I have heard something similair to that. If you start using a thing you see everyday, such as the sun, to symbolize dreaming, then in your dreams when you see the object, you will know your dreaming. So I don't see why your theory wouldn't work.
Thank you for your reply. I never knew I was dreaming once in my life in a dream. :(
Hey btw, NICE quote for your sig. Its funny[;)]
Make sure you associate the question with some physical action.
It's too easy to just repeat the test without paying attention to it and attention is why the trick works.
Try to push your finger through something or do something similar and remember to concentrate on performing the reality check.
2cents & L&L
jouni
I'm pretty sure it was in Astral Dynamics I read this, it's called doing Reality Checks. The two examples he gives to use are when you are going to the bathroom, and when you're drinking. Everytime you go pee, or drink something, don't just say 'Am I dreaming?' really think it, and really look around to check.
The reason behind it is when you're sleeping you at some point will have to go to the bathroom and most likely will be thirsty so your mind may incorporate this into the dream. I myself have not really stuck to the reality checks enough to know how well it works, but a friend of mine had success with doing those 2 reality checks.
Thanl you. I believe the book has them too.
I will do the two things you said. It is easy. Do I do that all day?
Every day all the time at random intervals.
The goal is to make the reality check into a habit that you'll eventually keep doing when you're asleep. If you do ti constantly and consciously you'll do it when you're asleep and realize you're able to do something that is not possinle in the real world and enable you to detect that you're in fact dreaming while being conscious of the fact.
2cents & L&L
jouni
So you want to get the two sayings into a habbit? Gotcha. That should take 1-4 days.
i dont ever recall having to drink or go to the bathroom in a dream. maybe the 30 minute check would more suit me.
but who knows, maybe i go to the bathroom or drink in the dreams i dont remember, so by doing those checks also i might be aware in those ones.
-Syke
the key is to really question reality. I had a problem with just going through the motions
of doing reality chaecks without truly questioning whether I was awake or dreaming.
I discovered this while reveiwing a dream and discovering I had done a reality check
while dreaming and just assumed that I was awake. After I truly began questioning reality
I began having lucid dreams much more often.
Kampersdream: Yep. You have to do it consciously and qwith full concentration. Just going through the motions won't work.
2cents & L&L
jouni
Wait im confused, what do I do now?
Well my main question is, why would you want to say "am i dreaming" in your sleep?
When you say that in your physical world over and over it you will say it in your dream. You have to associate that question with something like the sun, as said below. Thats how you get physical things in your dream.
Just saying it won't help. Don't just go through the motions, look for the right answer. Focus on the question as if you were taking a test for a passing grade. When you get in the habit of doing that, then you will start doing it in your dreams as well.
Also, don't do it every 30 minutes only; your mind might be tempted / learn to ignore it... Use random intervals.
Reality checks can be tricky; by example the digital clocks and books checks doesn't work for me... Another trick is to ask yourself what you were doing since you woke up in the morning... Also, if you find yourself playing cards with an alien, no need to check. [;)]
And last, as you get more experiences, you will naturaly feel if you are dreaming or not; you won't need checks anymore.
The ultimate tip: If you are wondering, even slightly, if you are dreaming or not... you are dreaming!!! In reality, you usually never hesitate; you know 100% for sure that you are not dreaming...
Ahh yes, the ultimate tip! You are correct about it. Thanks for your help guys.
There is a really good book on lucid dreaming called Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming. The book has a lot of techniques that can be practiced in order to become lucid.(//forums/uploaded/nick/book.gif)
Here is some information on the book:
EXPLORING THE WORLD OF LUCID DREAMING
Stephen LaBerge and Howard Rheingold
This is a very practical guide for lucid dreamers. The first half of the book establishes a basic understanding of sleep and dreams, followed by a progressive series of exercises for developing lucid dreaming skills. These include cataloging "dreamsigns" (your personal landmarks that tell you when you are dreaming), the Reflection-Intention and MILD techniques for becoming lucid within the dream, and methods of falling asleep consciously based on ancient Tibetan Yoga practices. After the lucid dream induction techniques, Dr. LaBerge presents his understanding of the origin of dreams, based on current views in the sciences of consciousness and cognition. This provides a foundation for the methods of employing lucid dreams to enhance your life, which make up the second half of the book. The applications described are: adventures and explorations, rehearsal for living, creative problem-solving, overcoming nightmares, healing, and discovery of expanded awareness and spiritual experience. Many delightful anecdotes from lucid dreamers illustrate the use of lucid dreams for each application.
Very best,
I heard that if you ask your self through out the day "Am I dreaming" every half hour, you will ask your self that very question when you are dreaming. Is this true? Is is sucussfull?