M I N D F U L Explore the Secret Language of the Night J O H N f S O N There are many books on dreams, dream interpretation, and lucid f dreaming. What makes this one different is that Clare R. Johnson D r e a m i n g combines the principles of mindfulness with a fresh approach to lucid dreaming. The end result is a step-by-step guide for understanding dream M language, lucid dreams, and how to use the secret language of the night I for improving our waking lives. N D With clarity and verve, she explores the following topics: F Harness the Power of Lucid Dreaming  What dreams are and why they are so important U  How to improve sleep quality and wake up refreshed L for Happiness, Health, and  How to have lucid dreams D  How to transform nightmares and heal from the past Positive Change R This is a helpful and practical book that belongs on every nightstand. It E is a book for all who want to unleash the power of their dreams for lives A infused with health and joy. M I N ABOUT THE AUTHOR G Clare R. Johnson, PhD, is the leading expert on lucid dreaming. She has a PhD from the University of Leeds on using lucid dreams as a creative tool (hers is the fi rst doctoral work in the world to explore this topic), is a lucid dreamer herself, and is the board director of the International Association for the Study of Dreams. She regularly gives talks and leads workshops about dreaming. Visit her at deepluciddreaming.com. www.redwheelweiser.com ISBN 978-1-57324-734-4 U.S. $16.95 51695 CLARE R. JOHNSON, PhD 9 781573 247344 MINDFUL Dreaming Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 1 1/23/18 5:16 PM Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 2 1/23/18 5:16 PM M I N D F U L D r e a m i n g Harness the Power of Lucid Dreaming for Happiness, Health, and Positive Change CLARE R. JOHNSON, PhD Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 3 1/23/18 5:16 PM This edition first published in 2018 by Conari Press, an imprint of Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC With offices at: 65 Parker Street, Suite 7 Newburyport, MA 01950 www.redwheelweiser.com Copyright © 2018 by Clare R. Johnson All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, record- ing, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC. Reviewers may quote brief passages. Previously pub- lished in Great Britain in 2017 as Dream Therapy by Orion Spring, an imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd, ISBN 978 1 4091 6945 1. ISBN: 978-1-57324-734-4 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available upon request. Cover design by Jim Warner Cover illustration The Ispot © Brain Stauffer Printed in Canada MAR 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 4 1/23/18 5:16 PM For Yasmin, the biggest gift of my life Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 5 1/23/18 5:16 PM This book offers techniques for working with dreams. It is not a substitute for psychological counseling or medical advice. If you have any physical or mental health concerns, you must consult your doctor or other medical practitioner. Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 6 1/23/18 5:16 PM Contents One What is Mindful Dreaming and how can it help us? 1 Two Understanding dreams: core techniques 25 Three How to have lucid dreams 43 Four Transform your inner movie through Lucid Dreamplay 67 Five Sexual dreams for health and well-being 89 Six Healing from the past: supporting your younger self 103 Seven Nightmares and how to resolve them 119 Eight Illness and pain: how to dream yourself well 139 Nine Healing dreams for grief and loss 155 Ten Soul dreams: dream your way to happiness 175 Epilogue Create your own best life 193 Resources 197 References 199 Practice List 203 Acknowledgments 205 Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 7 1/23/18 5:16 PM Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 8 1/23/18 5:16 PM one What is Mindful Dreaming and how can it help us? Today, many people are asking themselves: how can I become healthier and happier? Worldwide, we have developed so many aids to create positive moods and enhance our physical and mental well-being, from feel-good movies to fitness centers and spa breaks. Yet there’s an entirely free, natural way to increase our personal health and happiness. It even saves time. Because we do it while we’re asleep. We all dream every single night. Too often, dreams are dis- missed as unimportant, or ignored. But your dreaming mind can become your best friend if you let it—a friend who wants to help you to live a happier, healthier life; a friend who is available to listen to your problems and dish out wise advice, even at 3 a.m. These days there is a lot of buzz about mindfulness, where we focus our awareness on the present moment and become fully conscious of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This interest in mindfulness is wonderful, as it means more people are looking to wake up in their lives. But what about the third of our lives we spend asleep? Imagine how life would transform if we learned to be mindful in our dreams, too! Recalling dreams and working with them while awake is a huge step forward for mindful living, as it connects us with the deepest part of ourselves. Mindful Dreaming takes mindfulness a step further because we are not only Mindful Dreaming Final Pages.indd 1 1/23/18 5:16 PM