Collecting Reality Check Prompts

**Hilary** · 07-26-2020 09:08 PM

Hey there,

I'm making these little daily reality check lists, and could use more suggestions. I'm using the prompts to create daily lists of 4 targets each day, then rotate every day. Also, making monthly targets (4/month) that are less frequent, and a little more unusual. That way it combines building prospective memory and also critical reflective attitude.

I have a list already, but no worries, I want all of your ideas. Better to assume I haven't got that one yet

If you would like, you can separate your suggestions by 1) common reality checks and 2) unusual reality checks.

Then, you can further separate them into 4 distinct categories: visual, auditory, passive action, and active action (kinesthetic). Examples: Seeing something, hearing something, having something happen to you (feeling, smelling), and doing something actively or deliberately (using an item, tasting). Seeing a mushroom, hearing your name, feeling pain, using a key.

Thank you

EDIT: Adding IMGUR image files of the RC background images, so that everything is neat and tidy and easy to find. I wanted them condensed into one post. They are in spoilers because they are large sized - good for backgrounds. Here is everything so far:

Daily Use (common triggers):

Spoiler for Days of the Week Versions 1 and 2:

*New* Newbie List - only 2 prompts per day, and they are more common and simpler than other prompts.

Spoiler for Newbie List:

Monthly Use (uncommon triggers):

Spoiler for Months of the Year:

CURRENT REALITY CHECK LIST:

Red = Active Action
Blue = Passive Action
Green = Sight
Orange = Auditory
Black = Not Used Yet.

COMMON:
1. See the moon.
2. Hear running water.
3. Hear your name.
4. Hear laughter.
5. Feel pain.
6. Feel an itch.
7. See rain.
8. Feel something cold.
9. Taste something cold.
10. Taste something hot.
11. Write something down.
12. Drink something.
13. Eat something.
14. Use scissors.
15. Hear the phone ring.
16. Use a key.
17. Feel the wind.
18. See a red car.
19. Use a switch.
20. Burp.
21. Pass wind.
22. Check the mailbox.
23. Open a book.
24. See a pair of glasses.
25. Stop at a red light.
26. Yawn.
27. See an advertisement/commercial.
28. See a bird.
29. Smell cooking.
30. Smell something unpleasant.
31. Hear a clapping sound.
32. Put on shoes.
33. Hear knocking sound.
34. Feel a heat source.
35. Use a remote control.
36. Hear wind chimes.
37. See a stop sign.
38. Hear doorbell.
39. See the sunset.
40. Notice your hands.
41. Hear bird’s singing.
42. See a butterfly.
43. Hear a barking dog.
44. Lock a door.
45. Open a door.
46. Flush the toilet.
47. Read text (re-read)
48. Hear a plane in the sky.
49. See your reflection.
50. See a frog or toad.
51. See a caterpillar.
52. See a moth.
53. See a snail.
54. See a stranger with green eyes.
55. Sneeze.
56. Throw something away.
57. See a vegetable.
58. Turn on TV/radio.
59. Handle money.
60. Check the time.
61. Hear rustling leaves.
62. Hear the microwave beep.
63. Notice I’m daydreaming.
64. Cough or clear throat.
65. Hear a jingling noise.
66. See a bicycle.
67. See a sign with text (re-read).
68. Tie shoes.
69. Put on socks.
70. Lock a door.
71. Unlock a door.
72. Open the fridge.
73. Open the freezer.
74. Walk outside barefoot.
75. Use a salt or pepper shaker.
76. Smell cigarettes or vaping.
77. Smell perfume or cologne (not yours).
78. Taste something sweet.
79. Taste something salty.
80. Feel something rough.
81. Feel something silky or smooth.
82. Feel something fuzzy, furry, or soft.

