Candle Focus Technique

Ok, just had my second lucid dream a little while ago and this method worked for me. I remembered reading somewhere that to improve visualizations, one technique is to focus on a candle flame. While in my dream, I noticed I didn't have very much control and I decided to attempt this while in the dream. My control and clarity increased immensely.

Candle Focus Technique
First things first, become lucid. When you become lucid, take a few moments to take in your surroundings. Relax and don't become too excited. Then look around for a candle. I'll bet there's one on that table right behind you. Approach the candle. Take about 10 seconds just to look at the candle. See how it flickers and appreciate its beauty and wide range of colors. Then take another 10 seconds or so to feel its heat. Pass your hand through it quickly a few times. And then take a final 10 seconds to realize how your surroundings are only a part of your mind, and that the candle flame you just perceived, is as well. Realize that since your mind can create such realistic sensations subconsciously, you can do the same consciously.

I hope this helps, I've only tried it once and I've added some more ideas and embellished my original concept, so I don't know how consistently it works. Please let me know if it works for you, or if you have anything else to add.

-Out of the Blue

I just want to add that this has worked for me.
Nice read out of the blue ............and into the candle light.

Thanks for the tip I'll keep it in mind.

Great idea.. I'll try to remember this tip if I need to "brighten" my surroundings! :D
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Very interresting. I've read this before on Meditation-sites. Haven't tried to do it in lcuid's yet but I might try it whilst awake to focus and then after some time do a series of reality checks.

Also I'd like to add that you could also sit outside for some time and observe all the sounds. Best would be a somewhat quiet surrounding like in your garden around 8 in the evening. At first you may only hear wind through the trees and birds but if you listen longer and closer you'll be amazed by all the sounds from far away that are carried into your ear by the wind; Like car's wheels rushing down fastlanes, airplanes, trains, metros, carhorns, icecream-truck jingles...etc. You could do this in Lucid's too off course. It's just an Auditory variation of your visual focus technique.

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Originally Posted by SKA

Also I'd like to add that you could also sit outside for some time and observe all the sounds. Best would be a somewhat quiet surrounding like in your garden around 8 in the evening. At first you may only hear wind through the trees and birds but if you listen longer and closer you'll be amazed by all the sounds from far away that are carried into your ear by the wind; Like car's wheels rushing down fastlanes, airplanes, trains, metros, carhorns, icecream-truck jingles...etc. You could do this in Lucid's too off course. It's just an Auditory variation of your visual focus technique.

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SKA, this reminds me of when I was a little girl and my dad and I would sit outside in the evening while he smoked a cigarette. I used to love all the quiet "noises" I could make out.

Thanks for rekindling this memory! :content:
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Sounds like a really interesting idea. I will definitely try this when I have my next LD.

One thing I might change however is putting a candle in my room in case I cannot create one. My only LD so far started in my room (and I have read this is quite a common starting point). Do you think this would detract from the activity at all?

Karillion, I didn't purposely will the candles into my dream, so I think any ways that would help you get a candle into your dream are good things to try.

And of course like all techniques for lucid dreaming, do whatever works best for you. Good luck on your next lucid. Both of mine started in my room/place I was sleeping.