Thread: Coming back after a while, could use some advice (DILD)

Originally Posted by DaffodilSum6788

Hmm, I think I get it! So, whenever I have an experience that deviates from my routine or visit a place I don't regularly visit IRL, I should do a reality check. From now on, I'm gonna do just that!

Yeah, that’s right. Like I said, it’s probably best to not rely on just this as a trigger, as it may work well for me but you may find something else that’s more effective for you. It’s worth experimenting with though, so let me know if you find it useful.

Originally Posted by DaffodilSum6788

That's exactly my situation! I most of my dreams involve elements of my waking life mixed with elements and characters from games I played, or things I've watched. It makes things kinda harder, but now, I'm sure this'll all get easier from now on.

You can always RC whenever you’re thinking about, or watching a character from a game/ movie that regularly appears. It’s about connecting those ideas. “Game character” = “I could be dreaming”.

Originally Posted by FryingMan

Reality checks are a tool to determine your state (waking / dreaming). They help you get lucid but do not *make* you lucid. What gets you lucid is paying purposeful attention to your experiences, being aware of and reflecting on your experiences. In short, "being lucid" during the day will translate to being lucid in dreams. The RC helps you cement budding lucidity once you have that "hey, this is weird/dreamlike" spark, and that spark comes from critical reflection and contemplating your state during the waking day.

This is so important to understand. When starting out you feel as though the “check” aspect is the most important element, but it really isn’t. It’s the bringing your attention/ awareness fully to the present moment and accessing the situation you’re in. Quite often I never even get to the test part in a dream as simply reflecting on what I’m doing is enough.