MILD Tutorial

Written by seeker28

MILD

MILD stands for Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams or "Mnemonically Induced Lucid Dream." This technique combines focus of your intention with the power of reality checks to induce lucid dreams. Some people also use a visualization component. The goal of MILD is to do a reality check (RC) in your dream so you become lucid. MILD is related to DILD, in that you become lucid in the dream by recognizing dream signs or with the help of a dream character. The difference is that DILD concentrates RCs during the day in the hopes that they will carry over to dreams, but MILD focuses mainly on then goal of RCing during a dream without so much attention on RCs during the day.

Because this technique is so similar to DILD when it is first started lucid dreams will seem to happen at fairly random times. Usually the number of LDs caused by MILD will be low at first, but the longer you stick with this technique the more frequent LDs will become. Some dreamers use MILD to have LDs nearly every night.

MILD is a simple technique, but has many variations.
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Background

Dr. Steven LaBerge created this technique and wrote about it in his book, "Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming." Since he first wrote about this technique lucid dreamers have developed several variations.

Preparation.

Dream Recall

You should be able to recall at least one dream per night before starting this method. You want to be able to remember your successful MILD!
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Reality Checking

Because the goal of a MILD is to remember to RC in a dream, you need to be familiar with them. It is also helpful if you practice some RCs so you won't forget how to do them during the dream. When you RC you should do two different kinds so that if one works incorrectly the other will work the way it should.
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Choosing a Mantra for your Intention

A mantra is any word, phrase, or sentence that you repeat to yourself to help you focus on and meet your goal. There are many good mantras for MILD. You should choose one that you think will work for you. You can always create your own or change one of these suggestions. Some ideas for MILD mantras include:

• I will notice my dream signs and I will realize I am dreaming.
• Then next time I dream I will realize I am dreaming
• I will notice dream signs and do RCs in my dream.
• I will recognize the next dream sign I see.
• A dream character will ask me if I am dreaming and I will do RCs in my dream.

This last one relies on your subconscious to help you out with becoming lucid.
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Choosing a Dream Scene for Visualization

This preparation is only necessary if you want to try one of the versions of MILD that requires you to visualize a past dream or a dream scenario. You should choose a dream that you remember vividly. Imagine what would have happened if you had noticed a dream sign or had wondered it was a dream and did RCs. Another option is to imagine a dream scenario that includes you doing RCs or a dream character telling you to do RCs. Know what it will be like to do the RCs. Imagine what it will be like to realize you are dreaming. If you happen to wake up in the night while trying to MILD and remember a dream you just had you can use it instead. Just imagine that you are back in that dream and doing a RC.

How to MILD.

Traditional MILD

There are two ways to do a MILD. In one you use only your intention as you fall asleep. In the other you combine the your intention with visualization.

• Relax. Use whatever relaxation technique you have found works for you. Do it for 5-10 minutes, or longer if you need it.
• Once you are relaxed repeat the mantra you have chosen for your intention over and over to yourself in your head. Keep your mind focused on your goal while you do this. You should repeat this mantra as long as you can, but you don't want it to keep you awake. Try to make your last thought before falling asleep be about lucid dreaming.
• If you wake up during the night lay still and try to remember any dreams you have had. Write down some notes about them immediately. If you haven't had a lucid dream yet you may repeat the MILD technique if you wish.
• If you sleep through the night try to remember any dreams you had before you get out of bed. Hopefully you had a MILD during the night and will remember it now.

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Visualization MILD

This is very similar to the Traditional MILD, however it adds an element of visualization.

• Relax. Use whatever relaxation technique you have found works for you. Do it for 5-10 minutes, or longer if you need it.
• Once you are relaxed start the mantra you chosen for focus your intention. Really focus on what you are saying and what it means. Repeat it over and over in your head for 2-15 minutes. If you usually fall asleep quickly do it for a short time. If it takes you a long time to fall asleep do it for longer. If you start to feel like you are about to fall asleep stop and go on to the visualization step.
• Stop doing your mantra. Call up the dream memory or imagined dream scenario you have chosen. Add to it you doing a reality check and becoming lucid. Imagine it vividly. What emotions would you feel? Although it is important to visualize vividly you don't want it to keep you awake. If you can't fall asleep as you do this, visualize for a few minutes and then go back to the intention mantra. Try to make sure your last thought before falling asleep is about lucid dreaming.
• If you wake up during the night lay still and try to remember any dreams you have had. Write down some notes about them immediately. If you haven't had a lucid dream yet you may repeat the MILD technique if you wish.
• If you sleep through the night try to remember any dreams you had before you get out of bed. Hopefully you had a MILD during the night and will remember it now.

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Hints on MILD

• For even better chances that you will have a lucid dream you can also do your mantra during the day when you have a chance.
• You can practice your visualization during the day, too.
• If the visualization always makes you too awake to fall asleep do it first, then do your mantra as you fall asleep.
• If your mind starts to drift as you fall asleep and keeping up the mantra or visualization wakes you up it is okay. You just want your last thought to be about lucid dreaming.

Pros.

Easy

Because there is little preparation for this technique, it is the easiest technique to do.
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No Loss of Sleep

Unlike the WILD technique, for a MILD you do not have to wake up in the middle of the night so there is no loss of sleep. This makes this technique perfect for those with 9-5 jobs or school, for which losing sleep is not a good idea.

Cons.

Relies on Reality Checks and Dream Signs.

If you miss dream signs forget to do reality checks you can miss a chance to become lucid.

Other Useful Links.

◦MILD - Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams - GestaltAlteration