Methods of Exploring Transpersonal Lucid Dreams: Ineffability and Creative Consciousness
December 1, 2020 DOI: 10.32031/itibte_itj_15-bf3 via Semantic Scholar
Summary
Lucid dreaming, being conscious while dreaming, can lead to a recursive relationship with waking awareness called lucid waking. The article describes three research methods exploring transpersonal experiences within lucid dreams, termed 'Hyperspace Lucidity'—experiences beyond time and space that are nondual and nonrepresentational. The inquiries spanned two decades, starting with quantitative research on transpersonal experiences, expanding into a phenomenological study, and culminating in an art-based public inquiry. The work argues that lucid dreaming is a form of knowing and reflective practice questioning habitual behavior and beliefs.
Study at a glance
| Design | mixed methods (quantitative, phenomenological, art-based inquiry) |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Lucid dreaming can lead to transpersonal experiences called Hyperspace Lucidity, and the practice of lucid dreaming creates a recursive relationship with waking awareness. |
Abstract
Lucid dreaming is being conscious and aware while dreaming. Lucid dreaming is a form of meta-consciousness and reflective practice that calls in to question habitual behavior, fixed perceptions, core beliefs, and presuppositions. From an epistemological perspective, lucid dreaming could be considered as a way of knowing. The practice of lucid dreaming ultimately leads to the practice of lucid waking, creating a recursive relationship between waking and dreaming awareness. This article discusses three research methods exploring lucid dreaming and specific transpersonal experiences within lucid dreaming I call “Hyperspace Lucidity”. Hyperspace Lucidity is the experience within lucid dreams beyond time and space, transpersonal in nature, nondual, nonrepresentational in content, and at times, extraordinary and impactful. These inquiries were conducted over two decades, however, their significance and implications are becoming relevant today as the topic of lucid dreaming is discussed within psychological and spiritual frameworks. Each research project informed the next. It began with quantitative research designed to explore the transpersonal experiences in lucid dreams, expanded into a phenomenological study including some of the lucid dreamers from the first study, and then finally it evolved into an art-based inquiry involving the public. KEYWORDS Dreaming, transpersonal experience, dream signs, creative consciousness, research.