Chill Out, Tense Up

**sylarcookie** · 01-26-2012 08:53 AM

So, after conquering a few silly fears I had in relation to hypnagogic hallucinations, this morning I think I may have successfully achieved my first WILD/MILD, though it's all a bit vague. Over the past fortnight I have made a few observations when it comes to lucid dreaming and myself, if anybody cares to know about this or possibly learn from my insight. Though this is all extremely subjective, newbies would probably care to pay attention to this particular bit: for the longest time I was quite simply trying too hard. I found that the moment I sat back and just let things happen, and stopped caring about whether they did or not, I started to achieve goals I had set out to achieve for some time. It probably all depends on the sort of person you are, but I figured if the insight helped me, it may help others.

Now, onto a few concerns. After doing my WBTB, I lie down and relax. I do this in a myriad of ways, and all have worked to degrees. Letting my mind wonder, exhaling concerns and inhaling positive points, etc... However, I have noticed that even though I am simply lying there, letting things happen, I continually realise that without even worrying about something, my body has become tense, and so I find myself constantly releasing my tight muscles when I become aware of them being tense. The answer to this is probably common sense, I bet it's that I'm not relaxed enough. So, my question is, is it normal to tense up in this way when WILDing, or do I need to practice more?

And another vague question to throw in there: I wear a sleeping mask, and so I am unable to do visual reality checks between sleep cycles if I choose to do so, and especially this morning, when I had a false alarm prior to my success. I am aware of the nose check, but is there anything else I might try? I am concerned that pinching myself or something might wake me up/cause pain in the dream realm because I expect it. Though I bet there are no 100% foolproof checks!

**Arch** · 01-26-2012 12:56 PM

Firstly remember the aim for a WILD is to fall asleep, if you are too aware then your not going to get anywhere, which you probably realise.
I have also experienced the tensing thing, maybe not all over my body, but I certainly has massive tension in one of my calf muscles once.
I've also found in these situations I just lay in my normal sleeping position (on my left side) and I no longer feel any discomfort.

I am aware of the nose check, but is there anything else I might try?

Try pushing your finger through your palm!
Nothings full proof, but that one works best for me.

Good luck!

**sanctum** · 01-27-2012 01:21 AM

As Arch said, the goal of WILDing is to fall asleep to some degree, and you have to be comfortable. A lot of guides say you have to be lying on your back to WILD, but that's not true -- all my WILDs, besides one, have been on my side, the most comfortable position for me. If you don't feel the tightness when you're initially falling asleep, then you're probably doing something different about your position. Just be as comfortable as possible, and then you'll relax. The guides also say you shouldn't move at all. Generally that's true, but sometimes if my hand is pinned or something I can move it without too much consequence. It may set back SP a little, but the less you think about moving, the less it'll affect your sleep. So if you find that you're being too tense, you can try to shift a little.

**sylarcookie** · 01-27-2012 07:28 AM

Well, I am comfortable, for the most part, that's the problem. I've tried lying on my left side, my back, my right side, even face down to some degree (this works for me when I am stressed for some reason), and in each and every position I find this tenseness occurs. It's not so difficult for me not to move, however I find that if I focus on my thoughts to distract myself from my physical body I keep myself awake, and if I focus on my breathing but not my thoughts I notice itchiness, so at the moment I'm trying to find a happy medium, which I'm sure I'll get to eventually.

Thank you both for your input