Mental Block

**clumsydreamer** · 06-08-2015 11:58 PM

Hi everyone,
I actually wrote a long post on Dream Control last night, but then I started reading the many useful threads on the topic and decided I didn't need to post.
However, upon reflection, I think I need advice. I guess I am a step behind having issues with dream control.
Yes, I have attained lucidity 4-5 times at least, and yes I have woken up soon after that as I was unable to control my LD (tried spinning etc but it didn't work).

But I think my big issue is a mental block. I do RC many times a day and affirmations every time I go to sleep (and whenever I wake up, which is often as I drink water/tea before going to bed in an effort to wake up naturally and try WILD - and I also have a 5 month old son so he sometimes needs to be resettled.
But when I perform RC, I have trouble imagining what I would do if my RC turned out to be a false positive and I was in fact dreaming. I often perform RC at work, so I might be at my desk, in the bathroom etc - where do I go from there? I think I would like to fly away and go somewhere fun, but since I am actually stuck at work, those images aren't all that powerful.

Also, I have a list of things I would like to do when LDing - but those are all things I have never done, so I have a hard time picturing them. How can you imagine going to Mars, if you've only seen pictures of it on the internet? Or visiting Ancient Rome, where you have graduated in Classics and Latin (and lived in Rome for 21 years!) but never actually seen the place before 1983?

My desire to LD is very high - I think the fact that I was able to attain lucidity after a few months of not doing my journal or trying extremely hard (it's been difficult with the baby and the lack of sleep, new job etc) is a testament to the fact that I think about LD every day and night.

But how would you move forward this sort of mental block if it were you?

Thanks.

**Higat** · 06-09-2015 03:03 PM

I'm not sure I understand your first question... I suppose you are saying that you mean that you struggle to visualize what you would do if you became lucid at work. If that's it, then it isn't really a problem. RC-ing doesn't have to include any visualization of what you would do it the RC was "positive," although it's a good habit to take. As long as you take time to question reality and observe your surroundings, you're fine

I do recommend you work on your visualization skills though... maybe just take some time to close your eyes and let yourself fall into somewhat of a conscious daydream every now and then... something like that.

As for the Mars and Rome question, I'll assume that you mean that you are talking about going in Mars in dream (vs visualizing it). If so then trust me, it's not a problem. Just trust your brain, let it do all the work--it invents new scenery like that every night. Many of my lucid dreams introduced me to an all new scenery, I bet yours will too

**clumsydreamer** · 06-10-2015 01:28 AM

Thanks for your advice Higat.
I will continue this way - hoping that a new LD will happen soon, to see if I can do better.
Also, I started meditating again which I hear is good for the purpose of LD.

**BrotherGoose** · 06-10-2015 05:45 AM

I've had similar 'mental blocks' in the past; the inability to visualize/decide what to do were I to become lucid. For me I believe that the issue stemmed from not having concrete goals to do once lucid. My current goals really just boil down to being lucid, engaging my senses, and enjoying what the dream already has prepared for me. Needless to say this isn't the best when I'm reality checking at work!

My advice for you would be to narrow your goals down to something easy, specific, and , manageable. For me the basic tasks of the month are perfect for this. This month, for example, one of the basic tasks is the climb a tree. If I'm at work and RC I can visualize walking outside, finding a tree and climbing it. If I'm driving I can visualize pulling over at the next big tree right around the corner. Whenever I seape a tall tree I RC without even thinking about it!

Your goals are very cool and one day I'm sure you'll be able to accomplish them but having and achieving manageable goals will do wonders for your confidence and progress! Good luck.

**clumsydreamer** · 06-10-2015 10:05 AM

Wow that's great to hear that someone is struggling with my same problems...and your advice is very much appreciated!
As a side note, spent the whole winter in Canada in 2013 - and I just loved it there

**Hitokage** · 06-10-2015 07:13 PM

You should practice more visualization and imagine some dream scenarios.
Also don't push yourself too much, mind is a very delicate thing. Maybe this could help you as well: http://www.dreamviews.com/induction-...t-mean-ld.html