Almost there for recall but need a little help.

[AlexTheDreamer]

I find that when I wake up for my WBTBS (I use an alarm), I know that I just had a dream, and when I try to remember it, I usually can't. It's strange because I feel like I was just in a dream, but when I get up and try to remember I don't have any memories of the dream. However some nights I do remember the dreams right after waking. I use MILD, so having something to go off of to visualize is really helpful for me. Any solutions and suggestions would be appreciated.

[FryingMan]

Try lying still: physical movement seems to activate the brain's "dream eraser" function. Keep your mind dreamy and quiet and open to what you were just experiencing. Avoid thinking about any waking concerns at all until you've gotten up out of bed after finishing your dream recall. Ask yourself, "what was I just dreaming about?" Set intention at bedtime to remember your dreams "I remember my dreams....I remember my dreams..." When you remember something, repeat it to yourself a few times. Try to relive the experience including visuals, emotions, thoughts. Then ask yourself, "what was I doing right before that?" It can also help to recall your day before bedtime. This is good practice for dream recall and exercises a very similar (if not identical) function. Set yourself memory markers during the day that you want to remember in your day review before bed. A lot of other tips here: FryingMan's Dream Recall Tips

[TravisE]

In addition to FryingMan's advice, one technique I've occasionally used when I have a “right on the tip of my tongue” feeling trying to remember a dream (if simply relaxing and waiting a bit doesn't seem to help) is to either let my mind gently wander just a little bit and see if any of the thoughts that show up happen to remind me of the dream I just had, or run through various ideas that might do so (such as topics I regularly dream about). With some luck, I'll hit upon something that instantly brings the dream memory back.