Personally, I swung extremely between both (with a tendency toward Rapid Cycling Bipolar) so I know both spaces and the trouble was I never got long in that middle space - neither chronically self protecting from ‘invasion’ nor merrily blissed on some other mental planet of la-la-la land.

But sure, if one wants to be a cosmonaut of universes of altered consciousness, I was pretty qualified. I still find it hard to stay ‘conscious’ for long, tend to live in a preconscious state, then with peaks of intense self consciousness.

I’m like the remote control with dodgy volume and channel control, but I do a great job painting like a blind man.

Donna *)

So much for light switches!

but yes, maybe I was unconsciously trying to do what you say, prove it was just a dream. Who knows.

Donna Williams *)

I’d gone to university as an adult & one particular day I’d written 2 sress-induced exams which I was concerned about more than usual. (Turns out I did quite well afterall) So when I got home, I laid down to relax with an easy book but ended up falling asleep. And then I woke up with a start as it was nearing the time to pick the kids up from the day nursery. I got into the car, drove to pick up the kids and they were gone because I was late. Then I realized I was only dreaming and woke up again. Over and over, this constant repetition of waking but not waking occurred. The weather changed from searing heat to icy cold and snow.

I finally did actually wake up and arrived at the day nursery on time.
But it wasn’t til much later I really did acknowledge that I truly was awake this time.

As mentioned, a few days later I heard this program. Near the end of the program they suggested their solution and I breathed a sigh of relief. I decided I’d try it next time I had such a dream. It’s worked for me time and time again since then.

The scientists said that one can not use electricity nor write on a chalkboard while in a dream state. They suggested that if you were in a dream state that you wished to get out of, to try & turn on a light switch in your dream. It will become light in your dream but if you look at the lightbulb/s they won’t be on. The same reaction will occur with any electrically run device…you can not switch it on.
The also suggested one tries to envision onesself near a chalkboard like at school or even giving a presentation of some kind. Then try writing on it. The words may appear but you’re not actually writing them.

They reason that your brain then knows you are not in the real world & then can more easily wake up. But it becomes your choice; sometimes some dreams are nice to remain in for awhile.

I’ve told this to many children - once they realize they are indeed in charge of their dreams & can alter them by trying to turn on their electronic game or tv or light…they can wake up. Especially handy to know if one is being chased by tigers or similar. I was chased by tigers when I was a kid & remember that dream to this day. Kids are told to just have happy dreams but rarely are given a tool to control the dreams. This is a great tool to thwart those nightmares, those livid dreams if one wants to.

So, now I have a choice and that has helped sleep to come a bit more easily. When something inside me tells me that I just might be dreaming, I can double-check. And when I double-check, I do realize I am dreaming. Then I can wake up almost immediately or choose to alter the dream completely without missing any sleep.

Interesting topic, dreams are.

ai