Lucid dreaming, in which the dreamer is able to recognize that they are in a dream state and are thus capable of being fully aware of and in control of their dream state, is a practice that generally takes a long time to develop. However, many people want to know how to lucid dream tonight. Generally, if people want to learn how to develop their lucid dreaming skills, I recommend that they start out trying to improve their dream recall and vivid dream frequency, start keeping a dream journal, and begin performing reality checks during their every day life. I also might recommend that individuals start taking a supplement such as celastrus seeds or blue vervain to increase vivid dreaming and dream recall. These practices will help you to develop a strong foundation for lucid dreaming work, and are the most effective methods in the long run, but it may take up to a month or two for the dreamer to achieve lucidity in the dream state.
Fortunately, it is possible to answer the question of how to lucid dream tonight! If you are thinking, “How do I lucid dream tonight?” and are just interested in trying the experience out and have never had a lucid dream before, there are a few ways in which you can discover how to lucid dream for the first time! Your lucid dream may not be as long or as easy to control as lucid dreams that one might have after building a solid dream work foundation, but you can absolutely have the experience of lucid dreaming with very little effort.
One technique that can be used if you want to know how to lucid dream tonight is known as reality checking. I like to reality check by looking at the time on my cell phone. To prepare yourself to do this, start making a mental note that you are going to check the time when you’re dreaming and do this throughout the rest of the day, more frequently as you are getting ready to go to sleep. The earlier in the day you start doing this, the better. This will act as a reminder to you in the dream state. Keep reminding yourself that you are going to check the time consciously in your dreams as you go to sleep. Take long, deep breaths and keep this goal in mind single-pointedly as you fall asleep. If you manage to remember to check the time in the dream state, you will most likely notice that the time you see does not make sense. Often, I will look at my phone in a dream at it will say something like 32:87, or the time will not agree with the actual time of day it appears to be in the dream. By noticing these things, I will know immediately that I am dreaming and will achieve lucidity.
Another technique that can be used if you want to know how to lucid dream tonight easy is known as WILD, or Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming. This technique involves paying attention to the images which will start to appear behind your eyelids as abstract shapes as you are falling in to the sleep state. Don’t try to control these images, just pay attention to them. Some individuals are able to jump straight in to lucid dreaming by using this technique of maintaining awareness as the mind enters the dream state. This won’t work for everyone but you can combine it with other techniques, and it is definitely worth a shot! This is particularly effective if you have woken up during the night to go to the bathroom or something of that sort and are then going back to sleep, as you are bound to enter the dream state much more quickly at this point. As you fall back asleep, try repeating an intention like, “I want to lucid dream tonight”, and with luck you should shortly find that you’ve fallen into a lucid dream!
Finally, if you want to figure out how to have a lucid dream tonight, my number one recommendation would be to try working with some dream herbs. When I first became interested in lucid dreaming, I decided to purchase some Calea zacatechichi extract from a big online vendor. I smoked this just before going to bed, having never done any lucid dreaming work before in my life, and that morning I experienced my first lucid dream. I was in complete control of everything in the dream, and was able to remember every detail. Now that I have been working with dreaming for a long time, it is not necessary for me to work with a dream herb to experience lucid dreams, but they are definitely a huge help, especially if you have never had a lucid dream before and are looking to try the experience out before you devote a great deal of time to the process.
The herbs that I would recommend most to those people who want to know how to lucid dream tonight would be Calea zacatechichi, Silene capensis, and Entada rheedii. These herbs seem to produce very dramatic effects that are incredibly noticeable even the first time you work with them. Many of the other dreaming herbs that I describe here on the site work more slowly, producing effects on the brain and the lucid dreaming process over long periods of time, or have more subtle effects that may only be noticeable to individuals who have been doing dream work for a long period of time.
