Thread: Does this sounds like Progress?

I have a horrible habit of starting fights in my dreams and then finding out I can't throw a decent punch. They usually land quite harmlessly on my foe and I then have to run away.

But last night I had a dream that I was part of a team hunting a serial killer. The dream had a few things in common with the TV show Dexter, which isn't surprising - it's one of my favourite shows. But it got to the point where we'd identified the serial killer and went round to his house to arrest him. I found him eventually and held him at gun point but because I was a 'rookie' I wasn't allowed bullets in my gun or handcuffs (dream logic). So I approached him and tried to pistol whip him but he was too fast and kept dodging. I didn't become lucid at this point but I did recognise a pattern and for the first time, decided to change tactic. I said "I probably shouldn't tell you there's no bullets in this gun" which confused him and I used the opportunity to quickly grab him and put him in an arm lock and just kept twisting his arm until he gave up.

Does this show better awareness? I knew it was going to keep happening that way and so I took a new approach. I'm not usually that innovative in my dreams.

First dream fight I ever won too.

Congratulations on winning that fight! I can't tell you if that was progress towards lucidity, but it sure sounds like a fun dream! Oh, and here's my idea for winning fights in lucids. Don't just punch the opponent. Sorcerously punch them. Concentrate all your will on punching them, and yell something ridiculous like "Flarclarblee!!!" at the moment of impact. I used to be plagued by evil attackers in my lucids, but I started defeating them with that technique, and since then I haven't been attacked. (This might only work for me because I'm a geek, I don't know. )

I can relate to this feeling of increased awareness. Can you remember what you were thinking before you told him about the lack of bullets? What was the pattern you recognized?

I see parallels to lucid dreaming, here. Both involve using patterns (whether it be dream signs, or criminals) to your advantage. Both involve using logic aquired previously, a sense of continuing memory (also helpful while lucid dreaming). Your dream had a strong sense of plot, indicating good focus.

Those are the impressions I got from this dream, at least. You're mind is on the right track.

Originally Posted by Abra

I can relate to this feeling of increased awareness. Can you remember what you were thinking before you told him about the lack of bullets? What was the pattern you recognized?

I just thought that if I was going to win this fight I'd need to do something different other than keep trying to hit him. The telling him about the bullets was a spur of the moment thing. The pattern I recognised was being absolutely terrible at fighting in my dreams (although I didn't relate it specifically to dreaming at this point, I wish I had because maybe I'd have become lucid).

The plot was definitely stronger in this dream than most although it changed a couple of times throughout the dream (at the beginning I was the serial killer and worked with the police - again, Dexter is one of my favourite shows).

I started working on my dream recall about the same time as I developed insomnia (past couple of weeks) and I'd been awake for a very long time before this sleep. I slept heavily and for longer than usual and am surprised at the amount of the dream I remembered. So it was a good feeling when I woke up. I think I may be on my way.

It's hard to answer that question.
Yes you were aware since you did not do what you would normally do. But at the same it sounds like a normal dream.

You mentioned that you always happen to start fights so do a reality check when that happens and it should not be so hard for you since you're a little aware of whats going on in your dream. Or tell yourself before going to sleep that you will be dreaming about a fight and when you do, you will realize that you're dreaming.

good luck

Thanks for everyone's replies.

Rahim, I read your post and thought - that'll never work, how will I remember to do an RC when I'm fighting? But last night I was having a fight on a pirate ship and suddenly (first time since I was 14) I became lucid.

I apologise for ever doubting you.

Originally Posted by Ryuinfinity

Congratulations on winning that fight! I can't tell you if that was progress towards lucidity, but it sure sounds like a fun dream! Oh, and here's my idea for winning fights in lucids. Don't just punch the opponent. Sorcerously punch them. Concentrate all your will on punching them, and yell something ridiculous like "Flarclarblee!!!" at the moment of impact. I used to be plagued by evil attackers in my lucids, but I started defeating them with that technique, and since then I haven't been attacked. (This might only work for me because I'm a geek, I don't know. )

This, the man speaks the truth.

and if you think you're in a fight in real life, just say the words in your head =P

if your opponent goes flying backwards after being hit, it's a dream XD