id state of mind that Dr. Laberges patients experience is notcompletely conscious or subconscious, they are still asleep, and the world that they are inis very detailed and just as realistic as our waking world. That is what puzzles most peoplewho look into his research. Although not mentioned by Dr. Laberge in his studies, I thinkthat there is a definite opportunity for a great unlocking of the secrets of the human mind. Many practical applications exist for lucid dreaming. There are of course theobvious, nightmare therapy, self-confidence enhancing, and general mental healthimprovements, but there are so many more ideas not yet explored. Some of these mayinclude depression therapy for physically handicapped people allowing them a very realsort of fantasy fulfillment. Paralytics can walk, dance, fly, or do as they wish sexuallywhenever they choose. The possibilities for creative problem solving seem to be obviouslyenhanced. There even seems to be a great amount of possible sensorimotor practice thatcould possibly be used by stroke or other nerve damaged patients. And finally to quote Dr.Laberge(1), lucid dreaming can function as a "world simulator." Just as a flight simulator allows people to learn to fly in a safe environment, lucid dreaming could allow people to learn to live in any imaginable world; to experience and better choose among various possible futures. What makes humans extraordinary in the animal kingdom is our awareness of being.It is an awareness of our life and existence coupled with our advanced capacity to reasonthat makes us different than the other animals of the Earth. I believe that it may not onlybe our awareness of thought, but the exact capability of being aware somehow of oursubconscious motivations. A strong sense of our subconscious can be obtained in a stateof sleep where the sleeper is fully aware not only that he or she is dreaming, but that he orshe is actuall...
