{"id":53517,"date":"2016-10-27T11:15:54","date_gmt":"2016-10-27T15:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=53517"},"modified":"2018-02-20T15:37:11","modified_gmt":"2018-02-20T20:37:11","slug":"lucid-dreaming-dream-meditation-cinema","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/lifestyle\/lucid-dreaming-dream-meditation-cinema\/","title":{"rendered":"I Tried It: 40 Minutes of Lucid Dreaming"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"I
Photo: Twenty20<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was a time a few years back when I couldn\u2019t sleep<\/a> more than four hours a night. I would stay up thinking about work and relationships and looming events. And I\u2019d wake in the middle of the night to the panic of a mish-mash of incomprehensible thoughts \u2014 or worse, the jagged whisper of my dad\u2019s last breath. My bed wasn\u2019t a place of restoration \u2014 it was a place of unrest. For someone who loves sleep more than hugs, high fives and new kicks, this was source of major distress<\/a>.<\/p>\n

My problem wasn\u2019t uncommon: generalized anxiety disorder. But, like the other 6.8 million<\/a> Americans with the scarlet \u201cA\u201d stamped across our furrowed foreheads, it was just life. And the plight of restless nights<\/a>? I was in the company of 50 to 70 million<\/a>. Thankfully, my sleep habits would slowly improve over time \u2014 but I could still count on one terrible, no-good, sub-five-hour sleep at least once a\u00a0week.<\/p>\n

Then, just last month I plopped that normal New York existence into a proverbial blender and pressed \u201cpuree.\u201d I was moving to the Wellness-Obsessed Capital of the World: Los Angeles. Despite the immediate assault of sunshine and the purchase of a stupidly expensive new mattress<\/a> (still worth every penny), I was contending with new work hours, new fears (OMG, driving) and people that seemed<\/em> so nice (but wait, what\u2019s the catch?<\/em>). Within two weeks I was Googling day spas, yoga studios and meditation<\/a> centers like a woman possessed.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>8 Signs You\u2019re Way Too Stressed (And How to Deal)<\/a><\/p>\n

That\u2019s when I came across Dream Reality Cinema<\/a> in Beverly Hills. Not to be confused with your average popcorn-slinging movie theater, this one plays a single film designed to induce \u201cdream meditation.\u201d Think: eyes wide open, in a floating state of consciousness. Once students master that form of zen, they can move on to lucid dreaming, or the ability to stay conscious while dreaming. (Yup, that means you can control what happens in your dreams, Inception<\/em> style.) And that’s not all:\u00a0Some believe<\/a> you can achieve a higher level of thinking, problem solve more effectively, and tap into a greater world of creativity in such a state.<\/p>\n

I made an appointment, and promptly added: \u201cNext-level ish\u201d to my to-do list.<\/p>\n

\"Dream
Photo Courtesy of Dream Reality Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lucid Dreaming: The Premise <\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to the founders, Hungarian philosopher and human cybernetics researcher Sandor Lengyel and physician Emese Toth, MD, the first step to dream meditation requires a bit of guidance. That\u2019s where their 40-minute film comes in, based on 25 years\u2019 worth of studies on dreaming, relaxation and meditative techniques<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As with other forms of meditation, dream meditation taps into your present thoughts, sensations and emotions, but \u2014 you guessed it \u2014 in a sleepier state (my forte). And while wide-awake meditation practitioners have to deal with physical stimuli around them, dream meditation does two things differently.<\/p>\n

\u201c[While dreaming], the brain can freely decide what to do and where to take itself.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

First, it removes those outside influences, allowing people to theoretically reach a meditative state more easily. As Lengyel puts it, \u201cLucid dreaming is the perfect meditation, because there is no way for your conscious mind to interfere with the practice.\u201d Second, it increases the possibility for growth and change, since certain regions of the brain are more active in a dream-like state. (Namely, parts of the visual cortex, motor cortex and motion-sensory areas deep within the brain, according to some sleep experts<\/a>.)<\/p>\n

Dr. Toth explains: \u201cWhen we are able to live consciously in our dreams, our colorful, real and memorable dream life can develop and become connected with our wakeful life.\u201d All this brain boosting on top of the traditional meditation benefits<\/a>, like reduced anxiety, improved sleep and increased productivity, to name a few.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, there\u2019s a healthy dose of Inception <\/em>to lucid dreaming: \u201cThe film [that\u2019s shown in the studio] provides a precisely engineered brain-regenerating program,\u201d says Dr. Toth. More specifically, it flips a switch on natural processes that have otherwise been turned \u201coff\u201d in our heads, such as the ability to think freely and creatively, she says.<\/p>\n

This might be explained by the fact that during sleep-mode, the prefrontal area of the brain<\/a> becomes less active. This is where logical reasoning resides. \u201c[While dreaming], the brain can freely decide what to do and where to take itself\u2026It can behave naturally and unrestricted because nothing forces it to behave otherwise,\u201d Dr. Toth says. What results: Restoration<\/a>, serenity, invigoration \u2014 or, well, whatever your heart (or head) desires.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The Impatient Person\u2019s Guide to Meditation<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Dream
Photo Courtesy of Dream Reality Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dream Reality Cinema: The Experience <\/strong><\/h3>\n

On the Uber ride to Dream Reality Cinema, I scrolled through the studio\u2019s testimonials<\/a>. \u201cUnlike anything I\u2019ve ever experienced before\u2026\u201d \u201cso relaxing…\u201d My driver pulled up to the corner and I hopped out. No fluorescent marquee, but the whitewashed boutique was undeniably 90210-chic.<\/p>\n

