Hey everyone,

I'm new to lucid dreaming but I'd really love to learn to do it. I've been working on my dream recall, etc... but the most consistent problem I've had is with trying to relax.

If I clear my mind of all thoughts as I'm trying to get to sleep, or if I focus on telling myself "I'm going to lucid dream tonight" (as in a Mild I guess) I become instantly very aware of my breathing, and I become so conscious of my breathing that I almost start holding my breath and feel like I'm suffocating. I know it sounds strange, but I'm just not able to calm myself down.

The only way I can seem to get to sleep is if I say 'screw lucid dreaming' and allow myself to think about whatever thoughts pop into my head until I eventually lose track and drift to sleep, but that's not very helpful for lucid dreaming now is it?

Any tips would be really helpful. It seems like the more I think about *not* thinking, the harder it becomes to just let everything go.

Thanks so much in advance!