The purpose of dreaming has been explored since the early days of man. The spiritual aspects of dreaming have been an important aspect of the belief systems of many cultures.
The phenomenon of lucid dreaming may be best described as conscious dreaming. While in a state of lucid dreaming one is aware that they are in a dream. This awareness raises some interesting questions about how the brain works and the purpose of dreaming. If one can be aware that they are dreaming, can they then control what happens in the dream? If a dreamer in a state of lucid dreaming cannot control the dream's events, then questions arise concerning the role of dreaming. Dreaming appears to be a natural function of the brain.
Many people do not usually remember their dreams. For these people, it is much more difficult to experience a lucid dream. For those who wish to experience lucid dreaming, there are several ideas on how they may reach that state. Getting into the practice of writing down any dreams you remember may train your brain to view dreams as important and make you more likely to remember them.
Several questions about the purpose of dreaming most likely will never be answered unequivocally. Where do we go when we dream? Are dreams a product of the brain working through and processing a vast amount of information? Are dreams really representations of our inner thoughts and feelings? I think it is likely that a majority of brain functions will remain mysterious, including lucid dreaming.
