But it's not impossible to be aware of specific instances that you are dreaming. For me, that happens somewhat regularly. Sometimes, we have dreams that are so bizarre that we can't help but to think that it couldn't possibly be happening. I know you can agree with me there. In those cases, it's just a matter of a little extra effort to come to this realization. But what then?
First, I'll give you an example. Take this for instance: I bet some of you have had a dream where you're swimming underwater. Do you ever recall trying to breathe when you're underwater? When you're awake, you get the lovely sensation of having water go up your nose. However, when you're dreaming, one of two things will probably happen: either your mind will tell you that you can't breathe and you will not be able to take a breath (which means you're holding your breath while you're asleep), or you will be able to breathe it in like it is real air. The latter usually happens subconsciously. However, if you come to realize you can breathe underwater, you're one step away from realizing that you're in the middle of a dream. Naturally, you have the capacity to go the rest of the way, without me telling you how.
I know this theory is sounding a little off the wall, but bear with me here. I'm just explaining what it's like for me. I'm sure if I can do it, you can do it too.
Anyway, once you realize that you are dreaming, you have access to certain parts of your dream. This is the confusing part to describe. Certain things in your dream seem to be inevitable. For example, you're having a dream that you're being kidnapped. You don't want to be, naturally, but it's happening, nevertheless. Have you ever been so intent on escaping something in your dream that you wake yourself up? Maybe you don't realize it, but this happens when your brain starts sending messages to your body and you become aware of yourself. By forcing yourself awake, your mind starts processing many conscious thoughts and you begin to regain your grasp on reality.
However, there is a step between fully waking yourself up and being trapped in your dream. There are some instances where your mind becomes partially aware of its surroundings, yet you are still asleep. When this happens, you feel completely conscious in the midst of your dream and you begin to have a sense of control. All of a sudden, you have some control over what happens next. Maybe you can't run away from the "kidnappers" in my previous scenario, but perhaps something absurd will allow you to escape: like flying away. If you are conscious within your dream, you can force yourself to do abnormal things. Maybe you will unlock a talent that you do not have in your wake.
In my case, I can sometimes cause my assailants to fly backward through some "invisible force" coming out of my hand. In these cases, I realize that I'm dreaming, so I decide that I want to shoot fire from my hands. The only problem is that I do not have full control, so when I call fire out, it doesn't appear; rather, something else happens that has the same effect. In this case, I do not have control of what happens, but I control the effect of what I try to do.
I would say that you've probably had enough of my crazy idea for now. Whether you believe me or not, I propose that it is possible to gain some control over your dreams, as long as you can realize that what occurs in your dream is just a dream. It's not always when you're in danger, though. It can happen anytime. Your mind will begin to regain some consciousness. It can sometimes occur randomly, but when it happens, you have control. Think about this and weigh its credibility for a bit.
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