first attempt at WILD turns to bizarre repeated experience
I've been trying my hand at intentional lucid dreaming for a while now, going through the slow but steady steps of increasing dream recall. I am a pretty patient guy, so it hasn't been a problem to keep a dream journal and just wait until the time is right. (I used to smoke a lot of pot and for the past two years or so I have under ten real memories of dreams, but in the last couple of weeks I can remember at least two to three dreams every night). Last night I happened to wake up after about 5 hours of sleep, and was lucid (hah) enough to climb out of bed and read a bit about the WILD technique. After about half an hour I went back to bed and started what I thought were the steps. It was of little surprise to me when nothing out of the ordinary happened. I was was lying there, relaxed, but my mind was too focused on trying to discern some sort of effect. I lost interest after a quarter of an hour and changed positions, ready to go to sleep. I proceeded to fall asleep, unaware, and dream two short dreams. I awoke after each one and realized what had happened, and made a conscious effort each time to concentrate on the idea that I wanted to be aware when I was dreaming. The second time I awoke, a few minutes later, on the brink of sleep, I was gripped by this strange high-pitched ringing sound. My eyes were closed, I know this, because I tried to open them, and it was very difficult. As if though I were in a dream. But I was not, because my thoughts were rational and clear. I considered the possibility that I was dreaming at that point and just thought that I was partially conscious, but the transition from this state of paralysis (to move any part of my body was not impossible, it just required a very large amount of effort) was literally seamless. The onset of this state was so sudden and overpowering that it was, in a way, terrifying. While in the midst of it, I eventually shook myself awake but forcing some parts of my body to move (I think my legs). It was unnerving, but I fell asleep normally again afterwards. Then again this morning, after my alarm had rung and I was laying in bed deciding whether or not I should get up and run or sleep for another hour, I drifted slowly towards sleep and was again hammered, all at once, by the ringing and the paralysis. It was easier this time to pry my eyes open and yank myself out of it. Is what I'm describing the WILD technique somehow having taken over? The only thing that I can think of that is at all similar to this experience is a recurring nightmare I had when I was very young. At some point during the nightmare I would realize I was dreaming and try to wake myself up. I was lucid to the point that I could hear my sleeping body moaning in the dream, and I would try to open my eyes with the same effect as last night. If this is WILD, I am at a loss as to why it would suddenly happen twice without any real effort on my part simply because I made a half-assed effort at it one time. Any guidance or thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Re: first attempt at WILD turns to bizarre repeated experien
Hi there! Thanks for posting. I think I can help address some of the questions that you have brought up. I have had about 15 WILDS, and know how the process works. (for me anyway!) :D
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Originally posted by mongreloctopus+--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mongreloctopus)</div>
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It was of little surprise to me when nothing out of the ordinary happened. I was was lying there, relaxed, but my mind was too focused on trying to discern some sort of effect. I lost interest after a quarter of an hour and changed positions, ready to go to sleep.[/b]
This is very normal for a first attempt WILD. Most people, my self included, try to hard on the first attempt. This will result in your conscience bein TOO awake, making it impossilbe to enter the near sleep state that is necessary for a WILD.
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Originally posted by mongreloctopus@
The second time I awoke, a few minutes later, on the brink of sleep, I was gripped by this strange high-pitched ringing sound. My eyes were closed, I know this, because I tried to open them, and it was very difficult.
Now this is the cool part! This sounds like you were in the exact level of consciencenesst you needed to WILD. Even though you weren't actively thinking about WILD at this point, your subconscience still remembered that you had tried recently. Now that your mind wasn't hindered with throughts of trying to WILD, it was more prone to do so with ease.
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The onset of this state was so sudden and overpowering that it was, in a way, terrifying.
For some this is the hardest part of a WILD. Some people get really freaked out by sounds that they hear or see. Not being able to move also adds to the distress of this new and awkward situation. Others receive strong vibrations that accompany the sounds also. But keep in mind, this is part of the WILD experience. And take it for exactly what it is, part of the experience, nothing more. My first times I was creeped out and also forced myself to full conscienceness. Later i've learned to enjoy the vibrations! Its now one of my favorite parts of the WILD! This phase of the WILD really doesn't last long at all. For me it ranges from about 3-6 seconds, and then its over and I'm in a tottaly lucid dream state.
So I hope this helps you a little bit. Next time you find yourself "ringing" in bed, just try to relax and ride it out. Enjoy the trip!
