Whenever you do a reality check it is a good idea to reinforce it with awareness. For example when I do a reality check, I first look at my hands and focus intently to see every detail of them while I ask myself if I am dreaming. I then look around and look for clues in my line of sight. Finally I look at a clock or stretch my finger. The "finger through the hand" technique has failed much, but the clock never fails.
Also, I have noticed that one reason I am not having many lucid dreams is that I go through my day without paying much attention to details around me (because my brain is so in the habit of going through school) and when I'm dreaming, I fail to notice obvious signs that I am dreaming. Does anyone have any tips on increasing attentiveness to detail in a dream?[/b]
You are correct. In my experience, this is the most important thing of all. I have been practicing this for a few months now and I find that reality checks are almost useless at this point. I know I am dreaming without having to check; in fact checking is almost laughable.
It all depends on how far you are willing to go. My goal is to be completely aware all day everyday. I am up to 9 hours a day now. I notice hundreds of things no one else does, all my anger, frustration, etc is disappearing, and I find that I can now logically and objectively view any situation. Of course, my lucids have increased ridiculously, and I find anything I attempt to accomplish much easier than it ever was in daydream mode.
I started off being "here and now" for one hour each day and increased it one hour per week. At first you will notice things in dreams you usually wouldn't. I remember arguing with people in one of my dreams. I was telling them that a box on the shelf was white about 5 minutes ago, and now it's black. They all said I was crazy and should shut up; but I knew better. Upon reality checking I became lucid. As the weeks went on it got better and better to the point where I will be dreaming and something weird will happen and I become lucid instantly without surprise or needing to check.
While being "here and now" you must focus on not dreaming. The idea is that if you stop dreaming while awake, you will do the same in dreams. Do not think about the past, it does not exist, nor does the future. Remember that there is only now. Do not daydream, do not worry. Focus on what it is you are doing without becoming engulfed in it. Ask yourself many times during the day if you are dreaming. Do not identify with the mind. You will find your mind wanting to go off on different things all day. Keep it in check.
According to the Tibetan monks, if you master this your consciousness will always be alert. You will also realize that waking life is also a dream of sorts. I am starting to really feel this way myself; it is as if I can feel how all my senses are just a screen from which I am viewing an untrustable illusion. It is awesome because dreams are becoming easier to detect because of this. The two realities sort of blend in a way, so that it is no longer "unnatural" or difficult to become lucid.
If you don't want to be that serious about it, then I would at least suggest being aware whenever something weird happens, and do a very detailed analysis of your surroundings for a few minutes.
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