So, if you want to know how to lucid dream tonight, try out one of the herbs I mentioned above, remind yourself to check the time in your dreams, and try to pay attention to those images behind your eyelids as you drift off to sleep. I can’t guarantee that every individual will experience a lucid dream immediately using these techniques, of course, but these are the best ideas I can recommend for those who want to try out this amazing experience as soon as possible! Good luck, and leave a comment if you manage to have a lucid dream for the first time with these techniques! I’d be excited to read about some of your experiences!
Hi, I’m Grace and I’m 10. I don’t know why but when I was a child I never had lucid dreams (and I still am a child).
But tonight I had at least 3 dreams where I told myself I was dreaming, and I didn’t become lucid. Nothing happened or became detailed like they tell you. I’m just confused right now. Please help!
-Grace
Hi, I have been interested in lucid dreaming for about a month. I’M a little scared of doing it now because things had gone terribly wrong when I tried it before. I got the clarity part but I just can’t seem to get full control. I know I’m lucid dreaming but I still can’t control my dream as much as I would like too. I suppose I am a semi-lucid dreamer. Any tips…please respond.
Hello, im 14 years old. Im extremely interested in the dream world, but have yet to lucid dream. I am attemting to LD tonight. Came you give me a basic idea on what I should do before bed. Like when should I wake up, how long should I stay awake for. And just stuff like that. Thanks!
Hi! I know this article may be pretty old, but I need to explain my one time lucid dream. last year I was only 11. I found out about lucid dreaming through my 16 year old sister and immediately became interested. I spent all of my summer vacation and even before that doing reality checks, all that. I must have web doing something wrong then, because it was only about the last month of summer that I got my first lucid dream. It was very very short and I became lucid by telling myself “hey I’m dreaming!” but then shortly after that it somehow turned back into a regular dream. I am now 12 almost 13 and a few weeks ago got back into the habit of reality checks and lucidity. just last night I set my alarm clock to 4:00am for the “WILD” teqnique. I must have been tired because I did one reality check, told myself I would have a lucid dream tonight, and fell back into a “dreamless state” as I should say considering I couldn’t remember ANY of my dreams that following morning. (I have a very good dream recall). My summer vacation officially started a week ago and I’m using today as a day full of thinking about lucid dreaming, and lucid dreaming only. I find meditation a key term as well as just looking at your hand for a few moments questioning yourself “am I dreaming?”. This is a very successful reality check. Would you please give me a few pointers on having an even stronger chance of having one tonight? (I’m not allowed the herbs and I don’t want to smoke anything >.<) thanks! -Kayla
Hello! I am really interested in lucid dreaming, as well as dreaming in general. Well anyway, one time i drank an energy drink (Monster) and then fell asleep a few hours later in science class. I was only asleep for like 10 minutes, but i had the most vivid dream of my life. Do you think the energy drink caused this? If so, would it be healthy to try and drink one and then fall asleep? I feel like it wouldn’t be a very well rested night..
Is it possible that if you are lucid dreaming next to a person or are really close to a person, to pull them into your dream? Thus both people experience the same dream?
I haven’t heard of this actually happening, but would love to hear if anyone has been able to make this a reality.
Hi my name is jay and i have been able to lucid dream on and off ever since i was a small child. I never knew what these dreams were or meant, but i’ve always knew that i was dreaming and that i was vividly aware of myself and my surroundings. I could fly and also start running and then running would turn into incredibly long strides and then i would leap incredibly far and high into the air and back down again for another jump! I would be able to walk on walls and do
many other reality-difying things, except control my dream word. How can i control it? Oh, and on more thing, i recently had a dream that i was watching myself sleep! I was completly lucid and everything in my room in the dream looked exremely vivid and exactly like it does in reality, including myself! Could this be another form of lucid dreaming? Thanks for your time!
-Jay
I’m trying the blob one tonight , but I have a question . If I ever get to lucid dream will I feel tired (as if I didn’t sleep ) in the mornings?
Dear Cristina,
Some people report feeling more tired in the mornings. Others do not. Let us know what you experience!
Happy Dreaming!
Do binaural beats work?
I’ve had great results with binaural beats – give them a try and let us know what you think. You should be able to find an app that will allow you to try them for free!
