Thread: DEILD Difficulty - Returning to Lucid Dreaming

I know this thread is way old. I too am just settling back into a healthy lucid dreaming routine after a nearly three-year hiatus due to business stress, the cares of life, kids, etc. You know how it goes. I received Raduga's book yesterday, having already had some knowledge of it years ago when I was LDing regularly. Back then I was using FILD with some success. Then it stopped working and I experienced insomnia as result. The "phase" stuff reminds of that sort of technique: surface briefly during a micro-awakening, don't move, quickly perform a motor simulation, RC and separate. Lots of people say the phase indirect technique is really just DEILD, but I tend to think it more resembles FILD than anything else. I guess because coming out of an NLD with recall is not required; the goal is a classic OBE bedroom projection irrespective of any prior dream exit. FILD was amazingly potent for me in the past. But I soon found that simulating the obligatory finger movement was not always conducive to remaining in that precious "zone" between full-blown sleep and a sliver of wakefulness. I know full well this technique works and the 'Phase' is legit. My dilemma now is remaining in that sweet spot long enough (or short enough) to get through the cycling and separate. It's not as easy as it sounds! But then this should be expected for everything in life that offers the proverbial buttercup: anything worthwhile requires work. Any tips on staying in the "zone" (I say zone for lack of a better term and ignorance if there is one)? Has anyone mastered the art of maintaining optimal control during this period? If so, I'd love to pick your brain, get some pointers, encouragement. Thanks in advance!