Thread: lucid dreaming beginner mistakes?

Over focusing on techniques in the night to the point where you can’t fall asleep is a big one I had to deal with. Sleep is essential to be able to lucid dream so you’re better off just sleeping sometimes then doing any techniques. If the intention is strong then trust in it and don’t force it.

Trying every lucid dream technique in quick succession thinking one of them will be the magic key that unlocks easy lucidity. There isn’t one, but with experimentation and patience you’ll find what brings the most success for you.

1) Trying too hard. While this may work in the beginning, it leads to subtle and not-so-subtle stress that ends up backfiring. Make sure your practice is always with a light, positive mindset. Do the work with intent, yes, but let the results come to you, instead of trying to "force" them to happen.

2) Related to #1 and what Tiktaalik mentioned: not focusing on RELAXING. In order to dream you must sleep, and in order to sleep you must learn to relax mind and body, VERY completely. I just had 3 LDs this morning after the 7th-hour waking because I just "gave up trying" and focused 100% on continuously relaxing and just letting whatever may happen happen. I call this the "give up" technique.

3) Not treating the whole practice as an overall dreaming practice, and not appreciating non-lucids. Treating any non-lucid as a "failure" may lead to mental blocks against dreaming. Love *all* your dreams.

4) Not focusing enough on recall. Recall is ESSENTIAL. The more, the better. You can always build higher recall.

5) giving up. The most advanced LDers got that way by never quitting.

Originally Posted by FryingMan

1)
2) Related to #1 and what Tiktaalik mentioned: not focusing on RELAXING. In order to dream you must sleep, and in order to sleep you must learn to relax mind and body, VERY completely. I just had 3 LDs this morning after the 7th-hour waking because I just "gave up trying" and focused 100% on continuously relaxing and just letting whatever may happen happen. I call this the "give up" technique.

Yes, the “give up” technique is one of my favourites. A good cure for insomnia and for dry spells.

- Not doing WBTBs - newbies often try to avoid WBTBs at all costs, only doing pre-sleep techniques. But WBTBs are the single strongest amplifier to whatever you do.
- Getting obsessed about timing, trying to know your REM etc. - it really isn't that important.
- Underestimating the power of intention - yes, you can get natural wakings/WBTBs with just an intention. And sometimes the only thing needed to get lucid is to really want it.
- Underestimating the power of specific goals - have goals, think about them before bed and every time you wake up at night. Wanting to do something specific can be more powerful than just wanting to get lucid.
- Seeing your practice as separate attempts - it is all one practice, a lifestyle. A single night isn't a success or a failure.

Originally Posted by IndigoRose

- Not doing WBTBs - newbies often try to avoid WBTBs at all costs, only doing pre-sleep techniques. But WBTBs are the single strongest amplifier to whatever you do.

NOOOooo!!! Haha you're right of course. I absolutely detest the notion of squandering my rapidly dwindling drowsiness during a waking on purpose. WBTB works, period. But DAMN.

- Underestimating the power of specific goals - have goals, think about them before bed and every time you wake up at night. Wanting to do something specific can be more powerful than just wanting to get lucid.

Yep yep yep!

- Seeing your practice as separate attempts - it is all one practice, a lifestyle. A single night isn't a success or a failure.

Yep yep yep -- LD practice is a being, and much less doing (even though you do "do" things).

#1 mistake

Not having a regular dream journal or writing dreams down afterwards. (Noting things down trains the mind, provides intent, etc.)

I should practice what I preach though.