The Dream Merchant's Shop, 890 Mora Drive, Los Altos, CA (2025)

08/15/2025

Most people think dreams only happen during REM sleep.
Science says otherwise.

Researchers now know our minds can create dreamscapes even in non-REM sleep, those slower, quieter phases we usually associate with deep rest. These non-REM dreams may be shorter, less vivid, and more thought-like than their REM counterparts, but sometimes they’re surprisingly rich, almost indistinguishable from the dreams we have in REM.

Why does this matter? Because it challenges the way we understand consciousness itself. If the mind can dream in different brain states, what does that reveal about its ability to create reality independent of the outside world?

The next time you drift off, remember: your dream life might be unfolding in more moments of the night than you realize.

Credit: LiveScience

Now, what do you think about the day? Could we also be dreaming while we are awake? Share your thoughts.

05/06/2025

Green tea dreams aren’t just a myth—L-theanine might actually help you wake up inside your dreams.

07/15/2024

Incredible Story of a Near-Death Experience!

At The Dream Merchant's Shop, we are always fascinated by stories that explore the realms beyond our waking lives. Today, we want to share an extraordinary account of Mariandree Cárdenas, a 24-year-old woman from Guatemala who experienced something profound.

Mariandree suffered a severe asthma attack that led to a coma. During those critical moments, she believes she spent what felt like three hours with God. She described being in a place full of light, surrounded by beings of light, and feeling an immense sense of peace and belonging. Communication was telepathic, and she felt a deep connection with everyone there.

In this surreal experience, Mariandree met God, who she describes as the greatest light, radiating happiness and warmth. Despite the overwhelming sense of love and fulfillment, God told her it wasn't her time to stay and that she needed to return to life for the sake of love.

Upon awakening from her three-day coma, Mariandree felt transformed. She believes her experience was a divine revelation meant to show her what happens after death and to inspire others with her story.

Such near-death experiences remind us of the profound mysteries of life and the unseen dimensions that might exist beyond our everyday reality. They offer a glimpse into the potential for spiritual encounters and the deeper meanings of our existence.

Have you or someone you know ever experienced something similar? I'd love to hear your stories! Share in the comments below.

06/09/2024

A groundbreaking study recently published in Frontiers in Psychology explores the neural correlates of two primary types of meditation — concentrative and analytical — practiced by monks at the Sera Jey Monastery in India.

Key Insights from the Study:

Meditation and Brain Activity: The study used EEG technology to observe how concentrative and analytical meditation affect the brain.

Concentrative meditation involving focused attention on a single object showed significant increases in theta, alpha, and beta brain waves, indicating deeper states of calm and focus.

Analytical meditation, focusing on deeply analyzing concepts like compassion or consciousness, showed more subtle changes.

Experience Matters: Advanced meditators demonstrated more pronounced EEG changes, suggesting that long-term practice enhances the depth of meditative states. This finding resembles the difference between a novice musician and a maestro — experience refines and deepens the practice.

Cultural Context: Conducted in the natural environment of the Sera Jey Monastery, the study involved 23 monks with varying levels of meditation expertise, ensuring the authenticity of the findings.

Practical Takeaways:

1. Types of Meditation and EEG Patterns: Compared to analytical meditation, concentration meditation showed significant changes in brain activity, particularly in theta, alpha, and beta frequencies.

2. Study Methodology: The study was ecologically valid. It took place within the monastery and involved monks with different levels of expertise, from beginners to advanced practitioners.

3. Experience Influence: Advanced meditators exhibited more significant EEG changes, indicating deeper states of meditation correlated with increased experience.

4. Special Observations: Some advanced meditators showed abrupt changes in alpha activity, suggesting shifts in mental states during meditation.

Understanding the science behind meditation not only validates these ancient practices but also provides insights into how we can harness these techniques to improve our mental and emotional well-being.

Whether you're dealing with insomnia, stress, or seeking personal growth, integrating meditation into your routine can have profound effects.

At The Dream Merchant's Shop, we offer personalized sleep consultations, dreamwork coaching, and training in meditation and other altered states of consciousness. Our holistic and natural approach is designed to help you achieve better sleep and a deeper understanding of your inner self.

Discover the transformative power of meditation today. Let's explore the path to a calmer, more centered you.

