Just can't attain lucidity!

[fearcandy64]

Since discovering LD four years ago, I still haven't had (as far as I can remember) a LD. I have tried a number of techniques, but feel that WILD is probably the best for me as I have a good imagination. My current routine is keeping a dream journal, logging waking times, dream specifics, level of vividness etc. for which I have good recall ability. I do two reality checks at any one time, recently either when I am attracted to someone or when I sense something unusual (two common dream themes). I conclude with "Remember I'm dreaming, remember my dreams", which I try and feel deep down. I meditate daily, so I like to think my focus is pretty decent. I am not a stressful person. I have a regular sleep pattern, 23:00-7:00. I have been practicing WILD for some time, waking at 5 hours in for 45mins, I usually read or something but this can make me drowsy. I can then get to the state where I am dropping off relaxed and can visualise, sense touch and all that when I really try, but my mind often ends up wandering and I ALWAYS fall asleep. This is quite a negative state to get in because I half believe now that I am not capable even though I know that isn't true. I sometimes loose heart, but I still keep at it. Any help would be great, thank you! *I am going to have a blast at DEILD... I have a habit of needing to pee whenever I wake up though!

[dolphin]

I agree DEILD would be right for you. Do you only notice one awakening a night? Sleeping 8 hours, you should be able to notice at least 3-4 awakenings per night. If you empty your bladder during the first awakening, then you should have several more attempts at DEILD per night where having to pee wouldn't be a problem.

[ThreeCat]

You might also give Michael Raduga's techniques a try. They are essentially DEILD techniques and can be found in his free online book, The Phase.

[fearcandy64]

I agree DEILD would be right for you. Do you only notice one awakening a night? Sleeping 8 hours, you should be able to notice at least 3-4 awakenings per night. If you empty your bladder during the first awakening, then you should have several more attempts at DEILD per night where having to pee wouldn't be a problem. Last night I noticed I woke naturally after about 5 hours (probably a habit now) and then I managed to notice myself wake a few times after, although I did move a bit on waking. I will try again tonight, it is nice not having to wake myself up in the dead of night for a change! You might also give Michael Raduga's techniques a try. They are essentially DEILD techniques and can be found in his free online book, The Phase. I will have a look, cheers!

[Spock]

To add to what dolphin said - you might want to practice noticing more micro-awakenings (for DEILDs and WILDs, but also to improve recall too). Other small hacks that are very important for people like me and you that "ALWAYS fall asleep" (well, nearly always): 1. RC (and practice awareness) at each awakening. This mainly helps to spot FAs that are a common side effect of WILDing 2. RC (and practice awareness) if you feel like you can't fall back asleep after WILDing - sometimes the transition is very short, so this actually might be a dream (Just so you know I don't believe that there are people incapable of LDing. Even people who already had LDs (like me) tend sometimes start to think that they forgot how to LD and lost the ability. It happened to me too, but then I realize that my mindset is the problem and just relax, and LDs usually follow. One of the most important things is to have positive expectations and to not over-stress!)