porated into dreams and, when properly conditioned, remindsdreamers that they are dreaming. Use of a special light device has been promising: 55% of 44subjects had at least one lucid dream during one study. The possibilities for humanprogression that this concept creates seem to have no bounds. For years psychologists and others have sought to find a perfect semi-conscious state ofmind where a subject will have a strong link with their subconscious and may even interact withan interviewer using this frame of mind. Another name for this state of mind is called hypnosis.Although the “lucid” state of mind that Dr. Laberge’s patients experience is not completelyconscious or subconscious, they are still asleep, and the world that they are in is very detailedand just as realistic as our waking world. That is what puzzles most people who look into hisresearch. Although not mentioned by Dr. Laberge in his studies, I think that there is a definiteopportunity for a great unlocking of the secrets of the human mind. Many practical applications exist for lucid dreaming. There are of course the obvious,nightmare therapy, self-confidence enhancing, and general mental health improvements, but thereare so many more ideas not yet explored. Some of these may include depression therapy forphysically handicapped people allowing them a very real sort of fantasy fulfillment. Paralyticscan walk, dance, fly, or do as they wish sexually whenever they choose. The possibilities forcreative problem solving seem to be obviously enhanced. There even seems to be a great amountof possible sensorimotor practice that could possibly be used by stroke or other nerve damagedpatients. And finally to quote Dr. Laberge, “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 couldallow people to learn to live in any imaginable world; to expe...
