Counting Breaths Technique May Be Too Distracting

I had an experience this morning that was interesting I thought. I woke myself out a nightmare I was having, and then I layed awake trying not to fall asleep right away, but I felt myself falling asleep quickly. Then I thought to myself "I should make this a lucid dream" and then started counting my breaths and focusing. However, right when I did that my body stopped falling asleep and I was unable to dream.

I think the "counting breaths" technique might be too distracting to relax the mind. I'm gonna try some new techniques and see what happens.

I was all comfortable and relaxed as can be the other night. I tried the counting, "1, I'm dreaming. 2, I'm dre...". And after every 10, I'd remind myself that "When I dream tonight I want to recognize that I'm dreaming" 2-3 times then continued counting. I was nice and gentle about my counting but after I reached 750 I gave up.

I've never had any luck with the technique. I either get so high that I give up or I lose attention and wander.

I try and visualize the number each time I say it in my mind... after a significant period of time, the numbers pop into view on their own (or minimal effort). At this point, I am reading the numbers rather than counting each breath (becoming more visually aware than physically aware). This is usually the point I get the "light show" and stop counting all together and observe the lights (I am awful at being an objective observer though - feels like I have mad ADD :) ). I've induced SP several times but have not gone straight into a lucid dream (granted I do not try often - going to be a summer project for me though).

If you want to try a different route, I suggest doing the 61 point relaxation technique. I do a combination of both (not simultaneously of course), and the relaxation technique works wonders for me.

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Originally Posted by Dredg

If you want to try a different route, I suggest doing the 61 point relaxation technique. I do a combination of both (not simultaneously of course), and the relaxation technique works wonders for me.[/b]

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I always do relaxation. Sometimes the 61-point but usually I do a slightly different sequence that I made up years ago. I can get my limbs limp and numb in no time at all, then the face and torso follows suit.

Well, the fact that it's distracting is the point- It's a WILD technique. It's supposed to keep part of your mind awake while the rest and your body goes to sleep. :]

I definitely understand what you're saying though. If you just want a DILD, I'd suggest not using the counting technique.

I've been finding more and more now that my counting didn't used to work for me because I was doing it at the beginning of the night. When I wake during the night and then try the technique - which is what I'm getting better at doing - I have much better luck.