LUCID DREAM Meaning and
Definition
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A lucid dream is a vivid and surreal experience that occurs during sleep, in which the dreamer becomes aware that they are dreaming while the dream is still taking place. This state of heightened consciousness allows the dreamer to actively participate in and control the events, characters, and surroundings of the dream. During a lucid dream, the dreamer possesses a clear and rational perception of their own awareness, often enabling the ability to manipulate the dream scenario and explore fantastical or impossible situations that defy the laws of reality.
In a lucid dream, the dreamer may possess an acute sense of self-awareness, distinguishing the dream world from waking life. This distinctiveness grants individuals the power to direct the dream narrative, alter the environment, and even interact with dream characters or objects in a deliberate manner. This experience is characterized by the dreamer having the capacity to remember waking life events and to exercise intentional control over their actions and decisions within the dreamed reality.
Lucid dreams can vary in intensity, duration, and content, and may be spontaneous or induced through certain techniques or practices. Lucid dreaming serves as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, allowing individuals to explore their innermost desires, fears, and creative potentials. Furthermore, lucid dreams have attracted attention and interest from fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality due to their potential therapeutic and exploratory qualities.
Etymology of LUCID DREAM
The term "lucid dream" was coined by Dutch psychiatrist and writer Frederik van Eeden in his 1913 article titled "A Study of Dreams". Van Eeden combined the Latin word "lucidus", meaning clear or bright, with the Latin word "somnus", meaning sleep, to create the term "lucid dream". The word "lucidus" emphasizes the clarity and awareness experienced during this type of dream, distinguishing it from regular non-lucid dreams.
