Meditation Before Going to Sleep

So recently I learned some of the basics of meditation so I decided to try it just before going to sleep in order to fall asleep more easily, and just because I've heard that meditation can help with lucid dreaming.

Procedure:

1. I turned off all the lights and then sat on my bed in the Lotus Position, (although if you can't do that I guess sitting cross legged would also work). I sat with my back straight and closed my eyes. I placed my hands palms facing upwards on each of my knees. By the way make sure that when you do this there are no other sounds that can bother you. If there are other people awake in your house and are talking, or watching TV you will get distracted and this technique will not work. It requires calmness and peace.
   
2. I began to slow down my breathing until I only took deep slow breaths. I only focused on breathing and nothing else (it helps if you try to picture air flowing in and out of your nose).
   
3. If thoughts popped into my head I simply ignored them and tried to refocus on picturing my nose and breathing. If I felt itchy or the urge to move I simply ignored it and focused on my breathing and on the mental picture of my nose. This can be very frustrating for some but just ignore the urge, don't think about it at all and just focus on breathing. If the first time you try this you can't stand it and end up moving or scratching don't worry. It was like that for me too, you can just try it again next night.
   
4. After a while of doing this I eventually reached the point where I was fully concentrated on breathing. No other thoughts popped into my head and I was able to stop focusing on breathing and sort of drift off a bit without getting random thoughts popping up in my brain.
   
5. I remained like this for a while and then I simply opened my eyes and stared at my dark room. I undid the lotus position and went to sleep.

You will feel very relaxed and calm after doing this, which will really help you fall asleep faster if you have trouble doing that and you will simply drift off to sleep. I woke up with almost double the dream recall I normally have and I remember becoming lucid in a dream and flying around. I will keep trying this technique and refining it, but I simply wanted to share this with you in order to spread the word and see if anyone else is interested in attempting this technique.

I have tried this a number of times, but have not found it particularly helpful in attaining lucid dreaming later in the night. In fact, I have found almost no correlation between meditating and lucidity, though I seem to have more fully formed dreams.

Just my experience. I know some people find meditating helps.

I have found that meditation helps my dream recall, just haven't put it to real good practice. It's hard for me to sit still for very long, but I will definitely practice the method you have listed.

Thanks for sharing. I believe meditation is very helpful in LDing. I normally would do such a meditation flat on my back in bed, for comfort sake, and so I could drift off to sleep while doing it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by RedNaxela

I have tried this a number of times, but have not found it particularly helpful in attaining lucid dreaming later in the night. In fact, I have found almost no correlation between meditating and lucidity, though I seem to have more fully formed dreams.

Just my experience. I know some people find meditating helps.

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The concept behind it is that you do it multiple times a day to help increase general awareness which transfers into your dream making it easier to attain lucidity. Doing it a few times will have little long term effect on yourself or your lucid dreaming ability but doing it twice a day can and certainly does help people become lucid easier and be more aware throughout the day.

Hey,guys. I think you're are doing it wrong :) You shouldn't concentrate on one thing.. Dreams are very unstable,so why are you trying to focus on one thing? You just need to be aware of your thoughts and feeling,you don't need to turn off TV,lights or even close eyes :) All you need is to sit few times a day and be yourself. How long you're going to do it's up to you :) Lucid dreaming meditation has to be enjoyable,hope i helped you and gl!

I do this every night when i can, i recommend it highly, and it does not feel like it is a job or anything, you just feel like doing it .

Never had the time to do it properly, but thanks for reminding me. I will try tonight :)