Lucid dreaming is a fascinating subject, filled with complex terminology and intricate techniques. Teaching this subject accurately requires deep understanding and dedicated research.
But, with such intricacy comes the potential for misconceptions and misunderstandings, some more consequential than others.
The most glaring of these mistakes, and arguably the most telling, is when a supposed lucid dreaming teacher refers to WILD as "Wake Induced Lucid Dreams." This error, on the surface, may seem trivial, but it has serious implications for the credibility and knowledge of the instructor.
The Fundamental Importance of WILD and DILD in Lucid Dreaming
The acronyms WILD and DILD are terms established by Dr. Stephen LaBerge. WILD correctly stands for "Wake-Initiated Lucid Dreams," and DILD for "Dream-Initiated Lucid Dreams." They signify the two main categories of lucid dreams, each defining where a lucid dream starts.
WILD describes lucid dreams that begin from a wakeful state, transitioning directly into a dream state while maintaining consciousness. On the other hand, DILD refers to lucid dreams that commence during an ongoing dream, where the individual becomes aware that they are dreaming.
Understanding the meaning and function of these categories is fundamental to becoming a competent lucid dreamer.
The Distinction: Induced Vs. Initiated
So, why is this seemingly small linguistic error such a red flag? To understand this, we must dive into the nuanced difference between "induced" and "initiated." On the surface, these words may appear to be synonymous, but their use and meaning are quite different, especially in the context of lucid dreaming.
For example, pressing play on your remote control initiates (starts) a horror film. This action sets the film in motion. However, it is the scary storyline within the film that induces (causes) fear in the viewer. The nuance here lies in the causal relationship of each term: initiating begins the process, while inducing causes the resulting effect.
Incorrectly using "induced" instead of "initiated" in the context of WILD or DILD implies that being awake or being in a dream state causes a lucid dream. This interpretation is clearly illogical and shows a fundamental misunderstanding of lucid dreaming.
MILD: The Appropriate Use of 'Induced'
MILD, which stands for Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams, is a technique developed by Dr. LaBerge to cause, or induce, lucid dreams. Unlike WILD and DILD, which are categories of dreams, MILD is a method designed to trigger lucid dreaming. This distinction further highlights the importance of using the right terminology in the context of lucid dreaming.
The Warning Sign of a Poor Lucid Dreaming Teacher
Misusing these terms in the context of lucid dreaming is a clear warning sign. If a teacher, content creator, or guide refers to WILD as "Wake Induced Lucid Dreams," they demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the subject matter.
It's a clear sign that they have not even grasped or researched the fundamental terminology of this subject. It calls into question the extent of their knowledge and their ability to accurately and effectively teach lucid dreaming.
This is why making the mistake of incorrectly referring to WILD as "Wake Induced Lucid Dreams." is an immediate red flag.
It's not just about the error itself, but what it represents. A teacher unable to carry out the most basic research or comprehend essential terms is unlikely to provide the deep, nuanced, and comprehensive education that learning lucid dreaming requires.
Evaluating Your Lucid Dreaming Guides
In your pursuit of lucid dreaming knowledge, always remain vigilant and critical of your sources. Look out for red flags, such as the incorrect usage of established terms.
Remember, while "Wake-Initiated Lucid Dreams" may seem like a minor detail, it reveals a lot about the person teaching you.
Ultimately, understanding this fundamental terminology will not only allow you to avoid poor teachers but also enhance your own understanding and experience of lucid dreaming.