Question about Lucid dreaming

[Fosheim.49]

I was wondering if there was a different between a lucid dream, a vivid dream, and just a dream you happen to remember detail for detail.

When I was a kid I had dreams that I can still remember detail for detail to this day. I wouldn't say they felt 'real' in the least bit though. I can't say I ever came to the realization that I was actually dreaming either.

I've also had a recent dream that was insanely vivid. It was so real that I didn't even think I was asleep. I literally thought I was awake (I can't stress that enough lol).

So basically I've never come to the realization that I was actually dreaming in my dreams, no matter how real or detailed they were. So I guess I was just wondering if dreams can be lucid without knowing you're dreaming. If so, what would be the difference between a lucid dream and a dream you simply remember detail for detail or just a very vivid dream in general?

[mwyna]

For me, the ones I remember so vividly and that seem so real are ones that I think I must find a message in. Many of my dreams are extremely personal which I realise though not always the meaning, though I have had some prophetic dreams too (again personal to me) which take from a day to months to be fullfilled but not always exactly as the dream might imply. I think it is strange how the mind works and dreams especially are rather cryptic at times. I am no expert on lucid dreams or even dream meanings, so I guess I can't answer your question, just thought I'd share how I approach the vivid ones, even from my childhood that I remember like you do.

[Dreamy_Jack]

I'd say the big difference between what you described -- which was a vivid dream -- and lucid dreams is the knowledge that you are dreaming. During a LUCID dream, the dreamer is aware that he/she is dreaming, and can affect the outcome of events in the dream.

For instance in a lucid dream, you might think I need to get home really fast, I know I am dreaming so anything is possible, so...I'll just stretch out my arms and fly home. Viola, in the dream, you are able to take off and fly home, just by willing it to be so.

Also, just the knowledge in the dream, that you are dreaming, doesn't always seem to make the events, emotions in the dream any less real, important or frightening. The knowledge that you are dreaming is useful, but it doesn't necessarily stop any problems in the dream.