Can't seem to snap into lucidity

I've been trying to lucid dream for around two weeks using RCs, WBTB, etc. and have made good progress (in dream recall) ubtil a few nights ago. I had a dream in which I knew I was dreaming, and I succesfully breathed through a plugged nose, but nohing followed. In this dream and another like it I had last night I knew that I should be experiencing some sort of change as I realised I was dreaming. I tried to persuade myself to become conscious, but on both occasions I just woke myself up.

Two questions then: Is this what is called being semi-lucid, in which case can I safely tell myself that I am close to becoming lucid, and what can I do to increase my chances of properly becoming lucid?

I don't quite understand what you are saying, what do you expect to change once you realize you're dreaming? That's great that you've had a couple lucid dreams already, congratulations! :happy:

If you are talking about having trouble properly grounding yourself in the dream and further increasing your awareness, ~Dreamer~ does something that's pretty neat for that. When she first does her nose plug, she continues to do some extra deep breathing (2 or 3 extra breaths) to relax and then she tries to remember what her goals were so that she can be sure she doesn't just go along with some dream plot after realizing it's a dream.

Sorry for not answering your actual questions, but I hope this helps and good luck with your next lucid dreams! :)

Prune I had this EXACT same experience about a week or so ago. I had 2 spontaneous DILDs a day apart where I realized I was dreaming. But then they lasted maybe 4 seconds and I woke up. I didn't even really have time to stabilize or anything like that. Immensely frustrating. Haven't had a LD since which sucks. Let me know if you find a solution.

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Originally Posted by AnotherDreamer

I don't quite understand what you are saying, what do you expect to change once you realize you're dreaming? That's great that you've had a couple lucid dreams already, congratulations! :happy:

If you are talking about having trouble properly grounding yourself in the dream and further increasing your awareness, ~Dreamer~ does something that's pretty neat for that. When she first does her nose plug, she continues to do some extra deep breathing (2 or 3 extra breaths) to relax and then she tries to remember what her goals were so that she can be sure she doesn't just go along with some dream plot after realizing it's a dream.

Sorry for not answering your actual questions, but I hope this helps and good luck with your next lucid dreams! :)

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That seems to make sense. It didn't seem like I was lucid but if grounding is all I need to do, then great!

@Polaris: I'll share if I discover anything particular that helps.

Hello,

It sounds to me like you were not properly grounded in the dream. The first thing I always do once lucid, is ground myself. What I mean by grounding, is to fully immerse each of your senses, one by one, into the dream itself.

Also, if you are experiencing some of your first lucid dreams, then you should probably expect them to be short :) it's only natural since excitement soon takes over after lucidity. My very first lucid lasted 2 seconds, but I was so happy when I woke up :rolllaugh:

I don't know if that's exactly true Chewie, about first lucid dreams being short. Some people have short ones in the start but there are plenty that never experience that. I was the same as you though. :happy:
It's cool seeing such an old member posting! I hope you stick around.

:) yes, attaining lucidity can be tricky sometimes.
I had today a dream in which I was walking through city and I got this thought- Its a pity, I'm dreaming and I can't make this dream into lucid one... And then I progressed with dream without other thought about dreaming.

Hey there,

I'd consider the experiences you already had as positive. Although they're not yet the full blown lucid dreams that you may set out to have, they're definately a step up from regular dreams. So I'd take them as a clear sign that you're doing something right and getting closer to your goal.

On the topic of goals, it helps to have a goal in mind for when you do become lucid. If your only goal is 'to get lucid', you're liable to wake up the moment you reach that point. Instead, want to become lucid, and have a clear idea of what you're going to do in your lucid state. Like others already mentioned: grounding yourself is a great first goal. But have something for after that as well :)

-Redrivertears-

I agree with the rest. Ground yourself! What I like to do to ground myself is to just touch anything within your reach. Just run your hands along different objects around you. Is it soft like wool, or bumpy like gravel? Can you grab onto it? If you can, how does it feel to grip it? Can you squeeze it like a foam ball, or is it hard and sturdy?
I don't know if you've heard of mindfulness meditation, but this is essentially what I try to do when I first become lucid; be aware of all of your sensations, and really take in everything around you.

I hope this helps! Good luck!

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Originally Posted by AnotherDreamer

I don't know if that's exactly true Chewie, about first lucid dreams being short. Some people have short ones in the start but there are plenty that never experience that. I was the same as you though. :happy:
It's cool seeing such an old member posting! I hope you stick around.

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Yes that is true, I suppose I was speaking mainly from my personal experiences. I remember a good few of my lucids in the beginning would last mere seconds because I was so excited that I finally had one. I'd feel my heart rate pick up, and then the dream would begin crashing down around me :lol:

I'll be sticking around, and so I'm sure you'll be seeing more of me in the forums :)