Contact us for personalized consultations and start your journey towards better sleep and deeper meditation.

05/28/2024

Sleep Your Way to : How Quality Rest Can Prevent !

Did you know that a good night's sleep might be the secret to stronger bones? Studies have shown that adequate sleep is crucial in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. Let's dive into the evidence!

1. Research indicates that both short and long sleep durations are linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis. The optimal sleep duration of 7-8 hours is associated with the lowest risk. A study found that postmenopausal women who sleep 5 hours or less have lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of osteoporosis.

2. Poor sleep quality, characterized by frequent sleep disturbances, has been significantly associated with a lower bone stiffness index, which indicates poorer bone health.

3. Disruptions in sleep and circadian rhythm can directly affect bone health. Bone cells follow a daily rhythm in bone turnover, which is crucial for normal bone metabolism.

4. Cumulative sleep restriction and circadian disruption have been shown to negatively impact bone turnover markers. Due to lack of sleep, younger individuals show more significant changes in bone formation and resorption.

Getting adequate sleep, ideally around 7-9 hours per night, along with maintaining good sleep quality and a regular sleep schedule, is essential for bone health and may help prevent osteoporosis. Remember, both insufficient and excessive sleep durations are linked to increased osteoporosis risk, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Start prioritizing your sleep today and protect your bones for a healthier future! Optimize your sleep with a personalized sleep audit at The Dream Merchant's Shop.

05/22/2024

Find what you can do the best. What you would like to do that you can enjoy, which will not be a burden, which will not be imposed on you, which will be your own creativity. I want your work also to be part of your spiritual growth. It can come only from your spontaneity. Individuals should be free, responsible, alert, and aware.

05/22/2024

Discover the Surprising Prevalence of Altered States of Consciousness!

A recent study from Massachusetts General Hospital reveals that altered states of consciousness (ASCs), often experienced during meditation and mindfulness practices, are more common than we thought.

Key Findings:

- 45% of respondents reported experiencing ASCs at least once.

- These experiences can lead to positive outcomes, sometimes even transformational.

- However, a significant minority faced adverse or even life-threatening suffering, with many not seeking help.

As more people engage in practices like yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork, it's crucial to understand and support those navigating these powerful experiences.

Let's ensure that the benefits are maximized and the risks minimized.

You're not alone if you've ever experienced derealization, unitive experiences, ecstatic thrills, vivid perceptions, or out-of-body experiences. Understanding these states can help us integrate them into our lives positively.

Let's spread awareness and support for those encountering these profound states. Together, we can make these practices safer and more enriching for everyone.

05/20/2024

Unlocking the Power of Dreams for Better Sleep

At The Dream Merchant's Shop, we have always believed in the profound connection between our dreams and our overall sleep quality.

Recent research from the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS) 2024 conference validates our approach. It shows that dreams significantly influence how we perceive our sleep and can even be harnessed to improve sleep experiences and mental health.

What the Research Says:

Researchers use innovative methods like neuroimaging and lucid dreaming to uncover how dreams shape our sleep and cognitive functions.

Findings reveal that the way we perceive our sleep is heavily influenced by our dreams. Lucid dreamers can even communicate in real time during dreams, providing deeper insights into our brain's activities during sleep.

How We Can Help:

At The Dream Merchant's Shop, we offer personalized sleep consultations and coaching, emphasizing natural methods to address sleep issues like parasomnia and insomnia. Our holistic approach includes:

- Lucid Dreaming Training: Learn to control and immerse yourself in your dreams, improving perceived sleep quality.

- Dreamwork Therapy: Use your dreams as a therapeutic tool to tackle sleep disorders and enhance mental health.

- Meditation & Hypnotherapy: Techniques to enter altered states of consciousness, aiding relaxation and better sleep.

This groundbreaking research supports what we've known all along: dreams are a powerful tool in improving sleep and overall well-being.

Let's explore your dreams together and unlock the secret to better sleep and a healthier life.

Ready to transform your sleep? Contact us today for a personalized consultation!

05/19/2024

Celebrate with Us! 🍰🌍

Happy World Baking Day from The Dream Merchant's Shop! Today, we're excited to share our latest article on the fascinating Clitoria ternatea, also known as Butterfly Pea Flower, and its intriguing effects on sleep and dreams. This vibrant blue flower, native to Southeast Asia, is a visual treat, a culinary delight, and offers potential health benefits.

