Becoming Fully Lucid

**MeannCat** · 02-18-2015 06:43 PM

I've had a good handful of dreams where I'm partially lucid, like far off I know it's a dream but not really. These dreams I had shifted to my likeing, I know I changed them because while they were going on I suddenly thought of something different that could happen and it changed to what I wanted. I know how to stabalize a dream, but how can you become lucid enough to even remember to do those things? :/

**proctree** · 02-20-2015 06:55 PM

Perhaps this answer won't satisfy you, but my solution to half-lucidity and loss of vividness/no dream recall was to stop having DILDs and MILDs completely, and focus only on having WILDs. Basically, try to use techniques which do not require period when you lose conciousness(so, basically just FILD, WILD, V-WILD and variations thereof).

Yeah, it's largely just putting a bandaid on the problem, but honestly I can't go back to relying on DILDs after experiencing the vividness of WILDs. You get fewer LDs overall, but they're less random and more fun.

**proctree** · 02-20-2015 06:56 PM

Perhaps this answer won't satisfy you, but my solution to half-lucidity and loss of vividness/no dream recall was to stop having DILDs and MILDs completely, and focus only on having WILDs. Basically, try to use techniques which do not require period when you lose conciousness(so, basically just FILD, WILD, V-WILD and variations thereof).

Yeah, it's largely just putting a bandaid on the problem, but honestly I can't go back to relying on DILDs after experiencing the vividness of WILDs. You get fewer LDs overall, but they're less random and more fun.

**TravisE** · 02-21-2015 02:04 AM

I'd say practice. I think partial lucidity is just a part of the game; it's always going to happen at times, but the more you work at lucid dreaming and get better the more high-quality lucids you'll have. As for remembering what to do in a lucid dream, this is where expectation/intention-setting comes in—things like training prospective memory, constantly imagining yourself becoming lucid and remembering to do what you want to do, autosuggestion, etc. (I thought there might be a good thread/tutorial to link to about this, but I can't seem to find one quickly—perhaps someone here could steer us in the right direction?)

Originally Posted by proctree

Perhaps this answer won't satisfy you, but my solution to half-lucidity and loss of vividness/no dream recall was to stop having DILDs and MILDs completely, and focus only on having WILDs. Basically, try to use techniques which do not require period when you lose conciousness(so, basically just FILD, WILD, V-WILD and variations thereof).

I don't see why one would have to give up DILD/MILD just to do WILD. If one is able to WILD, why not do it along with DILD and increase the chances? Really good dreams are possible with DILD, and I see no reason to shun semilucids—they're part of the process and let you know you've gotten close.

**MeannCat** · 02-21-2015 03:14 AM

Originally Posted by proctree

Perhaps this answer won't satisfy you, but my solution to half-lucidity and loss of vividness/no dream recall was to stop having DILDs and MILDs completely, and focus only on having WILDs. Basically, try to use techniques which do not require period when you lose conciousness(so, basically just FILD, WILD, V-WILD and variations thereof).

Yeah, it's largely just putting a bandaid on the problem, but honestly I can't go back to relying on DILDs after experiencing the vividness of WILDs. You get fewer LDs overall, but they're less random and more fun.

Actually this sounds helpful. I've been meaning to try having a WILD, I get distracted by other stuff I can't even start the dang technique. I'll try though.

**MeannCat** · 02-21-2015 03:16 AM

Originally Posted by Travis E.

I'd say practice. I think partial lucidity is just a part of the game; it's always going to happen at times, but the more you work at lucid dreaming and get better the more high-quality lucids you'll have. As for remembering what to do in a lucid dream, this is where expectation/intention-setting comes in—things like training prospective memory, constantly imagining yourself becoming lucid and remembering to do what you want to do, autosuggestion, etc. (I thought there might be a good thread/tutorial to link to about this, but I can't seem to find one quickly—perhaps someone here could steer us in the right direction?)

I don't see why one would have to give up DILD/MILD just to do WILD. If one is able to WILD, why not do it along with DILD and increase the chances? Really good dreams are possible with DILD, and I see no reason to shun semilucids—they're part of the process and let you know you've gotten close.

Alrighty then. I'll try.

**proctree** · 02-21-2015 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Travis E.

I'd say practice. I think partial lucidity is just a part of the game; it's always going to
I don't see why one would have to give up DILD/MILD just to do WILD. If one is able to WILD, why not do it along with DILD and increase the chances? Really good dreams are possible with DILD, and I see no reason to shun semilucids—they're part of the process and let you know you've gotten close.

Even if my solution isn't optimal, I've included it simply because it's what I did in response to half-lucidity. No, you don't need to stop having non-WILDs completely, but I for one don't feel satisfied with DILDs anymore. I know it's possible to have long, vivid DILDs and MILDs, but after getting good enough at WILDing I simply don't feel like it's worth it for me to start RCing daily, write a dream journal and recognize my dream signs and all that stuff when I can already practically LD every night.

Now, this doesn't mean stop DILDing forever and do only what I do. But I feel like MeannCat has the same problem I had a couple years ago and I'm just sharing my solution. Good or bad, it worked, and I assume he can choose for himself and evaluate the arguments for it and against it.

But yeah, perhaps I'm a bit harsh on non-WILD methods.

**FryingMan** · 02-21-2015 10:05 AM

Don't stop working on DILD/MILD. The "experts" have repeatedly noted here that there is largely no difference in clarity/vividness/awareness. Besides, the *same* things that benefit DILD and are prerequisites, are also benefits and (basically) prerequisites for WILD: building high daytime awareness, great dream recall. For most (anecdotal) even great/master dreamers, the majority of LDs remain DILDs.

The answer to "how can I improve <XYZ> in my dreams?" (lucidity, vividness, recall, etc.) is to improve it in waking life. Want vivid/aware dreams? Learn to pay close attention to and spend effort of recalling your waking day. Building the lifestyle of mindfulness/"live in the present/now" has great benefits both for enjoyment of the waking state as well as boosting your experiences in the dream state.