When I first met Boyd, he was very interested in Lucid Dreaming, dreams where you are aware you are dreaming and able to control the direction of the dream, try things like flying, or learn something about your own perceptions.

He told me that a good tip was to get into the habit of looking at your hands every now and then during the day, and to ask yourself if you were dreaming or awake. Then, when you were actually asleep, you’d do it and realise that you were dreaming, and be able to control the direction of the dream.

Any method for helping you to be more aware of your dreams is helpful, so start practising a few simple techniques and you will find that your sleeping life is enriched.

Start keeping a dream diary, not everyone remembers their dreams but this will help you to improve. Keep a notebook by your bed, and take a few moments before you get out of bed to stay in a half awake state, trying to recall any details of your dreams. Sometimes it helps to work backwards from what you do remember.

Set your alarm clock for two hours before you normally wake up. Try to note down any dreams, and then set it to go off again half an hour later, or use the snooze button, whatever works best for you.

Before you go to bed, tell yourself you’re going to be aware in your dreams, picture yourself dreaming lucidly, imagine what you’ll do, feel the sensations associated with it.

I still think it’s healthy to let your dreams run their course for most of the night, and to see what they can teach you rather than what you can get out of them, but learning how to lucid dream is an important skill for anyone interested in reaching The Other Place and discovering how to learn to live lucidly as well.

Let us know if you come up with any good methods, here is a good starting place:

http://www.wikihow.com/Lucid-Dream