Lucid dreaming is when, while dreaming, you are aware that you are dreaming. This realization can be a fun and liberating experience. There are many books, websites and kits devoted to teaching the basics of lucid dreaming, although some people naturally have been lucid dreaming since childhood.

But after a few months or years of lucid dreaming, the dreamer may want more from their dreams now that they are aware that they are dreaming. The potential is limitless. For example, in Tibetan Buddhism, lucid dreaming is considered training for death. In order to get through the bizarre hallucinations in the death process, Tibetan Buddhists are encouraged to learn to meditate while dreaming. Although dream meditation may not be for everyone, here are three other exercises to try when you next realize that you are dreaming.

Staying Lucid As Long As Possible

This is surprisingly hard. Often, when dreamers become lucid they know that they have the most of the next couple of minutes because they will wake up. But lucid dream pioneer Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D. notes that some dreamers manage to stay lucid by spinning in a circle, using a remote control to switch channels or even by asking aloud that they do not wake up. Find out what works best for you.