Thread: The Prospective Memory Course

Lesson 2: Designing Personal Reality Checks

(2-3 days)

In this lesson, we will use the list of dream signs we made in lesson 1 to form our own highly personalized reality check criteria. We will transform the dream signs from a dream-like object/etc. to the closest real-life replacement we can come up with. We will note in our minds when we run across these items in real life. Then, using our preferred learning style (visual, auditory, etc.), we will develop 2 reality check criteria - based on our signs - to perform every day, over the next two to three days.

Why personalized?

Standard reality checks may help us become lucid, but because there is very little meaning attached to these actions, it can be difficult to keep them in our conscious memory. By creating personalized reality checks, we attach our own personalities into the process. We have emotional connections with some of our symbols (such as dream signs involving people or pets). We develop a sense of self-satisfaction by taking charge of our own progress. What it boils down to is this: the more we invest our selves in our reality checks, the more likely we will remember to do them in our dreams.


Your Job:

In this lesson, you will have four things to do:

1. Firstly, go into your workbook, and find the list of dream signs you recorded in lesson 1. Without editing your original post, make a new list on a separate sheet of paper/digital document. You are going to take each dream sign and convert it to a real-life substitute. If, for example, your dream sign is a bright orange pizza cutter used for flying, you can list your real-life substitute as "pizza cutter." If your dream sign is a deceased relative, your substitute could be "A picture of, or someone talking about, (deceased relative)." For more complex dream signs, simply do your best. The main point here is to do two things:

1. Make it realistic (but that does not mean it cannot be unusual)
2. Transform it into something you can perform a RC to

Keep in mind that dream signs can come in multiple forms: visual (an image of, or seeing, your dream sign), aural (hearing the sound your dream sign makes, hearing someone talk about your dream sign), or kinestetic (using your dream sign in its typical fashion), etc.

After you've developed your second list of transformed dream signs, create your next workbook entry log. Date it and title it with the lesson number. Put in the the list of transformed dream signs (labelled as such) in this new post, and save it. We will come back to the workbook again later.

2. Determine your learning style. You may already be aware of what kind of learner you are, but if you are not, do a little googling about the different learning styles. Some include:

-Visual learner: learns best through reading, seeing pictures, visualizing concepts, highly spacial.

-Auditory learner: learns well by listening, may be musical, good at mnemonics, prefers lectures and discussions.

-Kinesthetic learner: learns best by doing, experimenting, likes "hands-on" activities, may be mechanically gifted.

-Combination: learns best using multiple methods, or is equally strong in two or more styles.

It is important to point out that these styles are merely broad generalizations meant to help you maximize your potential. They are not universal, and certainly no one must feel pinholed into any one area. It is very possible for someone to be both spatial and musical, etc. However, for the sake of the exercise, try to pick one or two learning styles (preferably one) that best represent the way you prefer to learn. If you find another style that is not listed here, and want to be creative, feel free! In any case, once you've decided, add your learning style into your workbook post, and head to the next step.

3. Using your transformed dream sign list, and your learning style, you are going to create two meaningful reality check criteria to perform over the next two to three days. Try to pick one from your list that is common. Something you will definitely run across at least once during a day. Then, allow the second choice to be a bit more unusual, but not completely uncommon. This way, you are guaranteed to have the opportunity to perform a successful reality check, while also having the potential to develop your critical-reflective attitude. Here are some examples:

Examples for a visual learner:

1. Whenever I see a red car, I will count my fingers and ask myself "Am I dreaming?"

(Note that the RC is based on something visual, and it is common. It is very easy for most people to see a red car, many times, during the course of a typical day).

2. Whenever I see a mushroom, I will perform a reality check and ask myself if I am dreaming.

(Again, this is based on sight. However, this time the criteria (a mushroom) is a bit more unusual. There is also no guarantee that you will see a mushroom in the course of a day, depending on where you live, etc.).

Examples for an auditory learner:

1. Whenever I hear the sound of water running, I will perform a reality check.

(Common, and refers to a sound).

2. Whenever I hear someone mention the word "dinosaur," I will count my fingers.

(Not as common, stands out a bit, still based on auditory preferences).

Examples for a kinesthetic learner:

1. Whenever I use a key, I will pinch my nose and see if I can still breathe.

(Common; most people will use a key at least once in a day. Notice how this is based on an action involving the hands).

2. Whenever I snap my fingers, I will question my reality.

(This may or not be an everyday occurence for you, but the idea is to pick something you might do, but it's not a guarantee. Some other ideas include playing an instrument, clapping your hands, cooking, etc.)

For combination/other learners:

If you feel you are a combination learner, feel free to combine one reality check from each style. For people using styles not presented, feel free to get creative! For the social learner, have your reality checks involve others. Verbal learners can use words from books, texts, and websites to trigger their reality checks. Above all, have fun, and make it meaningful.

Once you've created your two reality checks, log them into your workbook. Practice them over the course of the next two to three days. Try to have at least two successful reality checks for two straight days before proceeding to the next lesson.

4. Your last step is simple. Although you will only perform reality checks for the two dream signs you used, keep your eyes (and ears, etc!) open to all of the dream signs on your list. Don't worry about perfection, but just mentally note when you notice something that's also on your list. This will help build your all day awareness.

Lastly, wrap up by writing a brief (2-4 sentences) self-reflection on how you think you did, and why (or why not) you feel these exercises will help you attain your lucidity goals. Does anything else benefit from these sorts of exercises? Did you find the reality checks to be difficult, or did you feel you needed to change learning styles? Feel free to explore the topic to your own satisfaction.

CONGRATULATIONS, you've finished lesson 2!