Something that works for me

Hey people.
Now I'm not an advanced lucid dreamer and I've never had full control or vividness in my dreams. Most of the time when I realize I'm dreaming I don't get excited but I panic. I start to think "What the hell do I want to do in my dream?" then I usually just run around desperately trying to remember what it is I wanted to do. One of my first lucid dreams I panicked that much my reaction was to punch the first dream character I found who was actually a little old lady but if I remember right she was quite nasty so she probably deserved it :P

I've tried rubbing my hands together which sometimes brings things back but not for that long because I'm still panicking. About a month ago I came up with a new technique to help stabilize myself. Before bed or during the day I repeat to myself "This is just a dream. I AM in control. I AM safe"

The time came when in a dream I noticed I was dreaming. I could feel the panic set in and the dream started fading. I sat on the floor and rubbed my hands together. Everything was grey and I was sure I was gonna lose lucidity but I remembered what I said when I was awake and I whispered to myself "This is just a dream. I AM in control. I AM safe" until everything became vivid and I had the best and longest lucid dream to date. It was probably only 20 seconds long but other lucid dreams end within in a few seconds. I had managed to calm myself down which kept me focused.

Anyway that's just one thing that helps to to stay in the dream for longer and if there are any other people who find they instantly go into panic mode when lucid it might be a good idea to try something similar. :)

Yeah, I don't know about you, but when I panic,I don't punch little old ladies :P

Perhaps I should find myself a mantra like that. I haven't had enough lucid dreams to say that this is what I always do, but up until now I think I do that. Not knowing what to do in a dream that is not vivid at all. It is disappointing.

Thanks for sharing.