How to not wake up in LD?

[Xanous]

The other night I was dreaming about something horrible I did. What I did is not important. I was contemplating the consequences of my actions while beating myself for what I did. Then I started to realize something was off. I knew that what I had done was in a dream. I thought this and then said aloud "It was a dream" at that instant I was awake. Any tips on how to stay awake when that happens. It's frustrating to be so darn close and then wake up.

[imj]

Hi, I've had this 'about to wakeup' feeling before in one of my earlier LDs. I knew I was going to wake up but I willed myself not to, instead I proceeded to my bedroom and did some spinning hoping to prolong the dream but still woke up. If U are still in the dream scene and feel that Ur going to wakeup, there is still some chance to will yourself not to but if the dream scene just suddenly fades then it's difficult.

[nightshade]

Touch things, look around, do spinning, rub your hands together. For me looking around works best.

[wombing]

you must become progressively acccustomed to this happening to overcome...recognize the feeling before it kicks you out of a dream....it is like the difference between feeling oneself teetering on the edge of a cliff, and already falling. cultivate awareness, and soon you will start feeling early enough to stablilize the dream. nightshade gives good advice if the dream is slowly fading. if it is quickly fading try spinning, or falling backwards with your arms spreadeagled. IMO sometimes fading dreams can be salvaged and made even more vivid, and sometimes it is inevitable that one will wake up in a couple seconds. it seems one can tell the difference while still in the dream after awhile. most are salvageable.