Thread: Halp!

Oh and by the way, I don't have a clue what's up with the "adoption" thing either so if you could fill me in...

For WILD, a lot depends on your preparation before actually trying to do it. Since you're essentially trying to re-enter a dream state while keeping some bit of consciousness, you should be getting at least 4-5 hours, trying to wake up in the middle of an REM period, which means you may have to adjust your sleeping time before WILD depending on how often you have them, usually it's around every 90 minutes.

The time you stay awake once you do wake up, but before you try the WILD, is also very important. Some people don't even get up I think, but usually that's what you would do. You basically have to judge how long you should stay awake and what you should do (drink a bit of caffeine, do some math to get aware if you're more of a heavy/quick sleeper, or just go to the bathroom quickly and get back to bed if you're a light sleeper).

After that it's a bit up to you how you handle the WILD itself, there are many techniques to stay aware, such as visualization, counting, affirmations etc. Try to be comfortable and not to move, but not so comfortable that you fall asleep immediately. Just stay focused, and be patient, even if seems to take forever, you're that much closer with each second.

Having very limited personal experience myself, I don't have much more to add.

PS.: Adoptions: Members can ask to be "adopted" by other, more experienced ones. The adopter is there to help them learn, to answer questions, and to provide motivation. It's a nice way to help people new to LDing or having trouble, and the adopter also gains motivation from it, among other things.

PPS: It's hypnagogic.