Inside, I checked in with the receptionist, who escorted me to the two-person cinema room. She invited me to take a seat in a cushy, \u201czero-gravity\u201d leather chair. (Note to self: BYO meditation date?) It reclined just past 180 degrees, my head a few inches below my feet. My guide requested that my glasses come off. \u201cSorry, but I\u2019m blind?\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s OK,\u201d she said. The super-fancy wraparound specs came on, and she directed my finger to the adjustable focus so even near-sighted folks like me could see.<\/p>\n

“Focus, Shakeshaft, you cannot write a story about a fancy nap.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I asked if I could somehow take notes. She chuckled, assuming I was kidding, and handed me a plush blanket to tuck myself in. (She clearly did not know of my ability to text and Instagram in my sleep.) She asked if I need anything else \u2014 water or tea? (Another note to self: BYO Swedish Fish.) I slipped my sandals off as the lights in the room faded to black.<\/p>\n

To start the session, newbie lucid dreamers required\u00a0a\u00a0primer. A short, animated introduction video offered\u00a0a few key tips. The first, \u201cJust let yourself react freely.\u201d Meaning: Do not force yourself to meditate, concentrate or, like this writer did, attempt to take mental notes for her article. When text appears on screen, do not zero in to read the words. Instead, maintain ‘full-screen vision.’ “That is, seeing everything at the same time. As you should do in life, as well,\u201d the creators explain. It was 4 p.m. and my brain-slash-life was already foggy from the day. Focus, Shakeshaft, you cannot write a story about a fancy nap.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Dream
Photo Courtesy of Dream Reality Cinema<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What followed was a winding path of visualizations to coax me into the elusive conscious-yet-dreaming state. At one point I was prompted to imagine I was a tiny pebble falling into a vast body of water. I played along. Falling, falling and, sure enough, the rest gets fuzzy. My expertly-crafted sensory experience (just as I suspected) had turned into a warm and glorious slumber. How long was I asleep? Would the receptionist know? <\/em><\/p>\n

I peeled my eyelids apart and settled back into the film, as I was coached to do. Positive affirmations floated to the screen. My thoughts drifted over to my new LA life, my people, my kittens, my self-worth, my ability to conquer whatever lies ahead. Basically, my inner Jessica was telling me \u201cI can do anything good!<\/em><\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>17 Positive Affirmations That\u2019ll Change the Way You Think<\/a><\/p>\n

I was conscious, that I knew. But was I getting closer to lucid dreaming mode? I waited patiently for my higher-level abilities to kick in. \u201cMind awake, body asleep. Mind awake, body asleep<\/a>,\u201d I told myself. Just like Elliot from Mr. Robot<\/em> chanted during his own reality-bending, hyper-woke episodes. But something (possibly my sudden hunger pangs or late-onset fidgeting) told me I wasn\u2019t quite there.<\/p>\n

Moments later, the film concluded and my trusty guide tiptoed back in.<\/p>\n

“Mind awake, body asleep. Mind awake, body asleep,” I told myself.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Did I like the experience? I think so.<\/em><\/p>\n

Did I feel different now than when I walked in? Sorta.<\/em><\/p>\n

Did I manage to find a dream-like meditative state? Definitely\u2026maybe?<\/em><\/p>\n

Like a kid who stole the Butterfinger and knew she had to come clean, I told her I maaayy <\/em>have fallen asleep. Once. OK twice. Lady, I fell asleep three times. But I swear I didn\u2019t mean to!<\/p>\n

She reassured me that was totally normal. In fact, most people do on their first visit, she said.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>True Life: 60 Minutes in a Sensory Deprivation Tank<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Lucid
Photo: Twenty20<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Living in a Dream: The Assessment <\/strong><\/h3>\n

During my hour-long session, no, I did not learn how to lucid dream. And I shouldn\u2019t have expected to. Dr. Toth explains that lucid dreaming takes many sessions of practice and self-analysis. Only with continued practice will \u201cindividuals learn to remember, control and eventually unlock valuable information stored deep in the subconscious mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dreaming state gives us permission to allow changes within us and we begin to behave and think differently.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Instead, the dream meditation session teaches you a fundamental skill that you can build upon: \u201c[How] to have an active and independent consciousness instead of being a passive follower of someone or something,\u201d says Dr. Toth. Those guilty of moving robotically from one day to the next? She\u2019s talking to us.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe dreaming state gives us permission to allow changes within us and we begin to behave and think differently. Sometimes we experience a more evolved way of thinking, a type of expansion,\u201d Dr. Toth says. This is where the so-called boost in creativity, memory function, and other positive changes take place.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>THIS Is Your Body on Sleep Deprivation<\/a><\/p>\n

As for the claims that dream meditation will normalize sleep<\/a> or stress disorders? For me, TBD. While I did sleep like a champ that night, the founders emphasize that any long-term improvements will require a lengthier commitment.<\/p>\n

So is this the ultimate brain hack? Or the most fantastical placebo effect this side of the San Andreas Fault? Maybe it doesn\u2019t matter. If you\u2019re taking 60 minutes of your day to clear some headspace, that in and of itself might be the win. At least it was for me.<\/p>\n

Dream Reality Cinema<\/a> has two locations: Los Angeles, CA, and Budapest, Hungary. The studio currently offers one film, Dream Meditation, but is working on a new program, Active Dreaming, which will delve more deeply into\u00a0lucid dreaming. Each session is $45 and a monthly unlimited membership is $200. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Lucid dreaming isn\u2019t just a Mr. Robot plot twist. Follow this writer to see what meditation in a dream-like state of consciousness really entails. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,12,13,15],"tags":[159,173,280,282,341,408],"class_list":["post-53517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lifestyle","category-mental-health","category-sleep","category-stress","tag-anxiety","tag-meditation","tag-sleep","tag-stress","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2sleep"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53517"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53517\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}