The Mindfulness of Dream and Sleep

Hypnagogic states are the transitional states between wakefulness and sleep.

They are characterized by a feeling of drowsiness and hypnagogic imagery.

Hypnagogic images reflect our mental preoccupations and are often made up of our memories of the day.

One could simply define them as flashes of our inner light.

Hypnopompic states, on the other hand, are the transitional states between sleep and wakefulness.

If we took the time to explore them each morning, we would encounter flashes of inspiration and an unprecedented clarity of mind.

Most of the time, however, we pass through them in a rush to wake up.

Hypnopompic states are more refined and subtle than hypnagogic states because our minds are partially awake.

The potential for psychological growth in both hypnagogic and hypnopompic states is immense.

By mastering them, we learn how to engage in mindfulness meditation.

We learn how to know what is happening when it is happening.

Phases of altered consciousness such as lucid dreaming, OBE, hypnagogic and hypnopompic states are not supernatural phenomena.

Without practicing them, many people spontaneously encounter them over the course of their lifetime.

Throughout history, inventors, artists, prophets, and religious leaders have all relied on these states to gain significant insights and make an impact on the world.

States of altered consciousness can be incredibly realistic and have many general applications.

You could use them to communicate with people (even deceased ones), visit certain places, grow spiritually and psychologically, and so much more.