The Frustration Thread

[Roller]

I've been trying for lucidity for over a month now, and very solidly too. I've tried anything and everything and the only outcome has been a couple of five second dreams. I've had excellent recall, recently up to 12 dreams (!!) in one night, I've been on the verge of cracking WILD a few times also, yet nothing seems to give... I know you shouldn't get frustrated but dammit, I am. So now I'm venting my frustration. Grr. Who else is feeling this frustration? Is there anyone out there that felt the same frustration yet somehow overcame it? I would love to know.

[sh2dak]

You shouldn't get frustrated over it, maybe you'r just trying to hard, it'll come, trust me, just maybe not when you want it to, it gets easier though. just dont give in and try taking a little break. alot of people have said that when they take a break or dont think about it, it happens, they get lucid. try it, you said you've tried everything so you dont have alot to lose! good luck!

[TygrHawk]

I've felt the same frustration, Roller. For a while, it was knowing that I could have LDs, but going for long spells without one. Now I seem to be having them more regularly, but often can't do the things I want to, or wake up when I'm on the verge of something really cool. But then I just think "there's always tomorrow night", and remind myself that getting upset about it isn't going to help -- it rarely helps with anything in life, if just raises your blood pressure. I don't know that I've "overcome" it as you say, but just know that you aren't alone -- some people try for years before having even the modest success that you've had already. I suppose I'm more patient than the average person, but patience and persistence are key to doing anything worthwhile. As with all things in life, it's easier for some people than for others. Maybe you just need to try more different techniques (and don't be shy about making up your own -- you know yourself better than anyone), or maybe it's just going to take more time for you no matter what you do. But whatever you do, don't give up. That's the only sure path to failure.

[Number 6]

Roller. like Wayne said, we've all been through stuff like this. I started lucid dreaming about 4 months ago and average about 2-3 per month. The first week of February, I already had 3, including 2 in one morning, a first for me, and also my first WILD. Why am I telling you this? The second week...... NOTHING!... so far.......So it's feast or famine for me and many others. There seems to be a fine line between success and "frustration" in Lucid Dreaming, especially for those without a lot of experience. You have to really want to do it but you must have a certain amount of detachment as well. I would suggest relaxing a bit and toning down whatever method you are using. Many beginners have success with WBTB and MILD. Look in the tutorials if you're not familiar with these. WILD might require a little more experience so you might want to try that later. At first, I was chanting my MILD "mantra" like there was no tomorrow without any result except lack of sleep! Then I would give up for the morning and just try to sleep, THAT'S when I would have an LD! I've also had them when I only did a very quick affirmation before returning to bed. It's that fine line again and only time and experience will help you walk it. If you aren't successful tonight, no problem. Just be persistent and know that it will happen soon. Like Wayne said, there's always tomorrow. If you get burned out or frustrated, take a night or two off. You might get a big surprise. If you don't give up, you will be rewarded with an incredible experience that you will never forget. The first time you realize that you are dreaming and lucid and maybe start rising off the ground and get an adrenalin/lucid rush, you will understand why it was worth the effort. Trust me! 6