Can't seem to get a lucid dream

[MoonOfBacon]

It's almost as if no matter what I do, methods, mantras, etc, I just can't become lucid. The closest I've ever gotten was having a dream about lucid dreaming, but nothing. I've been trying for over a year and a half, since July of 2019, so about 21 months. No matter what, I just can't become lucid. I've gone months on end without getting a LD and it's very frustrating, all though I try to keep my cool. Is it normal for lucid dreaming to take this long?

[Hilary]

I feel you. I'm not happy with my lucidity progress either right now. It waxes and wanes, and it is definitely harder when you have a lot going on in waking life (stress, work, etc.). I would ask myself some questions to see where the problem lies, so that you can find the right solution. 1. Motivation & Intention - are you properly motivated? You need a goal that you really really really want to do. Also, are you setting your intentions? 2. Memory - are you actively practicing memory-building techniques, such as prospective memory? 3. Self-Awareness - are you practicing self-awareness building techniques, such as critical reflective attitude (questioning your state of consciousness whenever anything strange happens), all day awareness, meditation or some form of state awareness practice (especially if you want WILDs). 4. Journaling - are you actively journaling your dreams and have 3-4 full entries every night? Also, combine with intention - you can make a practice where you wake up to journal, and as you fall back asleep, relive your dream, but imagine yourself becoming lucid in it and then carrying out whatever you have planned. 5. Supplements/Diet - you can give yourself a boost by making sure you're getting enough B vitamins (B6 especially*), and choline. 6. Track your progress and only, ONLY focus on success. Forget your failures, focusing on that won't help. Even if you question something in the dream state, but don't become lucid, praise yourself for being pre-lucid. Praise yourself for remembering your dreams, even if it's only one a night. You can make a calendar where you mark successes down (or lucid dreams). But whatever you do, don't turn it into a thing where you point out how often you're NOT getting lucid. That will set you back. Actually, I need to take my own advice. I'm going to start practicing some of these

[MoonOfBacon]

I feel you. I'm not happy with my lucidity progress either right now. It waxes and wanes, and it is definitely harder when you have a lot going on in waking life (stress, work, etc.). I would ask myself some questions to see where the problem might lie, so that you can find the right solution. 1. Motivation & Intention - are you properly motivated? You need a goal that you really really really want to do. Also, are you setting your intentions? 2. Memory - are you actively practicing memory-building techniques such as prospective memory? 3. Self-Awareness - are you practicing self-awareness building techniques, such as critical reflective attitude (questioning your state of consciousness whenever anything strange happens), all day awareness, meditation or some form of state awareness practice (especially if you want WILDs). 4. Journaling - are you actively journaling your dreams and have 3-4 full entries every night? Also, combine with intention - you can make a practice where you wake up to journal, and as you fall back asleep, relive your dream, but imagine yourself becoming lucid in it and then carrying out whatever you have planned. 5. Supplements/Diet - you can give yourself a boost by making sure you're getting enough B vitamins (B6 especially*), and choline. 6. Track your progress and only, ONLY focus on success. Forget your failures, focusing on that won't help. Even if you question something in the dream state, but don't become lucid, praise yourself for being pre-lucid. Praise yourself for remembering your dreams, even if it's only one a night. You can make a calendar where you mark successes down (or lucid dreams). But whatever you do, don't turn it into a thing where you point out how often you're NOT getting lucid. That will set you back. Actually, I need to take my own advice. I'm going to start practicing some of these Hi, thanks for the reply 1. I am very motivated, and I do have such goals. I am setting intentions as well. 2. Yes, I am practicing prospective memory also. 3. I practice a lot of self-awareness/questioning reality, along with reality checks of course. 4. I do try to write entries in my DJ, but I'd say 3-4 is a stretch for me, I rarely get one. 5. Thanks, I did not know that! I will make sure to get my vitamins. Thank you for this reply, again

[Hilary]

