Thread: Need help with the blinking reality check

Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

So, for reality checks, you want to do two things. Build critical reflective attitude, and build prospective memory. These are foundational skills (in addition to ADA) that will help you when you use techniques.

Any memory building exercise is going to have a positive effect on your ability to become lucid. Just being able to think What was I just doing a moment ago? is a powerful tool in a dream (because remember - the part of your brain used for memory is dampened when you're sleeping). Prospective memory has the added bonus of pairing well with MILD techniques, and also to help you remember to reality check to certain triggers - triggers that may appear in a dream. Furthermore, building memory will help with dream recall, too.

Additionally, as you build your memory, you will want to build your critical reflective attitude. Every time you experience anything "weird" you want to remember to RC. Every time. Even if it's just a little weird. Just anything that stands out, really. This is the #1 skill that's so important for getting lucid, in my opinion (for DILDs).

To keep up your mindfulness when practicing reality checks: After performing your check (such as counting fingers), Stop. Really look around. Look at your surroundings. Feel. Feel the sensation of not knowing whether or not you're in a dream (because remember, when we're dreaming, we really do think we're awake much of the time). Foster this feeling, grow it. Think to yourself: I really could be dreaming right now. I could be tricking myself into thinking I'm awake. Really question.

Do this every time you RC, and your RCs will mean something.

Interesting! Having read this, I might go back to doing RCs regularly like I used to. Thank you!

I have another question. You talk about having a "critical reflective attitude". Is it possible to maintain this attitude for extended periods of time? I know this is not a new idea —IIRC Naiya's DILD & WILD Secrets thread mentions questioning everything around you at once as an exercise —, I want to know if it's feasible to do and how to perform it.

Originally Posted by WildWolf1

I have another question. You talk about having a "critical reflective attitude". Is it possible to maintain this attitude for extended periods of time? I know this is not a new idea —IIRC Naiya's DILD & WILD Secrets thread mentions questioning everything around you at once as an exercise —, I want to know if it's feasible to do and how to perform it.

What you're describing sounds to me like another form of ADA. Critical reflective attitude is more of a skill that you build up over a long time, a sort of discernment. Rather than spending all day in this set mode, attempt to question when certain triggers happen - such as dream-like or strange events. The idea is build the skill of recognizing a strange event when it happens, so you also do it in the dream world. If you just practice this mentality for extended times, without the trigger or distinction of strange events, you won't necessarily reality check or become lucid inside the dream when something dream-like happens. They are two different skills. Both can be good, but just recognize their differences, strengths, and limitations.

One idea that I do recommend: Go for a walk with this mindset. Look around at the sign posts (double look), and really focus on your senses. Notice the details around you. Smell the air, feel the leaves as you walk by bushes. Listen to the birds, etc. The whole time contemplate how you could be dreaming. This could be a dream. Prove to yourself that it's not by reality checking frequently during this walk.

Originally Posted by MoonageDaydream

What you're describing sounds to me like another form of ADA. Critical reflective attitude is more of a skill that you build up over a long time, a sort of discernment. Rather than spending all day in this set mode, attempt to question when certain triggers happen - such as dream-like or strange events. The idea is build the skill of recognizing a strange event when it happens, so you also do it in the dream world. If you just practice this mentality for extended times, without the trigger or distinction of strange events, you won't necessarily reality check or become lucid inside the dream when something dream-like happens. They are two different skills. Both can be good, but just recognize their differences, strengths, and limitations.

One idea that I do recommend: Go for a walk with this mindset. Look around at the sign posts (double look), and really focus on your senses. Notice the details around you. Smell the air, feel the leaves as you walk by bushes. Listen to the birds, etc. The whole time contemplate how you could be dreaming. This could be a dream. Prove to yourself that it's not by reality checking frequently during this walk.

Hey there. I came back to this thread cuz I'm struggling with the part about feeling the sensation of not knowing whether or not I'm in a dream. I've tried repeating the phrase "I could be dreaming" in my mind but I don't think that's enough. Do you have any tips for inducing this sensation?