I’ve done this a few times, and its amazing! But, it was totally random and only lasted a very short time…
And also, you can actually benefit largely from lucid dreaming if you are looking for an answer to something. If you find yourself lucid dreaming, you can tell yourself the answer will be somewhere, go there in your dream, and you might find the answer!:)
One other question. Lets say you create a world of stuff you like in a dream. Could you go back to the dream and see it again to continue adding stuff to your world when you go back to sleep?
I have heard that this is possible, but it would require a lot of awareness and consistency in lucidity, I imagine.
Happy Dreaming!
I’ve been on youtube and listened to 1 hour long videos that supposedly make you go to sleep faster and lucid dream. I have gone to sleep faster but I am closer to lucid dreaming. Do these videos work?
I’ve never viewed these sorts of videos. If you feel like it’s working, though, it probably is. Can you send me a link?
Happy dreaming!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfUh5v8V0F0
Heres the link. It happened once to me I slept so easy and then woke up when it finished. Some of these videos are 1:30:00 long. and longer.
Thanks Matt!
Happy Dreaming 🙂
Sorry, I feel like i’m bugging you with all my questions. 🙂
Anyways, this will be pretty long, so sorry again. Haha.:
• If I get a little more advanced and begin Lucid Dreaming more and more, will I be able to do things that I’ve imagined I could do? Like, I want to Shape-shift into other animals or even conjure up animals or things like dragons. Fly with Iron Man? Raise and fly on dragons? Become the Queen of my own Kingdom with pet dinosaurs and such?
• Can I bring my celebrity crush voluntarily into my dream? I want to talk to Mr. Tom Hiddleston, and pour out all my feelings to him, so I know that I have someone to talk to?
Sorry again for the length of the message, I just really want to know. I’m insanely interested in Lucid Dreaming, and want to finally take control over my dreams. ^-^
Not at all Cheyanne 🙂
Short answer, yes. When Lucid Dreaming, you can do virtually anything you want. It is your dream state and you can control it.
Let me know how it goes with Tom 😉
Happy Dreaming!!
Hello there!
I am a new dreamer, 14, and I’ve never had a lucid dream before. I don’t think I have. One time, I had to wake up for school but was so tired that I fell asleep again, listening to music. Usually, I make up little mind scenarios, or as I call them, ‘mind music-videos,’ and I dozed into a light sleep. I began dreaming! I could still hear the song that was playing, but I had my ‘dream-body’ and was actually playing out the mind music-video I had created for the song! Was that a type of lucid dream? Also, I want to know if there are ways to help start lucid dreaming without doing a dream journal, because I either forget or don’t have enough time to do it. I really want to lucid dream, I mean, a dream about saving the world with The Avengers would be pretty freaking awesome, right? XD Or hanging out with my celebrity crush, or even living out some of my favorite fantasies.(; Haha, but really. Is there A way that I can lucid dream without doing a dream journal? I’m going to start doing the reality checks and try to set the alarm, but I don’t think my sister would appreciate that one. C: Please help, and thanks for your time!
<3
Hi Cheyanne,
If you were aware that you were dreaming in your music-video experience, and were totally in control of the dream, then yes, it was lucid! 🙂 I find that it is easiest to go into a lucid dream by going back to sleep after waking up in the morning!
You certainly don’t have to use a dream journal. It’s very helpful for learning to remember and pay attention to dreams, but it is possible to learn to lucid dream without it by simply using reality checks and waking up at certain times. Give it a try and let us know when you succeed in becoming lucid in dreams.
Happy Dreaming!
