A couple LD tips... questions/comments welcome
Here's my two cents (natural LD-er) on the subject of starting out, from my own experiences. I hope it helps someone :)
When first starting, don't push! The more you try and blunt force your will, the more you'll likely lose your LD. As you get better at it, you can begin to influence your surroundings or situation... but initially coming at it trying to change everything usually makes for a quick and frustrating end. Either just explore and experience it, or gently guide things into the direction you want to go, as though it was a story. I think most people can only control their own actions at first, as that's what we're used to doing in RL. So use that, and actively seek out what/who you want to find. Let the results come to you!
A while back I was experimenting in making adjustments in my LD. When I made too big of a tweak, or forced something, I would begin to wake up. Luckily, relaxing let me slide back into the LD each time, so it was a learning experience. Recently I've started to be able to control other people in my dreams, by viewing it as an extension of me- a woman was walking away from me, and I wanted her to stop. So I raised my hand and used some mental power or force to make her halt. It comes down to confidence, really. If you think you can do something, you can. If you doubt, you can end up locked in a room or (even worse) giving yourself a complex about your lack of ability. With every success, it builds your belief in what you can accomplish.
The best thing you can do to prep yourself for a great LD is to realize repeatedly that you can do _____ while dreaming (whatever skill you require). If you can get that thought stuck in your head in RL, it will carry through and open up huge possibilities once dreaming. Also, setting some consecutive goals is a good idea to build your confidence. Say you've successfully had your first LD- you were sitting in your bedroom. Maybe instead of excitedly starting with goal "sleeping with that hot girl from work," you can build on what you've already done and work up to it. Here's an example goal sheet that will lead to your final destination:
1. Leave your room (simple enough, but sometimes a big step)
2. Go someplace public (perhaps a mall, or somewhere familiar)
3. Look for that hot girl (chances are sometimes higher in a crowd)
4. Find her (or as close an approximation as you'd accept at the time ;) )
5. Interact as desired
If you can accomplish all this in your next LD, great! But if not, it gives some realistic stages that each build off the last accomplishment. Also, don't beat yourself up if you forget everything and spend all night flying or walking through walls :D Use what you learned, incorporate it into your goals. Even if it doesn't seem like it, each LD experience brings you closer to what you want to do. :boogie:
