Backward RC in dream? So weird...

**Milow** · 02-24-2011 04:51 AM

Ok, So this has happened a few times to the point where it's bothering me. OK, It seems that instead of me performing a RC in a dream as usual, sometimes, out of nowhere, I would say something along the line of: "This is of course a dream." That's what I said the very first time this happened. Now, Even though I say I'm dreaming, why can't I attain lucidity?? Could it be perhaps dialog in the dream setting. I really don't know but, when I wake up, I always ask why didn't I become lucid...

**Metalconch** · 02-24-2011 08:10 AM

One of the best ways to gain control is to go against the grain. Once you notice it's a dream you should first confirm that you are in a dream by looking at your hands, a clock, pinching yourself, ect. To confirm to yourself that you are in a dream. Next, end whatever your plans were in the dream and exercise your five senses. Smell the air while feeling the nearby objects, hear the sounds and look all around you. Focus on objects to help gain clarity. This should help you gain control, vividness, clarity and overall lucidity.

Hope this helps

**Hukif** · 02-24-2011 03:21 PM

Ah, saying =/= understanding. So even if you say it, it doesn't means you are really lucid. Do you perform any RC or method of stabilization after saying that?

**carwashguy** · 02-24-2011 04:34 PM

I had one dream where I was with a friend, and I did a nose-check. I showed him how I could breath through my nose and said that I therefore I must be dreaming. At no point did I actually become "aware" that I was dreaming. I was only dreaming that I was aware that I was dreaming.

**MindGames** · 02-24-2011 04:57 PM

Not becoming lucid after doing a reality check is a clear sign that you're not aware in waking life when you do your reality checks. Try becoming aware when you're awake before you do your reality checks, and see how that goes.

Remember, it's not reality checks that make you lucid; it's awareness. Reality checks are only used to determine whether you're dreaming or awake once you've become aware. I've had multiple lucid dreams in which I didn't even perform a reality check, but became aware of what was going on and knew that I was dreaming.

**Milow** · 02-27-2011 04:37 AM

Oh, I thought I was being aware. I guess I'm still doing something wrong. Pardon me for the dumb question but, how exactly am I supposed to become aware? Thanks for the helpful comments everyone.

**MindGames** · 02-27-2011 04:49 AM

Basically just be aware of what's going on around you. Don't focus on anything in specific, just actively pay attention to what's going on, and keep your mind on that. I find that when I'm aware, everything becomes sharper and I pay more attention to the present.