A Complete Guide to In-Person Lucid Dreaming Retreats
People find lucid dreaming appealing for different reasons. Not only is it an enjoyable way to discover more about yourself, but it can also enhance creativity and help you deal with nightmares.
As the curiosity around lucid dreams continues to rise, resources are popping up to help people have better experiences. In-person lucid dreaming retreats are starting to become quite popular. You can attend one and learn how to lucid dream if you’re a beginner or deepen your practice if you’re already a lucid dreamer.
To get the most out of a lucid dreaming retreat, you must first choose the right one. So we’re going to discuss in detail how to choose an in-person lucid dreaming retreat and give you a few good options to explore.
Why Attend an In-Person Lucid Dreaming Retreat?
In-person lucid dreaming retreats provide an opportunity for you to meet like-minded people. As intriguing as lucid dreaming is, it’s still not as popular as you would expect. Regular lucid dreamers (even aspiring lucid dreamers) are few and far between.
You can meet people with whom you share an interest in lucid dreams, talk about your experiences, and learn from each other.
Another benefit to attending an in-person lucid dreaming retreat is that you get to practice lucid dreaming away from the distractions of life. Spending time at a peaceful location where you meditate, discuss lucidity with other dreamers, and get insights from a teacher is certain to deepen your experience.
You’ll also have an expert guiding you through the practice sessions. This is great for those who struggle to experience lucid dreaming. A small amount of the right guidance goes a long way. You learn how to get more in touch with yourself and hopefully achieve lucidity in your dreams.
4 In-Person Lucid Dreaming Retreats to Check Out
You can find a good in-person lucid dreaming retreat in most parts of the world. Here are some great options for 2024.
1. Lucid Dreaming Ocean Retreat
This retreat takes place in Oregon and is led by Dr. Clare Johnson, one of the first people to explore the relationship between lucid dreaming and creativity.
The retreat aims to bring together a group of dreamers and explore all aspects of lucid dreaming in a beautiful natural environment. Some of the activities include lucid dreaming workshops, meditations, sharing dreams, and so much more.
Everyone is welcome on this retreat–whether you’re an experienced lucid dreamer or a beginner with zero experience.
People who have attended the Lucid Dreaming Ocean retreat before describe it as “mind-blowing.”
Website: Lucid Dreaming Ocean Retreat
2. Lucid Dreaming Into the Shadow Retreat
This is a five-night retreat led by Charlie Morley.
Morley is not a new name in the lucid dreaming space and is well-known in most online lucid dreaming communities. He has written several books and has also been involved in scientific research related to the benefits of lucid dreaming.
The Lucid Dreaming Into the Shadow retreat is focused on helping participants meet their shadows while lucid dreaming.
The retreat, held at Holy Isle, United Kingdom, includes lessons on how to lucid dream. It’s ideal for complete beginners as well as those who have been practicing. You’ll learn how to explore personal shadows, different dream yoga practices, and more. The retreat involves both spiritual and psychological aspects of lucid dreaming.
Website: Lucid Dreaming Into the Shadow
3. Lucid Dreaming Retreat
Lucid dreaming teachers Thomas Hasenberger and Luigi Sciambarella hold a lucid dreaming retreat once a year. They offer participants lucid dreaming techniques and tools to help them lucid dream and control their dreams.
It’s a good retreat for beginners or anyone who is having trouble lucid dreaming.
Some past participants say this is the best lucid dreaming retreat they’ve been on. One in particular claims that it helped them connect with parts of themselves that they had ignored.
Website: Lucid Dreaming Retreat
4. Lucid Dreaming and Dream Yoga Retreat
This retreat will be hosted at the Mandali Retreat Center in Italy by one of our favorite instructors, Andrew Holocek. Together with other dreamers, you’ll explore the benefits of lucid dreaming for people who struggle with insomnia and other mental issues.
The retreat seeks to bring together ancient Eastern traditions and Western knowledge so you can better understand the concept of lucid dreaming and dream yoga.
Some of the things you can expect to learn include applying lucidity to your waking life. There will also be lessons about dealing with challenges that you may be experiencing in your lucid dreaming journey.
Website: Lucid Dreaming and Dream Yoga
5. All of Andrew Holocek’s Retreats
Andrew Holocek is one of the foremost teachers of lucid dreaming. If we could attend just one retreat, we’d target one of his events. He frequently teachers in Colorado and sometimes California, New York, and Italy.