UNUSUAL:
1. See a mushroom.
2. Taste something sour.
3. Hear thunder.
4. See lightning.
5. Hear a scream.
6. Have goose bumps.
7. Have hiccups.
8. Hear whistling.
9. Find a feather.
10. Taste something spicy.
11. Hear someone singing (not a recording).
12. See a rainbow.
13. See a stray animal.
14. See a convertible.
15. See a limo.
16. See heat lightning.
17. Smell flowers (not intentionally).
18. See a bumblebee.
19. Hear snapping fingers.
20. See a waterfall.
21. See a swarm of insects.
22. Feel a vibration.
23. Taste something gross.
24. See the sunrise.
25. Notice a shape in the clouds.
26. See the number 3 or 3 of something.
27. Wake up from sleep.
28. Hear a dish break.
29. Hear someone curse.
30. Hear a honking horn.
31. Hear hammering.
32. See a glowing object.
33. See a firefly.
34. Hear a car alarm.
35. See a birds’ nest.
36. See a dragonfly.
37. Hear a siren.
38. See someone get pulled over.
39. See or hear fireworks.
40. See hail. *BONUS*
41. See snow. *BONUS*
42. See a funeral procession.
43. See a shooting star.
44. Hear the wind howl.
45. Hear snoring.
46. Hear an emergency alert on your phone.
47. Hear a howling dog.
48. See a cocoon or chrysalis.
49. See a train go by.
50. See a plane banner.
51. See contrails.
52. See a raised drawbridge.
53. See a sunshower.
54. Get shocked by electricity.
55. Honk your car horn.
56. See the sunrise.
57. Smell smoke.

**monsa199a** · 07-27-2020 03:00 AM

That's a great idea!
well, acording to me:

1) COMON
-flicking the lights on and off.
-checking my hands, by counting fingers and staring at them front to back, a few times.
-looking up on the roof at home, or outdoors by loking at the sky, clouds for sure!
-looking at the time or reading any sign with letters or pictures. (at times I try to make it change with the mind).
-every time seeing #3 of anything, a must for me! whats your number?

2) UNCOMON
- Hearing a sound 3 times
- getting hit by an animal
- checking at a sign in my car "am I dreaming?" every time I go in and out

...Hmmm? I thought this would be easy.. got to do those RCs with tasting, feeling, doing something..etc.

Thank for this!

**Hilary** · 07-27-2020 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by monsa199a

That's a great idea!
well, acording to me:

1) COMON
-flicking the lights on and off.
-checking my hands, by counting fingers and staring at them front to back, a few times.
-looking up on the roof at home, or outdoors by loking at the sky, clouds for sure!
-looking at the time or reading any sign with letters or pictures. (at times I try to make it change with the mind).
-every time seeing #3 of anything, a must for me! whats your number?

2) UNCOMON
- Hearing a sound 3 times
- getting hit by an animal
- checking at a sign in my car "am I dreaming?" every time I go in and out

...Hmmm? I thought this would be easy.. got to do those RCs with tasting, feeling, doing something..etc.

Thank for this!

Awesome. I love the one about seeing shapes in the clouds, and also numbers. Didn't consider that, but how often we see numbers in dreams. I will add them to the list.

**monsa199a** · 07-27-2020 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

Awesome. I love the one about seeing shapes in the clouds, and also numbers. Didn't consider that, but how often we see numbers in dreams. I will add them to the list.

Hey I'm glad something helped!, I would keep bringing some more..
And wanted to specify, about numbers, I meant 3 of anything..if you notice there are certain numbers that repeat in dreams and WL. for expl.: 3 people, 3 flowers, 3 mangoes..etc.
(3 examples)

**Hilary** · 07-27-2020 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by monsa199a

Hey I'm glad something helped!, I would keep bringing some more..
And wanted to specify, about numbers, I meant 3 of anything..if you notice there are certain numbers that repeat in dreams and WL. for expl.: 3 people, 3 flowers, 3 mangoes..etc.
(3 examples)

Hah!

Better do a reality check now, monsa.

**Hilary** · 07-29-2020 08:02 PM

Well. I don't know if anyone else is interested in these things, but I figured I would share. When I started them, I had so so much trouble getting the prompts. Now I am really starting to get good at it, and I know this is going to help me on the road to lucidity. Already my dreams are so much more vivid, and I am noticing the dream signs more.

Anyways, this is what I am using the prompts for. So far I have made one full week (common prompts), and almost done with one for each month (more uncommon prompts). I am also working on a second week of common prompts for some variety. The way I've been working it is that I make them my desktop background image for the day, then switch them out daily. I do this while continuing to work on the monthly prompts at the same time. Also, I don't stop RCing to the old prompts the next day, I just am not as focused on them. So I focus on the 4 for that day, and if I catch some of the old ones, I RC to those as well.

