Let’s say you realize you’re dreaming, but no matter what you do, you can’t control it. Is this still considered a lucid dream?
Some People Think Yes And Some People Think No
There is no definitive answer to this question as it is subjective.
Some people may consider it a lucid dream if they are aware that they are dreaming and can still maintain some level of control over the dream, even if it is limited.
Others may not consider it a true lucid dream unless they have complete control over the dreamscape and can manipulate it at will.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not a dream meets their personal definition of a lucid dream.
By Definition, You Are Having A Lucid Dream
However, the definition of a lucid dream is usually based on the dreamer being aware that they are dreaming and having some degree of control over the dream.
So, if you are aware that you are dreaming but cannot control the dream, it is still generally considered a lucid dream.
You may not have as much control as you would like, but the fact that you are aware of the dream and can still influence it to some degree is what makes it a lucid dream.
Why Would You Not Have Control In A Lucid Dream?
One possible reason for being aware you are dreaming but not being able to control it is that your subconscious wants to show you something important, and it doesn’t want you playing with the images and sounds that it’s showing you.
For example, here’s Mark’s story:
I was floating in a dark space. I knew I was dreaming, but I had no control over the dream. Suddenly, a bright light appeared and I found myself in a hospital room. There was a woman in the bed next to me, and she was crying. I knew exactly what I needed to say to help her. I went to comfort her, but she pushed me away and said “you don’t understand, you can’t help me.” I felt horrible that she wouldn’t let me help her. I tried to change the scenario of the dream knowing that I was dreaming, but I couldn’t. I just spent time staring at her realizing there was nothing I could do to help her.
When I woke up, I was pissed off. I wanted to do something important in my lucid dream, not stare at someone crying that I couldn’t help. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the dream had been trying to tell me something.
In my waking life, I had been going through some issues and had been pushing my loved ones away. All they wanted to do was help me, and I wouldn’t allow them. I thought that if I could solve my problems on my own then everything would be okay. But the dream gave me a new perspective. It was telling me that it’s okay to let other people in, that they might be able to help me more than I could help myself.
In other words, if you know that you are dreaming, but you can’t control the dream, pay attention to what’s happening in the dream and what your subconscious mind might be trying to tell you.
