Help for a first time lucid dreamer...?

Hello,
I'm new to the world of lucid dreaming, and I wanted to know where to begin. I've done research and learned about many techniques, but what little I've tried so far hasn't worked. I have no experience at all, honestly. I know that lucid dreaming takes a lot of commitment, time, energy, and effort, and I am willing to put all of that into learning, but I am looking for a place to start. I feel a bit lost and confused with absolutely no idea where to begin. If anyone is willing to help me, it'd be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
DreamingInBlue

Hey DreamingInBlue, welcome to the forums! :welcome:

I'd recommend anyone who's just starting out to read the beginner's guide to lucid dreaming found in the introduction section (you can introduce yourself while you're there, too, if you feel inclined ;)). It has great details about difference induction techniques, what dream signs, reality checks, and dream journals are, and even what to do once you get lucid. I'd suggest reading through the guide, picking an induction technique which sounds feasible/interesting to you (I'd shy away from WILD and those like it such as DEILD and FILD) and then check out the full tutorial on that technique. I'd recommend MILD or DILD for someone starting out, but you can of course try whichever you want.

I also highly, highly recommend starting a dream journal, or DJ (which it looks like you have!). It's invaluable in increasing dream recall (what good are LDs if you can't remember them?) and recognizing dream signs which can help you become lucid. It's also entertaining to just read through your dreams/others' dreams once in a while.

Once you've got those things down it's really just down to practicing any techniques you're doing and maintaining your DJ. Lucid dreaming often takes some time to get the hang of, so its key that you don't get frustrated. It took me about 3 weeks before I had my first intentional lucid dream (used to have them as a kid pretty often) and I've heard anywhere from a couple days to a couple months. One thing I want to emphasize is that you really shouldn't get discouraged if you don't get the hang of it right away. Once you start getting upset or disappointed, you start to lose focus and hope which is crucial in lucid dreaming. I always emphasize the importance of expectations with LDs; in order to have any technique work or even have good dream control once you do get lucid, you have to expect and believe that you'll do what you want to do. If you just half-ass it, little will come of it.

However, don't over-exert yourself. I know I just said give it your all, but LDing doesn't have to take a lot of time or energy. Do your techniques consistently and well, and focus on them while you do them, but you don't have to live eat and breath lucid dreaming. Too much of anything is bad for you. If you feel like you're getting nowhere after a few weeks, switch it up a little. Change your technique, try doing a different reality check (you'll learn about those in the intro guide) or just take a break. Staying relaxed about the whole thing makes it all so much easier.

And of course, if you have any questions you can always ask forum members or post a thread. We have several members denoted as dream guides (with green names and a special title) who's purpose is to help out anyone who needs it. You can also message me if you have any questions.

Good luck and happy dreaming! :)

P.S. spending time on the forums is a great way to keep lucid dreaming on your mind without actively practicing. Reading various threads/wikis, learning about different aspects of lucid dreaming, or participating in conversations is a great way to get more of your dreams to be more lucid (after all, dreams are largely based on your daily life :)).

With all the information and techniques out there, it can seem that inducing lucid dreams is really complicated, but most of it is geared towards helping you do three things:

1.Fall asleep
2.Become conscious during your dreams
3.Remember that you're dreaming during those dreams

Start with learning #1, then learn to do #1 and #2 together, then learn to do #1, #2, and #3 together.

Good luck! Have fun!

Thank you both! I really appreciate how much helpful information you provided! I can't wait to start learning how to lucid dream, and thanks to you, I know where to begin. :)

Ok So this has worked for me almost every time. Download brain wave. Open and select presets and then theta waves. Put headphones in and take a nap\go to bed. It keeps your mind awake. Make sure you know some reality checks to see if it is a dream. This is how I induced my first a few days ago. Good luck m8!