Hi again. 🙂
I am sorry if I am bothering you, but I have one more question. By your Lucid Dreaming experiences, which technique ( WILD, MILD, Etc..) do you find best to use? Today, I woke up at 6:30, about an hour earlier than I usually do, went out to do an errand for about an hour and a half, came back and went to bed. I repeatedly told myself that I was going to have a Lucid Dream, or said, ‘The next time I dream, I will know I am dreaming.’ It didn’t do anything, I didn’t even remember my dream! D: I know Lucid Dreaming is one of those things that take time, but my music-video experience seemed so cool, that I wanted to do it again. I’m beginning to become frustrated because I’ve tried doing the alarm clock technique for about 1 month, and a few other techniques. About 5 months in total. Is there anything that I can take before bed, like drink milk or something? Thanks again.
🙂
Hey Cheyanne,
You’re not bothering me at all. That’s why I’m here 🙂
As far as the “best” technique is concerned, that really depends on the individual. I have used different techniques over the years and succeeded and failed with pretty much all of them. Although I have been able to do this since a pretty young age, it is never automatic for me. I understand how you might get frustrated. That said Cheyanne, keep trying.
Have you tried any dreaming herbs? I would recommend Calea or Silene. Shamansgarden.com is a great resource for this: http://shamansgarden.com/c-25-dreaming-herbs.aspx?showproducts=true
Also, look to the Lucidity Institute for more resources. Here’s the link to a great article listing common causes for failing to lucid dream: http://www.lucidity.com/NL62.FoolsGuide.html
Hope this helps you on your way and keep me posted!
Happy Dreaming 🙂
Also, I had a strange experience once, that i clearly remember. It was a dream about shifting through realms of inception. I knew I was dreaming, but only when I had a dream inside a dream. I was being pursued by a man who knew how to dream shift very well. I could will myself to move between different scenery/worlds. It was very interesting. Is this just an odd dream or a lucid one?
Hmm…I’ve had dreams like that, as well. That’s a good sign – you are approaching full lucidity – but I suppose it wouldn’t be considered fully lucid, as you were still not aware that the entire experience was a dream. Still, very interesting, and definitely a step in the right direction! 🙂
Happy Dreaming!
Hello everyone. It’s nice to talk with others who are interested in self awareness and lucid dreaming. I’m 15 years old, and i have an iq of 132 ( i dont want to sound elitist). I have a very good memory that allows me to vividly remember not only sights but sounds, intonation of sounds, smells, and overall sensory experiences. I remember dreams from when i was a small child in great detail. I also have experienced premonitions. For example, last night I dreamt that I found the jacket that has been lost for two weeks. Then, today, I found the jacket at school under an old table. Or, once, I dreamt about making the “A” I wanted so badly in algebra, and I dreamt about the circumstances of getting that “A” and the next day everything came true. I have had maybe one to three lucid dreams, but they were short and usually occurred during nightmares when the fright made me so desperate that I forced myself to consciously wake up. I am interested in controlled, extended lucid dreams. I already practice meditation, and I sometimes slip between dreams and reality as I fall asleep. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best method to induce lucid dreams?? Thank you 🙂
Oh, and I know that I need to keep a dream journal and practice reality checks. I just want to know what techniques will produce the most clear and controlled lucid dreams. Thanks again.
Hi Sam!
Honestly, as long as you are keeping a dream journal and doing reality checks, etc., the best way to induce long lasting states of lucidity in dream is to keep practicing. It sounds like you’re doing great for 15 and that you have a very balanced, flexible consciousness. So, keep up the good work and keep practicing!
A tip that my teacher suggested – during the day, when you are walking about, in school, etc., try to remain conscious that this experience, too, is a projection of your consciousness, just like dreaming. By being more aware of the dream-like nature of reality, it becomes easier to become lucid in dreams. 🙂
Hope this helps!
