Dream Journal

**Ish** · 04-16-2011 10:03 PM

This is a bit controversial for me. I know from experience that I have and always will have problems keeping a dream journal. I have come to the conclusion that it makes me more aware of my dreams and improves recall, but I don't think a dream journal is necessary to do this however. I hardly ever find myself looking back through it, I only keep it to improve recall. So couldn't I just try to recall my dreams upon waking, but not make written note of them? I know a DJ is crucial to recognize dream signs, but I have never used dream signs. I usually just realize I am dreaming randomly. If there are anymore pros to keeping a dream journal other than what I have listed, please list them. I know having a written record of your dreams is nice, but is it necessary?

**Raphael** · 04-16-2011 10:10 PM

I personally don't use a dream journal that much, as you can see I only have 2 entries. I record dreams just for the sake of remembering them later, it's kind of cool.

But to answer your question, no I don't think it's necessary. Once you have good recall, you can go over the dreams in your head pretty easily. To actually write them down is a tool used by people with worse recall, and to identify dream signs. If you don't think you need to keep a DJ, then don't.

**Oneironaut Zero** · 04-16-2011 11:12 PM

The #1 reason I keep a dream journal is because I feel it would be such a waste if I forgot all of the amazing adventures I've had, over time. If this (or the other benefits that usually come with keeping a journal) doesn't concern you, then I say you'll be just fine without one. Whether or not anything is "necessary" depends completely on the person, what your goals are, and how much attention you put into dreaming / recall in lieu of not keeping a journal.

**WinRic** · 04-16-2011 11:15 PM

There is always the chance that you forgot something while thinking over the dream.

Writing it down might make you remember the correct order, or help you remember a piece of the dream as you write it down.

**GestaltAlteration** · 04-16-2011 11:24 PM

Dream journalism and, in general, the amount of time required out of waking life to become proficient at lucid dreaming is always what kept me from going too far. It's probably best to use methods that use the least amount of time possible while still retaining effectiveness--by which I suggest you experiment around to find what this is. But like what Oneironaut was saying, if I hadn't recorded all those dreams while I was still actively practicing LD'ing, I would remember maybe 5% of them right now. Instead I can remember all of them, since I have a written record to jog my memory.

You could try making very brief, concise journal entries that can serve both as a recall (only if needed) and a memory aid without being too burdensome. I wouldn't suggest using a recording device, though. Those usually wind up sounding like a bunch of mumbles and "Uhhh"s. >_>;