sisyphus, yes I agree - synthetic would be a better term than artificial, since the DG is still based on the same principles. That's exactly what I'm trying to do to make her important. But unfortunately I can't let my subconscious lead completely, because the whole experiment centers around building the DG on [some of] my own terms - for example, not to be a person that I once knew.

cooleymd, that's a very interesting experience! I had experienced before hearing a word for the first time [as far as I could remember!] in a dream to later learn it's real, but never met someone to later learn they exist. Just goes to show, at least in my opinion, who much of the world our brain filters out. Some of it finds its way back to us. Also goes to show how stubborn the subconscious is!

ThreeCat, I'm actually trying meditation for it (or at least my version of meditation, which is probably nowhere near perfected). I'm not sure I understand your second suggestion of "meeting" them during the waking state - could you elaborate on it?