Some thoughts on LD induction using memory and incubation
I noticed that some features - and people - that featured in my dreams in my DJ were featuring again in dreams. Some of these are obviously dreamsigns and would've featured anyway, but I also strongly suspect that the act of recalling dreams was enough to make some dream elements more likely to feature again in future dreams.
Deliberate Memorisation
So, I tried this:
1) I systematically memorised all my dreams in my DJ (58 in total) using memory techniques. I learned the list well enough to be able to recall it anywhere, in my head, without pen and paper.
2) I wrote down all the people who featured in my dreams (40 in total) and systematically memorised that too.
Sure enough, the dreams seem to be doing a fair amount of recycling, using both elements from former dreams, and people who featured before.
Dream Incubation
I tried a dream incubation experiment a while back: I created a character with a distinctive look, and visualised him entering my house and demonstrating a reality check, then making me do a reality check, and then celebrating with me as I become lucid.
I suggested this scenario, both as an affirmation before bed, and as an auto-suggestion during hypnosis. It didn't work.
I am thinking that the scenario I chose was too specific? Maybe it would have been a better idea to create many scenarios - some vague, some specific - because this would give the dreaming brain a wider array of "dream options" to enter, during a dream.
Further Options and Looking forward
Okay, so I memorised my dreams and the people that featured in my dreams. But here's the big question:
Would there be better items to memorise?
If so, what would those items be? Here are my thoughts on possible options:
People reality checking:
Instead of simply memorising a list of all the people that have featured in dreams, memorise the list but make sure your visualised image of them includes them doing a reality check.
Dreams:
Visualise 30 images that are to do with dreams:
Eg- the cover of Ewold, the Dream Views logo at the top of this page, images from my former LDs, images from former Non-lucids where lucid dreaming featured.
Reality checks:
Instead of just using the affirmation, "I will RC" and visualising yourself RCing, list 30 reality checks and visualise them. The first 10 on the list are one type of RC (finger through palm, perhaps), the next 10 another RC (pinch nose), and the final 10 another (read digital watch). The idea is, that for each group of ten, you visualise the RC being done by:
A different person
In a different situation
With unusual hands (gigantic hands, green martian hands etc.)
and then memorise the list so well that you can recall it anywhere - even when you're half asleep!
Conclusion
Obviously there are many combinations of information that can be memorised and it would take trial and error to find out the best information to memorise.
I haven't seen much conversation in LD resources about systematic memory techniques being used to help LD. Also, dream incubation techniques seem to focus on one image/scenario - I'm thinking that giving the sleeping brain a number of options to choose from may increase the chances of your waking thoughts - your lists - being included in a dream.
Let me know what you think about this.
