It seems to me that the time when I had the most success in lucid dreaming was back when I was starting out, just after I had taken in much of the basic knowledge of lucid dreaming. There was a brief period of much success, but then a steady slope downwards with peaks here and there, becoming less frequent. Since then I've found myself back to the occasional LD. I believe this early peak in the beginning was not only due to the enthusiasm of something new, but because I had the topic (and goal) of lucid dreaming on my mind almost all the time. During the day I'd print out articles and read them at lunch, at night I'd spend time on the forums. By the time I got to bed, this topic was still very active in my mind. Today, I have other thoughts which take precedence over this goal of attaining lucidity (as well as other interests). Still, I want to bring back that success I enjoyed so briefly at the onset of my lucid dreaming 'career'. I needed to find a way to get the topic flowing once again through my mind as often as possible. The following is a technique I came up with for myself to try and get the thought of dream or dreaming to surface during my waking life as often as possible. I call it the Knot n String Thing.

What makes the Knot n String Thing technique different from most other lucid dreaming techniques is that it's success relies on the subject initiating a dream thought (or reality check), rather than observing or waiting for a trigger to respond to. For example, if one were to take the classic technique of using a dreamsign and using it to trigger a reality check upon observing the sign in real life; one goes on throughout the days waiting for a particular dreamsign to appear. This is a great technique if one's dreamsign was as common or mundane as, say, a doorway. But, what if the dreamsign is less likely to be experienced in reality (in my case, tornados)? Even worse, something impossible; an imaginary creature or deceased relative.

On the other hand, the Knot n String Thing requires the 'trainee' to trigger a reality check (or dream-focused thought) on one's own, as many times throughout the day as possible. Now, I don't know much about the Dream Yogas, but I have heard that considering every waking life moment to be a dream itself is a technique. While I find that would be the ultimate in lucid dream training, I don't see how most of us could incorporate such a technique in our modern, busy, working lives. I believe this Knot n String technique uses the same concept, yet makes it easier for anyone to practice. Furthermore, it's as simple as tying a knot! So, without further adieu ...

The KNOT n STRING THING technique for lucid dreaming practice:

Matrials needed: String. Preferably thinner than yarn - yet thicker than sewing string. I've found a roll of white household string that often seen used for packaging that works great. Ultimately it's up to the trainee's own comfort.

String preparation: First you will need to cut sections of string into roughly 3-5 inch (7-12cm) lengths. Cut as many as you will need depending on how many days you will be trying the technique. You will need one string for each day (e.g. 2 weeks = 14 strings).

Objective: The main objective is to train yourself to make as many reality checks (or dream focused thoughts) during the day. However, these checks need to happen without any outside trigger or cue*! When you finally do have such a focused thought, you are to take your string and tie a knot it it. You will repeat this process for each separate occasion throughout the day. THAT'S IT! Now, purpose of the string is manyfold:
1) gives you an incentive or reason to surface a thought of dreaming. Think of it as a game.

2) provides a way to track your progress after each day by the number of knots you have tied. Each day is a new way to beat the previous "score".

3) as a forced reality check. Since tying a knot in a string is in itself an be a difficult task to perform in a dream, you would be very likely to become lucid if you were dreaming! Also, it forces you to look at your hands, which could make you become lucid since it's common to find extra fingers on your hand in a dream.

*you may only use the string as a cue or reminder should you happen to feel it when you put your hand in your pocket, or drop it, or see it.
Tips:
Try to spread out the frequency of your checks. For example, if you 'knot' a dream thought, then have another one within 5 or 10 minutes from then, it's likely you never did completely stop thinking about the Knot n String task. You need to give yourself time to 'reset' your frame of mind - then let the dream thought come up on it's own. You should have that "hmmm... I feel like I'm forgetting something... Oh, right!" feeling, rather than, "hmmm... now would be a good time to do a reality check". Eventually, you should find yourself in the middle of some mundane activity and feel the task 'pop' into your head (unexpectedly). When this happens you'll know that the thought is really in back of your mind, same place your consciousness will be when you're dreaming!

Try to start the knot so it ties on one end of the string, giving you plenty of space to make others next to it. This may take some practice.

Try to avoid tying one knot on top of another, sometimes it's hard to figure out if there's two or more knots in that same spot.



I had hoped to try the technique for a period of time myself before sharing it in hopes that I could have a testimonial for you, but unfortunately I haven't been able to stick to it for more than a few days at a time. I do hope someone out there with a little more time and determination will give it a good go and report back any successes.

Good luck!