Butterfly Pea Flower has traditionally been used to enhance sleep quality and influence dream vividness. Known for its rich composition of antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids, this flower is celebrated for its striking blue hue and calming and stress-relieving properties. Some users report more vivid and memorable dreams after consuming Butterfly Pea Flower tea, making it a fascinating addition to any bedtime routine.

To celebrate, we're sharing a unique and delicious recipe: Butterfly Pea Flower Pie. This pie is as beautiful as it is tasty, featuring a deep blue filling that captures the enchanting essence of the Butterfly Pea Flower.

Butterfly Pea Flower Pie Recipe:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup Butterfly Pea Flower tea (made from dried Butterfly Pea Flowers)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- Fresh Butterfly Pea Flowers for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling: Combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually stir in the Butterfly Pea Flower tea and water until smooth.
2. Cook the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and boils. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
3. Add Lemon Juice: Stir in lemon juice to bring out a beautiful purple hue in the filling.
4. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
6. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh Butterfly Pea Flowers. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Join us in celebrating the joy of baking and the wonders of natural remedies. Share your Butterfly Pea Flower creations using and .

Enjoy baking and sweet dreams!

05/19/2024

Dream yoga, an advanced form of lucid dreaming, offers a path to exploring one's inner self and achieving a higher state of consciousness.

Based on ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices, dream yoga can help you navigate the dream world with awareness and intention, turning your mind into a laboratory for self-discovery.

Dream yoga takes lucid dreaming to the next level by using your dreams for spiritual growth rather than mere entertainment. While lucid dreaming allows you to control and explore your dreams, dream yoga aims to purify negative karma and unite you with more profound aspects of your being.

Inspired by Andrew Holecek Author's insights on dream yoga, the following steps will guide you toward making your nights more meaningful and spiritually enriching:

1. Before bed, intend to become lucid in your dreams. Repeat affirmations like, "I will wake up in my dreams and remember them."

2. Keep a dream journal by your bedside. Upon waking, write down any snippets of dreams you remember. This practice enhances your dream recall and prepares you for lucid dreaming.

3. Wake up two hours before your usual time, stay awake for 15 minutes, and then go back to sleep to become lucid. Throughout the day, ask yourself if you are dreaming and perform reality checks, like trying to push your finger through your palm or looking at a clock twice to see if the time changes.

4. Identify common elements in your dreams, such as unusual events or recurring themes. Use these as cues to realize you are dreaming.

5. Once lucid, practice changing dream objects. Turn a table into a flower or a car into a boat. This practice teaches you the malleable nature of reality.

6. If you encounter a nightmare, become lucid and face your fears instead of running away. This can reveal that it's not the nightmare that scares you but your perception of it.

7. Use the lessons from your dreams to transform emotional states and conceptual limitations in waking life. Turn fear into courage, anger into love, and distraction into presence.

8. With practice, you can extend your awareness into a deep, dreamless sleep, exploring the most subtle aspects of your mind. This advanced practice is akin to experiencing mini-enlightenments each night.

05/18/2024

It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to Robert Bruce, a true visionary and teacher who passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024. Robert was a guiding light in astral projection, spirituality, and energy work, and his profound knowledge and generous spirit touched countless lives.

Robert's pioneering work in astral projection and energy healing, encapsulated in his books "Astral Dynamics" and "Energy Work," provided a roadmap for many to explore the deeper dimensions of existence. His unique methods, especially his innovative approach to tactile imaging in energy work, have opened new pathways for spiritual exploration.

As we remember Robert, we celebrate his legacy—a thriving community united by a shared passion for spiritual growth and astral exploration. His son, Jesse Bruce, is determined to honor his father's memory by continuing to build upon the foundation Robert established with Astral Dynamics.

To all inspired by Robert Bruce's teachings, we invite you to join us in celebrating his life and contributions. Visit the updated Astral Dynamics website, share your memories on the dedicated forum, and participate in Jesse's exclusive Silverlight video events. Let's keep Robert's spirit alive by connecting, sharing, and growing together.

Rest in peace, Robert Bruce. Your wisdom and compassion will continue to guide us on our spiritual journeys.

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