About

Posted by Ryan Hurd on November 21, 2007

My name is Ryan Hurd. Welcome to my distillation of DreamStudies – a blend of dream education and consciousness studies. I started this blog in 2007 to fill a need on the web for reliable and expert information about contemporary dream science, especially lucid dreaming, nightmares, and the so-called altered states of consciousness.

As the site has grown, I have become more interested in providing easy ways for readers to develop their own good dreaming habits. Now I am exploring further and deeper than ever, including articles about many aspects of consciousness studies, imagination work and self development.

Most recently, I have been focusing on the topics of lucid dreaming and sleep paralysis.

I also have a couple books and ebooks to offer, for sale and for free: purchases support my maintenance of this site and my dream research fund.

My Background

I have a MA in Consciousness Studies and a Certificate of Dream Studies from John F. Kennedy University. I also have a BA degree specializing in archaeology. I spent the better part of a decade excavating ruins in North America before turning inward to the riches of the mind, which are infinitely more valuable than any buried treasure. Less back aches this way too.

My background has taught me that both views, objective science and self-inquiry, are critical for a more holistic view of Western knowledge to emerge. We need the earth and the sky, and everything in between.

To see a list of my recent publications and academic presentations, as well as interviews and press, check out my Whereabouts page.

My Dream Work

This site isn’t for dream interpretation, per se. I’ve found that offering dream interpretation through comments has not been effective or particularly safe for dreamers. I’m sorry I can’t reply to every email about the meaning of a specific dream or nightmare.

I am also a board member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams, the foremost authority on dream research today, and I abide by their ethics statement.

A disclaimer

I am not a medical doctor, so any advice or information on this website is for educational purposes only. My practice of dream work is protected by the First Amendment in the Constitution of the United States.