Milestone: Reached 1000 LDs!

[Cobalt Storm]

It's been about 5 1/2 years since I first learned about lucid dreaming, and it has been an interesting ride. The 1000th LD was just a plain-old Layer 1 quickie--just barely lucid, and only lasting a few seconds. per month^ The most major problem for years was forming a solid, consistent strategy. First, there was this long period where I would use one, maybe two basic stabilization tactics if I remembered them, and then went for my shapeshifting-related goals. Sometimes I could get a couple minutes of lucidity. The majority of the time, they lasted less than 30 seconds. Despite this, I continued striving for only my goals for around 18 months. After that period of time, I got sick for 10 days, which set me back. It is my biggest drop-off in LD frequency up to the present day--46 LDs one month, and 7 the next. So, this suddenly became the biggest problem. Over the following 12 or so months, I switched my priority from in-dream goals to getting my rates back up to the 20-40/month range. My efforts were unsuccessful. Over the course of 2016, I continued to experiment with induction techniques, trying to find something that produced consistent results. As for in-dream stuff, I had the idea to use certain phrases to increase lucidity once I became lucid. Again, unsuccessful. Problem: Cannot find consistent strategy for either induction, nor lucidity increase. Forgot stabilization techs. At this point, I shifted my priorities to this: Achieve minimum specifications for a lucid dream before doing my in-dream objectives. (Those minimum specs are lucidity Layer 3, and the surroundings feel real/look solid.) In September 2016, I thought, 'Hey, all these different phrases I've using haven't worked. What if I combine them into one scripted routine?' On September 27, I performed this new routine (that I dubbed simply, "The Procedure", later "Procedure M1") in a dream that I became lucid in via RC. BAM. Suddenly, I was at Layer 3. Variations of the Procedure have often produced desired results since. Stability was still an issue, however. Problem: Cannot find consistent strategy for induction. Forgot stabilization techs. During the following months, I used the Procedure as much as I could whenever I became lucid. I experimented, but didn't put much thought to stability. Despite this, I've had a number of lucid dreams that have lasted over 10 minutes due to the Procedure; before, I wasn't getting anywhere near that. Then comes June 10, 2017. Coming off a long dry spell (according to my standards) of 17 days, I figured, 'Hey, what about WBTB? I had a very success rate with it the few times I used it in the past...what if I use it every other night?' Next morning, BAM, LD from WBTB. 3 days later, another with WBTB, and another 2 days after that. Then, on June 27, I reinstated DEILD as a primary tech, used to fill the gaps between nights in which I use WBTB. The following weeks were incredibly dense with LDs, both minor and major, and I spent around 3-4 hours in lucid dreams during the following July. Fun fact: The DEILDs didn't really work much; it just helped to have a backup strat. Problem: Unreliable stabilization method. Now, I have incorporated basic stabilization techs, including but not limited to rubbing hands and spinning, into my Procedure M6(as in the 6th revision). I have tested it, and it seems to work. Now it comes to this: I have shifted my quality standards up again, and am going for the whole enchilada: Layer 4 Lucidity with a totally solid environment. I have added on some more stabilization prior to the Procedure, which I have dubbed "Initialization". This strategy has worked, and allows for me to perform the following Procedure in a relatively stable environment. I have developed the "Plan", which includes Initialization, 1st Procedure, 2nd Stabilization, 2nd Procedure, and 3rd Stabilization. In theory, the plan will result in reaching Layer 4 and well solidifying the environment, as long as those goals are remembered. I have yet to test this. I have developed the "Observing State," which involves observing sight, sound, and touch at the same time, with sight as the dominant sense. It is a WILD strategy that currently works best in non-WBTBs--and I am improving its efficiency (so I can properly relax) to include WBTBs. As a result of this effort towards WILD, DEILDs occasionally happen. I'm working towards being versatile enough to consistently have a high number of top-quality LDs when a good or regular sleep schedule isn't available. I'm balls-to-the-wall motivated, and several other major roadblocks(many not listed here) seem to have been overcome. I'd call that a great beginning. Hopefully I can put it all together before the start of the next lucid dreaming competition.

[dolphin]

Congrats on #1000 Jacob! I like how you keep statistics of your progress.

[NyxCC]

Way to go, Jacob! It has been an amazing journey!

[Cobalt Storm]

Thanks guys, you're awesome! I like how you keep statistics of your progress. It's one of my favorite parts. I also keep track of averages, time spent in LDs, number of occurrences of Layers, and even false awakenings.

[Lang]

Awesome!! Keep up the great work!!