Hi Sam, I was reading your reply and I can say that I too have premonitions frequently. I am 13 years old, and I have been having them for as long as I can remember so about a year ago I began to work on controlling this ability to use it to my advantage. Now I can use my dreaming ability so I can induce premonitions through my dreams which helps me out a lot. I made an earlier reply about this and I too am trying to lucid dream. But I was wondering if you could tell me more about your premonitions because so far you are the first other person except for myself that I know has this ability. Thanks 🙂
Hi my name is Amber and i’m 13. I know many people will not believe me when I say this but I have the power to see things that will happen in the future through my dreams. I often get a message through a dream about something that will happen to me or someone I know a while before it happens, usually they are small things but every now and then I can predict something important. For example, I can predict what shirt someone I barely know will wear on a specific day (that is a small example) or what school sports team someone will join this year long before they have even decided or thought about it themselves. I have heard that people think they can see the future in a dream, and think it actually comes true because they are subconsciously taking the steps required to reach that prediction, but this is nothing like that, I can literally know what will happen. This ability is incredibly valuable to me for times when for example I am studying for a test and I get a dream about the questions on the test. I already have a well developed ability to remember my dreams, and I want to take them to the next step: lucid dreaming. I have had a few small lucid dreams, but I want the real thing so I was wondering if you could provide me with a few tips to experience one soon. Also, please let me know if you have ever heard of anyone else with this ability, or have experienced one of these dreams yourself. ALso, I can remember the dreams for several years. I can still remember almost perfectly dreams I had when I was about 6 or 7, but only some dreams. Thank you for writing this great article.
Hi Amber,
First off, let me say your situation is unique and quite impressive. To be this aware of your abilities at such an age…so much ahead of you 🙂
As far as dreaming tips, there are many mentioned in the article above as well as the comments. Try a few techniques out, see how they hold up, and take what works. Some of the first things I did in pursuit of lucid dreaming were reality checks and dream journaling. Both of these techniques helped me to root my dreams in practice.
Hope this helps. Keep it up Amber and you will get there soon!
So tonight I want to start lucid dreaming but I’m a little scared that the more I do this the more it will mix into reality. What is the best failsafe for this?
-Riley
Hi Riley!
This is not something that folks normally report. The best way to avoid such a thing happening is simply not to be concerned about it. 🙂 Dream journaling is a great way to set a boundary between your dreams and waking state, as well!
Happy dreaming!
Hi again. I am on the high school swimming team and I was wondering if sports affect lucid dreaming. I m still trying but I haven’t gotten it yet. I calm my self before sleeping and did what you said with the subtle energies. I’ve been close but I can’t quite make it. Do you have any other suggestions. And I still keep on trying the other ones you suggested. Thanks in advance.
Hi Matt!
I’m not sure if sports can affect lucid dreaming – I find regular exercise to be generally helpful in increasing restful sleep. Perhaps try including a relaxing tea such as chamomile to your before-sleep routine. The most important thing, though, is to not get discouraged. Consistently reaffirm with yourself that you WILL learn to lucid dream, no matter how long it takes. I’m still working towards lucidity. It has taken many months, and I am now able to achieve lucidity in dreams once or twice a week. You’ll make it. 🙂
Happy dreaming!
Ok. Good. Ive also been rying to sleep easier. Luckily my mom has some of the tea. Thanks so much.
Hi , my name is Marvin and im 15. Ive been researching lucid dreaming for a couple of weeks now, ive tryed it before and it kinda worked. But I like wasnt aware that i was dreaming. I would really liie to start practicing this skill. Whats the first step I should take?
Hi Marvin!
I recommend starting a dream journal, and practicing reality checks (like seeing if you can read text) during the day. Then, you are more likely to remember your dreams, and more likely to realize when you are dreaming.
Happy dreams!
Hi, could you possibly tell me what this dream means? I was hacking a lucid dream (my first and only so far), and while I was in the dream, I felt incredibly anxious. All I wanted to do was wake up, but I couldn’t. This happened maybe 5 months ago, and now I want to try having them again. I’m scared that another dream of that kind will happen again.. Any advice on what to do to prevent that from happening?
Thanks,
Goldie
Dear Goldie,
If you are feeling anxious when working with astral projection, I recommend imagining yourself surrounded by protective deities (goddesses, angels, whatever speaks to you from your tradition) and/or by a shield of flames in your favorite color. This may help you feel more calm and protected in the dream state.
Happy dreaming!