Andrew has extensively studied Tibetan buddhism and weaves together threads from both the scientific and Tibetan buddhist traditions, making for a powerful, precise approach to lucidity.
Website: Events with Andrew Holocek
How to Choose the Right In-Person Lucid Dreaming Retreat
Consider Your Budget
Some in-person lucid dreaming retreats can be expensive. But you don’t need to break the bank to get into a good retreat. There are much more affordable options that will still allow you to have a fruitful experience and meet fellow dreamers.
In many retreats you can reduce cost by choosing the shared accommodation option.
Research Instructor Credentials
Anyone can decide to hold a lucid dreaming retreat. It’s important to do your research and learn more about the hosts and teachers.
You want to make sure you’re trusting someone who knows what they’re doing and is qualified enough to teach. You also want to get your money’s worth and benefit from the experience.
We recommend exploring the work of the retreat’s lead guide prior to attending the retreat. This will increase the likelihood that you’re receptive to the style of teaching.
Check Reviews and Testimonials
Seeing what past participants have to say about a retreat can give you an idea of what to expect. You’ll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not a retreat is a good fit for you. It is completely acceptable to ask a retreat organizer to get you in touch with someone who has previously attended the retreat.
Other Activities and Workshops
Most in-person lucid dreaming retreats typically offer guided dream sessions, dream sharing, and meditation.
Some may go deeper, using intense and specific approaches to achieve a certain goal. Other retreats tend to be more vacation-like, offering fun excursions and activities. Go through what the retreat entails just to make sure it aligns with what you’re trying to achieve.
Preparing for an In-Person Lucid Dreaming Retreat
Once you have settled on a retreat, you’ll want to prepare so you can get the most out of it.
Mental Preparation
Start by preparing yourself mentally. Learn the basics of lucid dreaming, especially dream recall. Get familiar with your sleep cycles and stages. If you aren’t yet, now is the time to start keeping a dream journal.
While most retreats welcome beginners, it may prove fruitful to have some foundational knowledge.
Packing Essentials
What you need to bring largely depends on the retreat and its location. Pack clothing and items that will ensure maximum comfort for the activities you’ll be doing and the weather.
Don’t forget your dream journaling material too.
For guided nighttime sessions you might also have to bring a sleeping bag. Check the website for what to carry and ask if you’re unsure.
Setting Intentions
What are your goals for the retreat? What do you hope to achieve? Answering these questions will help you to be more intentional with the experience. Visualizations and affirmations can also enhance dream explorations.
After the retreat, you’ll be able to see if it was helpful and whether you achieved your goal.
Making the Most of Your In-Person Lucid Dreaming Retreat Experience
During the retreat, you need to put in some effort if you want to reap the benefits.
1. Active Participation
There will be activities, workshops, and discussions. Engage fully at every stage, sharing your experiences, listening to other dreamers' experiences, and making sure you’re involved and learning.
Embrace any challenges you may encounter and try to push personal boundaries. This is how you overcome and get to the other side. Be willing to do any deep personal work and take advantage of having the guidance of an expert.
2. Building Connections
Being around people who share an interest in lucid dreaming is a wonderful experience. The lucid dreaming community isn’t that big. Be intentional about connecting with fellow attendees as well as the instructors and building relationships.
3. Reflecting and Integrating
Write down and reflect on the exercises after different sessions. When you return home you can use these notes to further aid your journey to lucidity and awakening. Come up with strategies to integrate those exercises into your daily life.
After the retreat, try to maintain a regular lucid dreaming routine using these lessons and practices.
Conclusion
In-person lucid dreaming retreats can help you overcome the challenges you may be having in your lucid dreaming journey. If you’re a beginner having a hard time getting started, a retreat might be a great option.
Another benefit of attending a lucid dreaming retreat is that you get to meet people with shared beliefs and learn from each other.
You can find a good in-person lucid dreaming retreat in most places around the world. Just be sure to do due diligence, researching the instructor’s credentials, and validating that the retreat is a good fit for you. See what other activities are offered and look for a retreat that’s within your budget.
Be sure to understand your goals and participate fully, interacting with other participants and exploring the practice for a great experience.
