Cultures throughout the ages have placed a high value on dreams. To Native Americans, dreams were portals to the spirit world and paths to prophecy and quests. The Aborigines call stories of the world's very beginning their "dreamings."
Lucid dreaming also has a long history. Some claim Aristotle was the first to write about it, although he didn't have a term for it. Some Tibetan Buddhists also have been practicing something akin to lucid dreaming for ages: dream yoga.
The goal of dream yoga is to bring you into a constant state of awareness. A large part of the Buddhist belief system is to recognize the world as it is, free from illusion. When it comes to dreams, a lucid dream recognizes them for what they are, dreams.
As you dream, you follow winding pathways of your own mind, learning about the way you think and about roadblocks your mind erects to prevent you from achieving clarity. Mystics call this altered state of consciousness: nondual awareness.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.