I made it so that each day consists of one of each type of prompt: visual, auditory, passive kinesthetic, active kinesthetic.

The goal is to start noticing the details in life more - and RC to them. That way, I will notice the details in my dreams more, and hopefully RC to them, too. Also, building critical reflective attitude by doing the monthly prompts, which are less common. I want to be focused more on the sensory experience of the dream world, and less sucked into the story of them. I know that is key to lucidity.

**Hilary** · 07-29-2020 08:05 PM

Here's Saturday and Sunday, which finishes out week 1. Also attaching August monthly prompts.

**monsa199a** · 07-29-2020 11:08 PM

Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

Here's Saturday and Sunday, which finishes out week 1. Also attaching August monthly prompts.

All this are great! The pictures work as great reminders...and I see you're organized!

I would def. use some of yours, thanks for sharing!

**Hilary** · 07-29-2020 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by monsa199a

All this are great! The pictures work as great reminders...and I see you're organized!

I would def. use some of yours, thanks for sharing!

I added some of yours into week 2 and monthly's

Thank you again. If you think of any more good ones, please share!

**Hilary** · 08-06-2020 09:18 PM

In case anyone would like to work with these reality checks, here are my monthly prompts, finished, with a seasonal bonus task. August has been updated with the bonus task, so re-attaching.

February.jpg March.jpg April.jpg May.jpg January.jpg

*edit* Changed January.

**Hilary** · 08-06-2020 09:20 PM

More months.June.jpg July.jpg August.jpg September.jpg October.jpg

**Hilary** · 08-06-2020 09:21 PM

Last two months.November.jpg December.jpg

**Hilary** · 10-12-2020 04:35 PM

I'm starting this practice back up again, making these RC prompts my desktop background at work. I'm thinking that building memory, whether prospective or regular, has a positive effect on state awareness and level of lucidity. I feel this is the case regardless of whether or not the practice is combined with the MILD technique. It's just like building muscles, except you're strengthening your brain. This mental strength can be generalized, not just helpful for specific RC tasks. My thinking is that it can build a more awake brain that has increased cognition during lucid dreams, and better recall. This cognition and recall is what makes the difference between a low level lucid and a high level lucid. It's just a theory. Anyways, I'm motivated again, so I made a second week to add more variety to the game. Here it is... just in case anyone is ever interested in this sort of thing.

**Hilary** · 09-15-2022 11:02 PM

Hi guys,

I know it's been 2 years since I posted in this thread. I hope it's OK for me to post here as I am the original poster? Anyway, I want to reach out and ask for more reality prompts if anyone can think of any? I would like to make more pages for myself with different and new RC triggers.

THANK YOU in advance for submitting any suggestions for reality check prompts. I appreciate ALL suggestions, there are no bad ones in my opinion.

I also went ahead and merged all of my background images and master list of prompts into the first post here in this thread.

**Lang** · 09-16-2022 02:39 AM

No, you are fine.

**FryingMan** · 09-18-2022 09:42 AM

Great thread. I always run out of ideas for targets.

I didn't see any about emotion or state of mind. I find these are very helpful. In particular,

state of mind:

feeling agitated, upset, annoyed
worrying
ruminating
planning/problem-solving

I try to choose some targets that I know I'll hit, and some that I may not. I also try to spread them out so that some will be soon, some mid-day, and some in the evening.

I try to choose targets where my attention is usually focused on the action and I'm typically not mindful. Busy / bustling experiences, like: boarding a crowded bus or train (that first step off the pavement onto the vehicle.

Putting the key into the lock when you come home

I also would keep 4 active targets: when I realize one was hit/missed, I'd replace it with a new one (although I tend to not eliminate misses, I leave them around for another chance).

p.s. for me, ala TYoDaS, the goal is to make *all* experience the occasion for increased presence and lucidity. But these are a great way to start.

**Hilary** · 09-18-2022 04:06 PM

Originally Posted by FryingMan

Great thread. I always run out of ideas for targets.

I didn't see any about emotion or state of mind. I find these are very helpful. In particular,

state of mind:

feeling agitated, upset, annoyed
worrying
ruminating
planning/problem-solving

I try to choose some targets that I know I'll hit, and some that I may not. I also try to spread them out so that some will be soon, some mid-day, and some in the evening.

