Lucid dreaming is the art, one would say, of keeping awareness while in a dream state. Unlike in normal dreaming, a person can actively change either the environment of the subjects or actions they take in their dream.
Children are usually more able to lucid dream than adults are, but one can teach themselves to dream lucidly. For instance, there are three ways to initiate lucid dreaming. The first is spontaneous: you're in a dream state and suddenly gain awareness that that you are dreaming. The second is when someone goes from a state of purposeful wakefulness to sleep and transitions straight into a lucid dream. The last is "mnemonically-induced" where people assert that they'll be aware when they begin to dream.
My only lucid dreaming experience has been a spontaneous one where I was being chased by a knife-wielding killer, only to discover that I was definitely dreaming. So I asked him, "Hey, what are you chasing me for?" Mr. Knife-Wielding Maniac seemed a little confused and embarrassed about the whole thing and we had a lovely conversation until I woke up.
The best way to practice lucid dreaming is to keep a thoughtful mind towards "reality tests." Before going to bed think about checking clocks, flipping light switches, and looking in mirrors. Anything that doesn't strictly jive with reality is a hint you're in a dreamworld. Clocks don't tick, light switches don't always turn on and your reflection will usually be fuzzy. Another course of action is to actively meditate before bed. Relaxing this way in a mindful manner ups the chances of you being aware of your physical processes and transitioning straight into a lucid dream. Of course, the results vary from dreamer to dreamer but keeping a keen eye turned towards these clues will allow you to gain awareness and make your dreamworld more like your personal imaginative playground.
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