourself.

Fantasy? Definitely! But do not underestimate the power of fantasy in stress relief. Many people dislike to admit they have fantasies, but it is our mind's way of reducing stress and anxiety.

True, if someone escapes into a fantasy world all the time, in their daily lives, it can be detrimental. However, a little fantasy and escapism in our lives is normal and healthy. Allowing it during your dream time should be encouraged as I feel it's a very appropriate time.

Actually, I find that by allowing that time, I can better deal with what is going on in the "real" world. When we have problems, or something happens to us that we don't like, we often dwell on it. In my way of thinking, that is unhealthy fantasy. The more we dwell on things, the more we embellish. Our minds "add" things, often to the point where how we are reacting has little to do with the reality of the situation.

There are many types of lucid dreams. When I have a serious problem, I will often use lucid dreaming for creative problem solving, rather than entertainment. But sometimes, we just need a "vacation". By giving ourselves "time off" we can come back to our problems fresh and clear headed. And by using dream time for entertainment, we've released a lot of stress.

When faced with a big problem, I'll often work with two lucid dreams in a night. The first dream I simply allow entertainment for the stress reduction, and in the second dream I'll work with problem solving for my situation.

Think of your "dream time" as yours to use as you wish. You can go out there in the "real" world, day after day, plugging away and working hard. The dreamworld however, is your special place. You can decide where to go, how to do things, even who to be. And the prices don't keep going up unlike theatre tickets!

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