I try to choose targets where my attention is usually focused on the action and I'm typically not mindful. Busy / bustling experiences, like: boarding a crowded bus or train (that first step off the pavement onto the vehicle.

Putting the key into the lock when you come home

I also would keep 4 active targets: when I realize one was hit/missed, I'd replace it with a new one (although I tend to not eliminate misses, I leave them around for another chance).

p.s. for me, ala TYoDaS, the goal is to make *all* experience the occasion for increased presence and lucidity. But these are a great way to start.

Thank you for your contribution. That is excellent material to add. My focus has been solely on sensory awareness, because I tend to struggle more with the external world and noticing my surroundings. I think adding in emotions and thinking states can be helpful to make the list more well-rounded.

I like your idea of immediately rotating out ones you've hit, and keeping the ones you've missed. Sometimes, if I'm missing a couple targets, I will repeat the day over again in the hopes of getting them next time. It's so important to address our weak areas of awareness.

I like to pick both action-based prompts and passive prompts, because sometimes lucidity can occur when we notice something passively. Paying more attention to our surroundings, and connecting these experiences to reality checking, is the goal. Active actions are just as important, though. I like to have both.

I hear you with TYoDaS and ADA. It's just that all day awareness hasn't given me the same results by itself, and tends to be very taxing and uninspiring for me. It's also difficult to maintain with a full time job that requires my complete attention. I think it's great to practice, but I've found that even with focus, there's not enough differentiation between waking and dreaming experiences to build that critical reflective attitude for me.

It can lead to an understanding that all is a dream, and that understanding can bleed over into dreams, but what I notice is that I will have dreams where I know I'm dreaming, but not really lucid. No "aha" moment happens. There's no differentiation happening. At the end of the day, I have less DILD successes if I am not practicing reality checking methods. ADA may be better for increasing WILDs, though, as mastery of overall awareness seems to be key there.

I think combining that type of mindset with targeted skill building (prospective memory & CRA) through reality checking, leads to the most lucidity for me. But, everyone is different. For some people, this may do little, perhaps they have an excellent prospective memory already. Perhaps all day awareness is more helpful for them. I can only go off of what has worked more, and has worked less, for me.

As an aside, I struggle GREATLY with prospective memory. I also struggle with connecting my memory to what's going on around me. I remember the tasks mentally, but struggle to notice them in my environment. It's a HUGE weak area for me, and I think that's why I get so much from the practice.

-----------

Edit:

I added in a new set of background images called "Newbie List" - for those who are brand new to prospective memory training / reality checking. This list only has 2 prompts per day, and they both should be very common ones.

**Ant101** · 09-18-2022 04:22 PM

•I see a live or dead ,hedgehog/ badger/fox/ deer/ cat/ pigeon/snake
• next time I see :
-something run across the road
- see a penny on the floor
- see the spray painted markings on pavements usually put there before services dig up and replace pipe, or cables under the ground.
- sparks.
- a non standard ( to your country or state) licence plate.
- see someone talking using head phones.
- I see something and realise it wasn’t what I first thought it was ( dream recalibration I call this eg I see a horse walking it’s has one leg when I look again

• the next time I hear my heating turning on
- the next time I hear someone slam a garage door, car door, a rear lorry door, the refrigerator door at home or at the supermarket
- I hear someone else answer a phone call.
- someone say a number or double/ triple digit number

The next time I smell:
- manure
- onions
-Garlic
-Coffee
-Cigarette smoke
-Coffee and cigarette breath( particularly if you use public transport)
-fresh bread
- burning rubber
- dust
-Damp
-Dog
- a smelly person
- petrol
- alcohol
-weed
-aftershave or parfume
- dog or cat food
- fast food.

Next time I feel:
Something, sharp, rough, jagged, smooth, cold, hot, silky.
I need to use the toilet
I feel something in uncomfortable in my shoe.
The need to express an opinion.
The urge to shout at someone
, anger, worried,happy.
I feel off balance
Shocked, surprised, excited frustration, aroused.

Next time I:

Can’t recall or forget something
find myself ruminating,
Write on a calendar,
Find myself being critical of others or myself,
See coincidence.
I pick up a remote
Use a hammer
Break a pencil
Break a nail
Use a knife and fork
Bang my head
Cut myself
Roll my ankle
Have to break heavily