Specific Reality Checks

[Sente]

Hi, this is my first post and I'm a little nervous so bear with me. I have relatively good dream recall, (about 2 a night) but I haven't had a LD for years, not since I accidentally had one and became interested in all of this to begin with. I have done some research and am trying to practice reality checks throughout the day. My question is what are some good checks to do? I find myself asking "Am I dreaming?" just at random times and I usually get distracted before I answer myself. so, am I supposed to ask that when certain events take place, regularly throguhout the day or what? I also have some trouble with actually answering that question. what am I supposed to run through in my head to really say if this is a dream or RL?

[Kastro187420]

Hi, and welcome to dreamviews. Firstly what I would suggest, is start a dream journal, and after about a week or so, go through it and look for things that happen in each dream.Then when those things happen during the day, perform a reality check. Or just perform a reality check whenever you do something (like go into your room for example), or whenever you think of dreaming. The best reality check that i've had the most success with, is plugging your nose and trying to breathe out of it.If you can breathe through it, your probably dreaming (either that or you have a real nasal problem). Theres alot of methods you can try, and some may or may not work with you, so I would suggest trying as many as you can on here until you find 1 or 2 that give you good success.

[Jade010]

Hello, The best term for Reality Checks during your waking hours is "Awareness Checks." Practicing awareness can be done in many different ways. Most commonly, they're done by looking around at your environment and asking (internally), "Is this real? Am I awake?" You don't need to do anything physical if you don't want to. One thing I do is spend a few minutes outside looking from object to object, very quickly (tree, sky, grass, flower, etc. etc.). At first, it can cause dizziness, but the point is - peering around quickly causes a dreamlike effect similar to the dreamstate. So, in essence, I become familiar with the visual sensations of the dreamstate while practicing Awareness Checks. Smiles, Deja

[iadr]

Originally posted by DejaSoul The best term for Reality Checks during your waking hours is \"Awareness Checks.\" Practicing awareness can be done in many different ways. Most commonly, they're done by looking around at your environment and asking (internally), \"Is this real? Am I aware?\" You don't need to do anything physical if you don't want to. So, in essence, I become familiar with the visual sensations of the dreamstate while practicing Awareness Checks. Great point Deja, By practicing being aware all day long, you can train yourself to be more aware during your dreams, which helps in become lucid. I find the easiest time to practice being aware is when I am outside, especially if I am moving around like jogging, as I can sense a breeze blowing, feel the sunshine on my face, detect a distinct odor in the air, and then notice when it disappears, notice an unusual flower or something else that sticks out from the ordinary. And when I notice something out of place, then I do a tradition reality check like attempting to breath while holding my nose, etc. It is best to use as many of your senses as possible when practicing awareness. Just like tonight while I was dining out, I used my sense of taste to concentrate on being aware of how the different foods I was eating tasted and how they differed from each other. And when I am at work, stuck behind my desk, then I practice just being aware of how I feel inside by concentrating on my heart region, a technique that with practice brings a great deal of relaxtion and peace of mind, as your mind is controlled all day long. And when the mind is quiet, the body will follow. Good luck in your efforts Polarift. May you have many lucid dreams.

[Sente]

Thanks to all that replied. There are some great techniques in there that I will definetely be trying. Generally becoming more aware of everything during waking hours sounds excellent and is something that I have been feebly attempting to do for a while now, I guess I just need to put some more effort into it. Thanks again!