Some of the intellectual skills that people work to develop—concentration, single-minded determination, unwavering focus–can be counter to the skills needed to become lucid while dreaming.   Similarly, in emotional situations we may have a narrowed point of view which limits what comes into our consciousness.  In dreams, this inward gaze that we are often in the habit of leads us to ignore the many clues that we are usually surrounded by which could potentially let us know that we are dreaming. We get in the habit while awake of trying not to be distracted, but if unaware of  the larger environment for too often or for too long, we could miss something very important and relevant.

Under some circumstances, being able to focus and block out distracting or potentially confusing peripheral information is helpful.  However, if the blinders of concentration are on too tightly or for too long, both when awake or while dreaming, we are going to miss out on clues that could lead to a revelation.  Too narrow a field of vision may cause you to miss out on something much more important that is happening all around you until it is too late.  It’s good to pause occasionally, look around, expand your awareness, and ask yourself, “Am I seeing the big picture right now?”