[fogelbise]

I love the statistics, chart and description! Looking at your chart, it looks like we started our practices around the same time, you only 5 months before me. We have some similar experiences with the peaks and valleys of our progress. I keep less rigid statistics and it seems I also have less discipline in my practice (lately at least), based on what I am reading in your OP. If you are interested, I have a whole write up about my journey in the last link in my signature, but here's an excerpt regarding my stats: LD Count Total at each anniversary + the % increase to my rate of LDs: (Started my LD practice February 2013) 2/1/14 @103 LDs 2/1/15 @274 +66% rate of LDs by end of year two 2/1/16 @441 -2% temporary plateau through year three 2/1/17 @655 +28% improving LD rate again through year four 2018: I am trending towards another plateau (or valley actually) for this coming anniversary. I have been very undisciplined much of these past 12 months. I would love to read more about the details of this: "Plan", which includes Initialization, 1st Procedure, 2nd Stabilization, 2nd Procedure, and 3rd Stabilization. It might help me to get my discipline back. Thanks again for sharing!

[slash112]

This kind of progress is a great inspiration! Congrats on the milestone! I love the stats, you don't see that level of record keeping often. Pretty cool to see.

[Cobalt Storm]

I have a whole write up about my journey in the last link in my signature I enjoyed it. I noticed you use WBTB + SSILD + MILD, which is the exact same strategy I used a few months ago (and use today as a backup strat). It worked beautifully for me, and it seems it works for you as well. (Now my focus is on WILD and WBTB + WILD) I would love to read more about the details of this: It might help me to get my discipline back. I'll be happy to. The Plan consists of a group of scripted routines designed to maximize lucidity and stability. Initialization: Initial stabilization. I start with an RC, and immediately spin + rub hands. This gives me a quick overview of the surroundings. Next, I put emphasis on hearing ambience for the remainder of the section. After a few seconds of looking around, I spin again, giving another quick overview. Finally, I touch the surroundings and make out exact shapes--as in, looking intently at specific objects until their outlines and textures are no longer blurry. For this section, I only go for basic things like walls or trees. The purpose of Initialization is to provide a relatively stable environment in which to perform rest of the Plan. (I hate it when the scene decides to randomly fall apart on me) So it's RC > spin + hand-rub > notice ambience + spin > touch + exact shapes > RC Procedure M6 It begins with an RC, and immediately leads into this: 1. I'm dreaming, Stabilize increase lucidity. Everything around me is a dream. 2. [Name, Date of Birth, Home Address. Basically any important real-world information.] 3. My real body is asleep in bed. 4. I'm dreaming, so I can do anything. Understand the full implications of what is going on. 5. Stabilize with all the senses. Make it feel real, make it look solid. 6. [Objective] [Not used in first Procedure] Breakdown: An RC sets it in motion automatically, because I connect (1.) to any RC I make. Step 1 is the catalyst, and increases lucidity. Step 2 triggers memory. Step 3 triggers a different memory and an important realization. Step 4 continues that realization and further increases lucidity. Step 5 is a stability reminder. Step 6 is simply whatever the first objective is on a to-do list. Another thing: Making everything roll off the tongue makes things a lot easier. The first Procedure is enough to get me to Layer 3. 2nd Stabilization: Here, the only thing I do is notice ambience, touch the surroundings, and make out exact shapes, albeit with much more objects than just the basics. The goal with this is to achieve a level of stability that would be satisfactory on its own. 2nd Procedure: It's basically the same as before, but with elements repeated off-script for emphasis. "Everything around me is a dream" and "My real body is asleep in bed" are what I repeat the most. The idea is to place importance on maintaining awareness of myself and the dream--and making sure that memory and logic function properly. Also, I make sure that I understand what DCs are, and that I acknowledge sources of potential distraction as part of my dream. 3rd Stabilization: The Plan's finish. It's exactly the same as the 2nd Stabilization, but with again more objects and background elements. The goal here is to make the scene so well-established that, aside from holding my breath or opening my eyes, would take a substantial effort to wake from. I have yet to fully test this, but I have complete confidence that this will work if done properly. Lastly, I recently brought to light one of the main reasons most of my LDs are often so short--it's that I go on a sort of autopilot and get distracted. Now, I make sure to note every action before I take it. This I have tested, and it works.

[Saizaphod]

Awesome! Love the graph too! 7/17 must have felt so good haha. I have no idea where I am in LDs at the moment, maybe at 600 max. Still keeping a DJ everyday though If Spellbee would keep another comp you would knock it out of the park for sure.

[Hukif]

Grats Jacob, I remember when you first joined the forum. Sure is a good step forward, wish you the best of luck but know you will get there in no time at all!