MILD - Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams

The following is suggested for lucid dreamers who have been working on their dream recall and have made the commitment. Remember you should have at least one dream per night to be fully effective at remembering lucid experiences. However, everyone can do it.
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This will help in the following technique.

Relaxation -- Simple meditation is a good way to relax while getting ready to use an induction technique. There are many ways you can do this. One example is to observe your thought process. Let your thoughts arise and go. Picture it on a white cloud as it goes overhead and passes out of sight where another cloud appears. It is suggested that you do this for 5 to 10 minutes. Another way could be to clear your mind of everything and focus on your surrounding. Find the relaxation technique that is most comfortable to you.


Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)
Created by: Dr. Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D

This technique is quite effective and had has helped many people step over the threshold from physical to dreaming.

1. Find a position that works for you and that you can easily and comfortably fall asleep.

2. Relax (Refer to the Relaxation section above this)

3. Repeat to yourself as you fall asleep: "I will wake up after every dream period and I will remember my dream" Believe that you will wake up after each dream (the first time I tried this it has worked moderately well; another way you could do this is set your alarm. Practice makes perfect). Eventually waking up after each dream should become automatic.

4. When you wake up write down your dream immediately. Even if you can barely remember anything, write down how the dream made you feel, or how you felt when you woke up.

5. Lie down and drift back to sleep. Imagine that you are back in the dream that you just had. This time, however, imagine that you saw a dreamsign in your dream and recognized it. As you fall asleep keep visualizing yourself in your dream, recognizing your dreamsign, and realizing that you are in a dream. Try not to let your mind wonder.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 every time that you awaken during the night.

If all goes well, the above will launch you into your own lucid adventure. For more information refer to Laberge's book "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming."

Small MILD FAQ –

These are some questions about MILD that may help. This information is only one of many possible options for correcting issues encountered during the MILD technique.

Q: What should I do before going to bed?
A: There are many things that can affect your dreams and the way you enter them. I would say the only important thing is comfort. Have a content stomach and a empty bladder. Those these are not essential they will aid in concentration. Also you will wake up hopefully the same way you went to bed.

Q: I didn’t wake up after my dream period! What’s wrong?
A: Though in most cases you should wake up, sleeping all the way until morning is not abnormal. You could be new to the technique, too tired or it's just a fluke. I suggest starting with an alarm if the first few nights aren't productive.

Q: I wake up but fall asleep before getting to write in my dream journal. What can I do to prevent this?
A: I’ve experience a lot of this myself and so far I’ve failed to get myself up when I’m extremely tired. There are ways to help you such as having a light next to your bed to minimize movements and having your dream journal prepared in advance. Be sure to only write key words for recalling the dream in the morning. Also try not to wake up too much during this so returning to sleep is easy. Motivation is key.

Q: I have an itch but I’m just getting into it! Should I scratch it?
A: Scratch away. Just don’t think about it and return where you left off. You will be back in business in no time.

Final advice: Make sure that your mind set is set on having that lucid dream right before you go to sleep! Don’t let your mind wander.

Good luck and Have fun!

-GestaltAlteration