OK. Every night, I tell myself that I will remember to do reality checks but I keep forgetting. Is there a way to keep a habit? I keep a dream journal by the way. My dream sign are people that I know from school. I need help to get a habit in getting reality checks. Please help!!! Thanks in advance.
No tricks here Matt; just practice, practice, practice. Maybe keep your cellphone or clock on a night stand next to your dream journal. And as the article says, make sure to do random time checks through out the day to start getting the habit down. If you keep doing this day after day it is only a matter of time. Best of luck and happy dreaming 🙂
I feel like I’m asking too many questions. Sorry. When I begin to drift off into my sleep and close my eyes, it’s dark and i start seeing red, and green blobs just coming and going make a pattern and it instantly goes away. If you know what im talking about do you know what it is and is it part of becoming lucid? I usually pay attention to those things.
No such thing as too many questions. 🙂 Those lights are sometimes said to be movements of subtle energies. Just be aware of them and don’t try too hard to look at them – if you are able to observe them calmly, you will become lucid in dreaming more easily!
Good luck!
Thanks so much. Im not there yet but I am able to remember my dreams better. Do reality checks work?
I certainly find that they do, Matt! It’s been one of the most valuable tools for me to work towards achieving lucidity. Give it a try and see what you think!
(Continuation) and I want to prove that one can control their dreams
Hey Matt!
13 and pursuing Lucid Dreaming?!? You are far beyond where I was at your age.
First off, you can control your dreams with proper practice and patience.
Secondly, I would usually recommend herbal supplements to aid in your dream activity and recall, but due to your age, I’m going to pass on that for now. Below is a link to a prior article on increasing dreams (and an embedded link within that article on remembering your dreams.) Both of these things must happen first.
I’ve also attached a link to a YouTube video concerning lucid dreams. Its short, simple, and to the point.
Put in the work, and you will be lucidly dreaming in no time. Keep us posted!
http://dreamherbs.com/helpful-articles/increase-in-dreams/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kJ5-ad5Mvk
Hi. I’m Matt and Im just starting High school and I’m 13. I’ve been researching about lucid dreaming for about 3 weeks now. Im pretty sure I’ve lucid dreamed before but I don’t remember. I always think of what to dream before sleeping and I lay down on my bed very still trying not to open my eyes. As I feel really tired, I feel my eyes moving around my eyelids and I always open them after wards. I’ve tried everything I research on the internet but I always end up not having dreams or not remembering.
Could you help me Please? I really want to try this and
hi my name is sandy i am 13 years old and i have been looking at lucid dreams for a couple of days and i am excited. i wanted your help by asking you if this thinks are the correct way of having a lucid dream:
1. repeat throughout the day reality checks.
2. have a drink of orange/water before bed.
3.set your alarm to wake you up 4 or 5hours after you sleep.(cause thats when REM will start around.)
4. make sure you have your dream journal next to you and that you have been reading and fousing on lucid dreaming before you go to bed.
5. go into bed and get confortbale.
6. you can tell yourself a couple of stuff like “i will have a lucid dream tonight and then write it in my dream journal” or something like “i will look at my hand when i sleep” or even “am i dreaming or awake”.
And i think thats it can you please tell me if i have forgoten something.
Thank You 🙂
Hi Sandy,
13 years old and already looking into Lucid Dreams? You are far ahead of your peers Sandy.
As for your breakdown, it all looks good. The one step I would skip is the drinking of water or orange juice before bed. The last thing you would want is to wake from a Lucid Dream because you need to go to the bathroom.
Here’s a link to a site that has tons of tips on Lucid Dreaming: http://www.wikihow.com/Lucid-Dream
Happy Dreaming Sadie, and please let us know how it works out for you 🙂
Hi, I’ve been trying to lucid dream for about a week now, I know that you have to be patient and everything. but is there any type of way to speed up the process a little? I have a dream journal too, So I guess that is helping.