So, if I were you, I'd probably put more focus into dream journaling. You want at least 2/night, but your chances of becoming lucid only increase with more dreams remembered. 3-5 is ideal. If you're struggling with this, try waking up several times a night and really make yourself do it. Get into the habit. Even write down fragments. Do not settle for "Oh, I'll remember it." That doesn't work - you actually have to put in the work. You can set a soft alarm if you need to, but this can make recall harder. I prefer just drinking a lot of water before bed and at each awakening. That way you wake up to use the restroom, and it's less shocking so you can recall more. After a few days you won't need it, your pattern will be set. Then it's your job to keep it up and never get lazy with your journal. When you wake up, go back over them every day. Try to interpret your dreams using dream symbols. Looks for ideal moments in your dreams where you could have become lucid. Post your dreams online in the dream journal, polishing them up and trying to recall even more details. Another tip for increasing dream recall? Go to bed earlier, and give yourself 9-10 hours of sleep if you can. Make a bedtime routine around being very sleepy, so drinking chamomile or reading something boring, whatever works for you. Are you practicing WBTB? This technique is sooooo effective, I can't recommend it enough. Almost all my lucids happen when I've done a WBTB. You need to work it into your nightly schedule. That's why I recommend going to bed early and giving 9-10 hours. You can then take 1 hour, around 3am or so, and lay in bed awake. Practice your techniques then, whatever they are. When you do fall back asleep, your chances for lucidity will skyrocket. Also, don't forget a positive mental attitude. I saw your skipped #6 in your quote. Your ability to lucid dream is partly based on your intention and expectations. If you are focusing so much on not getting lucid, you're telling your subconscious that you can't get lucid. Plus, emotional energy builds when you're positive. That energy WILL help you get lucid. I've noticed that when I REALLY want to do something in a lucid dream, it's not unusual for me to become lucid within a few days. Why? Emotional energy.

[MoonOfBacon]

Thanks again Honestly, I have not been trying WBTB as much as I would like to, but I will definitely start fitting it into my schedule to increase my chances of lucidity.

[Tiktaalik]

Hey, I’m sorry to hear of the trouble you’re having. I think everyone can relate to your frustration in one way or another. The only tips I can suggest echo what Moonagedaydream has already suggested: 1. Do WBTB. A WBTB in the early morning after 4-6 hours of sleep is by far the best technique. This coupled with MILD I’ve found is very effective. Not everyone likes waking up in the early morning but you only have to wake and set a clear intention before you go back to sleep. Sometimes I’m only awake 5 minutes. 2. Try not to over do it. When lucidity isn’t Coming it’s natural to think you’re not doing enough but I’ve found doing too much can lead to more frustration, especially when you’re not getting results. I opt for a much more laid back approach now with less daytime practice and it works much better then the full on practice I had when I first started. 3. Get yourself really excited about lucid dreaming before bed. Read lots of articles and threads on dream views and imagine the amazing possibilities. I found this really helped me get in the right mind set before sleep. Then if you’re doing WBTB go to sleep with a firm desire to want to wake up. Make it your mission. Stay strong and remain positive. It may just take one small change to your routine for it all to fall into place. It may take time but that’s ok. You’re not alone and it’s all part of the journey. I hope you start seeing some success soon.

[Sivason]

It's almost as if no matter what I do, methods, mantras, etc, I just can't become lucid. The closest I've ever gotten was having a dream about lucid dreaming, but nothing. I've been trying for over a year and a half, since July of 2019, so about 21 months. No matter what, I just can't become lucid. I've gone months on end without getting a LD and it's very frustrating, all though I try to keep my cool. Is it normal for lucid dreaming to take this long? Where are you as far as cannabis use? Often the type who thinks about lucid dreaming are also the type who use cannabis. With no judgement whatso ever about use, I know it is one of the biggest handicaps you can give yourself when trying to learn this art. Also, yes, this can take years. This is one of the most advanced mental disciplines in the world. It opens a fantastic world you can enjoy for the rest of your life, but it takes lots of work.

[MoonOfBacon]

Where are you as far as cannabis use? Often the type who thinks about lucid dreaming are also the type who use cannabis. With no judgement whatso ever about use, I know it is one of the biggest handicaps you can give yourself when trying to learn this art. I don't use cannabis, or had a desire to.