Have I taken a step backwards?

**djpatch999** · 08-05-2011 08:52 AM

Sorry to bother you all again, but I just woke up from another DILD attempt (5th time trying this) and I couldn't remember it at all unlike my previous 4. It feels like I've taken a step backwards because i was getting better at recalling my dreams. I know it can't be done straight away but how long would it normally take to get the hang of this?

**Mancon** · 08-05-2011 08:56 AM

Hey djpatch, some days you just don't recall your dreams as well. Don't worry about it! Just keep up what your doing and it will get better

**Dark_Merlin** · 08-05-2011 09:01 AM

Everyone has fluctuations in their dream recall, it comes and goes as it pleases and with changes in stress/lifestyle/diet and all sorts of things that happen in every day life. Given your join date, I wouldn't be stressed about it at all!

**Quantiq** · 08-05-2011 09:42 AM

I wouldn't worry about it. Dream Recall isn't supposed to be consistent. Just like anything in life, when you practice something you experience fluctuations. For example if you're learning to play the guitar, some days might be good and others might be bad. You need to look at it from a general perspective over a long term period of time. Have I gotten better this month? OR have I not?

Anyway, good luck your DILD attempts. I'm sure after much practice you will get it right.

-Cheers!

**Zenithar66** · 08-05-2011 01:35 PM

yes like the guys said, although a morning where yourecall now dreams can be annoying as hell(I've found sometimes you just need to sleep a bit longer) it doesnt mean your going forward or backward unless it is stretched out over the long term.
its not something to get hung up about, just go back to your dream journal and read over some dreams, that usually peaks my recall abiltiy for some reason!
also, each red chedder cheese and red onion before bed, I can almost guarantee your in for a wild ride..

**mjspeth** · 08-05-2011 02:20 PM

Like everybody else said, but I would like to add something as well. It seems as if going to bed very tired, dream recall isnt as great. Go to bed when you start getting tired, dont stay up until you cant keep your eyes open

**mooseantlers** · 08-05-2011 05:58 PM

like everyone says, dont worry. and bother us? we love a member to post around, get into the community!, pull up a seat in the lounge, go on the IRC maybe.

**Texture** · 08-06-2011 03:23 AM

If I have a lot of things happening in my day, I find I remember my dreams less, or not at all. (regardless of the dream type, like lucid or non lucid) What I hate though is that passing feeling of a long and detailed dream but you can only remember vague flashes of it. GRR!

**divinemission** · 08-06-2011 07:06 AM

To me, once you start a dream journey and make it a point to lucid dream, there are no steps backwards. You may trip or stumble along the way, but once you commence, there is no going back... sorry if that doesn't make sense.

**Darkmatters** · 08-06-2011 07:27 AM

divinemission, thanks for posting my new sig quote!!

**djpatch999** · 08-06-2011 07:58 AM

Well, I have now managed to start recalling my dreams again, still not going lucid, in my opinion anyway. When I try out of my normal sleeping pattern I go into what seems like my imagination and not a dream, well that's what it feels like anyway (i.e vague and not vivid for it to feel realistic). Apparently I am lucid because I know I'm dreaming but my brain cant seem to make the connection that I can control it

**Quantiq** · 08-06-2011 10:00 AM

Well contrary to what many people believe, lucid dreams =/= dream control. There are many people who can experience a dream where they know they are dreaming and have no dream control. If I were you I would visit this forum and look at dream control tutorials in the wiki.

As for dream vividness, I find recall makes a big difference. If you can recall dreams very well, chance are that you will experience a lot more vivid dreams with time.

Some people also take supplements which supposedly increase recall and vividness, perhaps you could try those. Apple Juice and Vitamin B6, although not proven scientifically, supposedly improve these factors. You could also visit this forum for more information on lucid aids.

Hope this helps you out!

**Ladusence** · 08-06-2011 06:02 PM

I just came from Nina's Stabilization & Clarity TUTORIAL and I can't help but link you there.
It explains things you can do when your dream feels vague, once your dreams are more stabel it will probably be easier to control it.

**Zenithar66** · 08-06-2011 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Texture

If I have a lot of things happening in my day, I find I remember my dreams less, or not at all. (regardless of the dream type, like lucid or non lucid) What I hate though is that passing feeling of a long and detailed dream but you can only remember vague flashes of it. GRR!

I know exactly what you mean, there is no worse feeling that smiply KNOWING for a fact you had an epic journey in dreamland but you simply cannot grasp at those flimsy images stealing in and out of you minds eye to reconstruct it!!
As for not dreaming when you are busy, I have had this experience, but i suggest a half an hour of pure darkness and relaxation before bed, berathing exercises and visualisation!