Reality checks.......?

Alright, so this reality check buisness has got me kind of confused. What's the purpose of this? It seems kind of strange to constantly ask myself if I'm dreaming or not, and actually test it out....I mean, you can't tell if you're awake or dreaming? Of course I see some out of the ordinary things sometimes, but I always know if I'm awake or dreaming......actually, lol scratch that. I guess the only reason for these reality checks is to condition your mind to make them in your dreams as well? How important are they for obtaining lucidity? Just the whole thing kinda bugs me lol.
Sorry, random thoughts in this question, hope people can make something out of it.

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Originally posted by strifer
I always know if I'm awake or dreaming......actually, lol scratch that.

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Scratch that indeed. Until you start to train yourself to become lucid, you basically never know if you're awake or dreaming - you just assume you're awake. That's precisely why people don't usually dream lucidly. Reality checking serves several purposes: As you said, it conditions your mind to do RCs while you're asleep. More generally, it helps get you into the mind-set of questioning reality and not assuming you are awake. This mind-set is vital to becoming lucid.

Reality checking does seem weird at first, but when you have your first decent lucid dream you will realise just how real dreams can seem, and how easy it is to think you are awake when you're not. Doing RCs isn't absolutely vital for becoming lucid, there are many other ways. But it is a good, effective method and many people have success with it.

I totally agree with middle run. Trust us... The first time you remember to do a RC in your dream and become lucid, it makes it all worth it. I usually ask myself atleast 10-15 times a day if I'm dreaming or not and it has really helped me have more lucid dreams. And your right... usually when you are awake and doing a RC it can seem dumb and useless but it really will make a difference in your dreamworld. Then ,when your in a dream doing a RC, you will definately be able to tell the difference. Good luck with your dreaming.

thanks, makes more sense now that I know I'm on the same footing with this reality check buisness as other people. It definitly feels strange, but probably only because I have never been in a situation where I checked reality and found out I was in fact dreaming, so I've been acustomed to thinking I am always in reality, as you've said.