Thanks for replying 🙂
-Elias
Have you tried any herbal supplements or diet? I would recommend Valerian Root or Calea Zacatechihi tea before bed, for starters. YOu cna find quality supplements here: http://www.iamshaman.com/eshop/10Browse.asp?Search=Dream%20Herb
Hi, I saw a picture on lucid dreaming, and it said put your arms on your sides and ignore all impulses, like itching, wanting to move, opening the eyes and stuff, I lay down for about 10 minutes my body gets heavy but when I open my eyes I’m wide awake? like at times I think I twitch so i don’t know, HELP
Dear Ronnie,
I would recommend trying to relax and not worry so much about ignoring impulses. Just focus on your breathing, allow impulses to pass if you can, or give in to them and then return to your focus directly afterwards. I find that focusing on the heart or the throat center while falling asleep is particularly beneficial for lucid dream work.
Good luck!
Excuse me, I don’t mean to be rude or anything but how does the time like 15:57 not make sense? It’s 4:57 in 24 hour format. Anyway I have had three lucid dreams, one using the WBTS method (Wake Back To Sleep). I think you should check it out as it really helps me with lucid dreams.
-Chris
Dear Chris,
Thanks for pointing this out! I’m going to make an edit so this makes more sense – you caught our bias as non-military Americans who are not used to the 24 hour format.
I’ve also had great results with the Wake Back to Sleep method, especially in conjunction with Calea zacatechichi!
Hello there,
What is your take on masturbation/sex and lucid dreaming? I have heard regular masturbation can lead to infrequent lucid dreams. Is this just a placebo? I have been inducing lucid dreams for almost a year, now
Cheers.
Hey Jeremy,
Between my own experience and all the literature out there I don’t think masturbating (or not masturbating) has any effect on lucid dreams. And if you’re been inducing lucid dreams for a year now, just keep doing what you’re doing.
Great question!
Namaste 🙂
hey please help me: i go to bed and i try to focus on the shapes, but for some reason my eyelids always crack open a little and i can’t get back in a relaxed feeling. earlier, i got really deep and kind of felt like i was on a roller coaster! i felt like i was part of my mind and i had the strange feeling that i wanted to drift off to the side of my mind! please explain! was i close to a lucid dream? how come i dont seem tired after i try this technique? also, when i wake up i feel like i never went to bed and i dont recall any of my dreams? oh and also, ive been acting weird lately, ive been extremely grouchy and ive been so tired but when i go to bed, i dont feel i did, please help me!
Kegan,
Whew; that’s a lot going on! In all honesty, I wouldn’t know where to begin to offer you something useful, partly because I would need a lot more details on what you’re trying to explain. Preparing for sleep, and especially working towards lucid dreaming is a very intensive process that requires patience and discipline. Following all the steps we outline is a process that can take weeks and sometimes months. Part of that process is documenting simple things like the food you ate and how much time passed after you ate and went to bed. It also involves developing, through your Dream Journal, a clear picture on what happened in your day that made it difficult to sleep, or what food you ate, or what drinks you drank that may reveal themselves as you look at your Dream Journal, and so on.
For me, I realized that I can’t eat protein within 2 hours of going to sleep. It not only makes me fidgety, but I often wake up after a few hours of sleep feeling like I just drank a pot of coffee. This I discovered through looking at my dream journal entries over the course of a few weeks. Within that few weeks, I also found music that helped lull me to sleep, so I’d simply put on my iPod and something like Anugama with unobtrusive earbuds. These are all things I discovered through my Dream journal that helped me identify why I was having difficulty sleeping or dreaming or getting close to lucid dreaming.
Perhaps if you do the same, you will discover what it is that most helps you to get to sleep and have a restful sleep. To me, that’s a great place to start. Once you discover that, then you can move onto which herbs, what music, or what products (like the Nova Dreamer) help you to recall your dreams. The more you can recall your dreams, the more you will remember to recall your dreams. And, the more you remember, the more the thought “I wonder if I’m dreaming” will enter your sleeping mind, waking you up to a lucid dream!
Happy Dreaming,
Keith