Curious reads: “Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self” by Robert Waggoner
A curious dive into the subconscious, with a somewhat murky map.
Why I Picked It Up
Every once in a while, I’ll have a dream that lingers—a strange sense of déjà vu, or just something wildly surreal that makes me think, “what if I could actually steer this?” That’s what pulled me back to Lucid Dreaming by Robert Waggoner. I bought the book years ago but only picked it up again recently after a few strange dreams. This felt like the perfect moment to explore the idea of guiding dreams consciously.
What I Was Hoping For
My initial hope was straightforward: learn a few techniques, try them out, and maybe get to the point of lucid dreaming myself. I wasn’t expecting overnight success, but I was curious if the book could act as a practical guide—a roadmap into lucidity.
What I Actually Got
What I found instead was a book much more reflective than instructive. Waggoner doesn’t lay out a how-to as much as he shares an introspective, philosophical account of his own journey. He offers many vivid examples from his dream life—some strange, some beautiful, and others deeply symbolic. But when it comes to actionable advice, the steps are few and not very convincing. At times, it felt like being handed a telescope with no instructions on how to focus it.
That said, the book did open up some interesting ideas:
“Lucid dreamers don’t control the dream; rather, lucid dreamers direct their focus within the dreaming.”
That line stuck with me. It’s a subtle but important shift: you’re not there to control the dream world like some superhero; you’re more like an attentive observer, nudging attention and watching what unfolds.
Another recurring theme was this spiritual twist on identity and awareness:
“The self has awareness, but the self is not the Awareness.”
It’s passages like these that made the book feel more like a spiritual exploration of consciousness than a manual for beginners. I appreciated the perspective—even if it wasn’t what I came for.
The Frustrating Bit
Despite all the vivid storytelling, the practical side left a lot to be desired. Waggoner does mention techniques like repeating mantras before sleep (“Tonight I will realize I’m dreaming”), focusing on your hands in dreams, and even using B6 supplements for better dream recall. But none of these came with a strong structure or reliable path to success.
By the end, I was left with a strange mix of fascination and frustration. The journey was interesting, but the destination still feels just out of reach.
Final Thought
This wasn’t the lucid dreaming “how-to” I was hoping for, but it was still worth the read. It opened my mind to how layered our subconscious is—and maybe, just maybe, that’s the real gateway. I’ll keep experimenting with the tips I did pick up. Who knows—maybe the next time I see my hands in a dream, I’ll remember I’m dreaming.
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