Reality Checking

Hey everyone,
I was just thinking on ways I could improve my chances of having Lucid Dreams and I came to the conclusion that I simply don't remember to do reality checks consistently throughout the day.
The only times I seem to remember are when I am on Dreamviews and read "Are you Dreaming?" somewhere.
Of course there are occasions when I do remember to reality check and question my surroundings, but not as often as I would like.
I even go through the day thinking about my next lucid dream and dreamviews but for some reason it just doesn't click to do a reality check.

So what can I do to remember to reality check more often?

Thanks

You should do what I did and buy a good digital watch. My watch beeps every hour, and when it beeps I do my RCs. It's an effective way to remember to RC more often and get into the habit of it.

I have considered that before, but I read in other threads that when you have a set time to do RC's like when your watch beeps, it becomes more of a routine/chore to do it rather then actually "checking reality" and your surroundings.
I'm sorry if it seems as though i'm blatantly rejecting your idea, because if it works for you, that's great :)

What works for me is recognizing what my dream signs are. It doesn't generally have to be all of them, because I have many :) But I do generally tend to dream about certain things for a period of time (like right now, dinner parties/manager's meetings are a big thing for me). So when I see those in real life, I check to them.

Essentially, a good reality check comes from within. Remembering to remember is often the term that gets associated with prospective memory. You can either choose one of your current dream signs (you should be fairly familiar with them if you keep a dream journal), but if you can't recall any at the moment, then you can just choose a sign. It could be anything like, seeing a person with long hair; looking in the mirror; signing your name (or just writing something down, to be more vague); pressing buttons, etc. Dream signs can literally be anything. Pick something and remind yourself at the start of your day that when you recognize your dream sign, that you will remember to think about dreaming, and thus, reality check!

I see your point. When I do a RC when my watch beeps I don't just do the RC, I observe and question where I am.

I also be observant most of the time and look for anything abnormal. If I see anything abnormal I do a RC. This is a good practice and really helps.

Thanks for your input Serenity!
As of tomorrow, I will RC whenever I look down and see "RC" written in small writing on the back of my hand.
I will also remember to question my surroundings completely every time.
Let's hope this works out! :)

Mattbrox, I'm sorry if it sounded like I was suggesting that you don't correctly question your surroundings.
I think i've found out my way of a consistent, reliable set of RC's and dreamsigns so let's hope I see some results. :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mattbrox

You should do what I did and buy a good digital watch. My watch beeps every hour, and when it beeps I do my RCs. It's an effective way to remember to RC more often and get into the habit of it.

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That may not be a good approach in the long term, but in the short term it's a good way to help you work towards the habit of regularly asking "Am I dreaming" and RCing.

I have developed the habit of RCing whenever I use stairs. I did this by placing an object (my keys) on the bottom step. When I climbed the stairs I would take my keys to the top and put them on the top step. Then, when I went down the stairs I would see my keys, remember to RC and then take them down and put them on the bottom step. Now I don't need to do the thing with the keys - I will automatically remember to RC when I use stairs.

Like with the stairs example, RC's are more readily remembered when you associate them with a daily activity. Whenever having a meal, just pause and take 3 deep breaths before eating. If done slowly and deeply enough - it's a good 30 seconds or more where you can center your thoughts and just be aware of yourself and surroundings. After the 3 breaths, look at your hands / whatever RC you prefer - and you might find you do it with more sincerity & awareness after the 30 seconds of deep, aware breathing.

Lol. Of course, if you're at the dinner table with other people...

The most effect way i find is after i meditate. also i try to do at least one every hour, over time you will get i the habit of doing it. the only thing is that you truly have to question your surroundings not just asking quick questions.