Bemistaken's Workbook

[bemistaken]

Hello friends, I’m so glad I have found this site…I feel like I am among friends. As you know, you just can’t hold a conversation with everyone about this type of topic. The world of dreaming is a fascinating world that I wish to try and understand. I have become lucid and have had OBE’s by accident, but I would like to have more control. I look forward to any advise which assist me in becoming enlightened… The workbook of Bemistaken Reality Checks - Levitation is the RC I use the most because it is the most reliable for me - hand check (finger count, melting, etc.) - pinch nose - thumb through palm Dream Signs - Water (for some reason, I always dream of large amounts of water. Huge waves coming at me, devastating floods, me in a boat or me swimming in an ocean…sometimes swimming as a fish. By the way…I can’t swim and I suffer from severe motion sickness) Short-Term Goals - Have a lucid dream and be able to stabilize it (Done!) Long-Term Goals - Astral project from a lucid dream and maintain it - Teleport (Done!) - Time Travel New Long Term Goals 12/20/2013 - Meet my Higher Power - Summon - Telekinesis Lucid/Dream Recall History - I have very good dream recall. I have always been able to remember many of my dreams. I have kept a dream journal for some time now…only because I have always had strange experiences within my dreams, but didn’t know exactly what was happening until this year. For many years, I would OBE, but when I would tell my mother or grandmother, they would always tell me something scary and/or crazy (like it was the devil or a witch coming to see me at night). After awhile, I just stopped talking to them about it, but, the OBE’s never stopped. Just last year, I got tired of being afraid and decided to face this phenomena head on…that is when I realized what was happening. I would have never guessed what was happening to me was happening to several other people all around the world and this was a very occurrence. I continue to keep my dream journal in the hopes I can understand what my dreams may mean and how can I stabilize them. Current Technique - Try to meditate everyday - Reality Checks - Dream Journal - From what I have been reading here, the technique is called MILD & WBTB - Last night, I read about the technique regarding asking a dream character to assist you in reminding you to do a reality check, so I may try this in the future (don’t want to try to many techniques at one time). * Update I have been most successful using the WILD method. For some reason this is the only method (besides DEILD) that works for me. My sleep times: My sleep pattern sucks…I have terrible insomnia and I am awake at all times of the early morning hours. I must work really hard at going to bed before 1:00am. Then, if I wake up in the middle of the night (and it’s a sure thing that I will) and stay up too long, I will have trouble falling back to sleep. The strange thing about this is when the sun comes up, my body shuts down and I’m unconscious…I normally don’t dream until it is time for me to get up for work. Work days Bedtime: 1:00am to 6:30a Weekend Bedtime: 1:00am-2:00am to 9:00am I have the intent on me being lucid by practicing and practicing. I have waited this long...time to move forward because I won't turn back!

[OpheliaBlue]

Hi bemistaken, glad to have you here. I feel alot of your pain, I really do. From the fear or water right down to insomnia. I will say, one area I had help with was when I was having strange experiences similar to your OBE's, my mom and brother were doing the same thing. So I didn't feel afraid like you unfortunately did. BUT, now that you know there's loads of people who have OBEs or related experiences (and even better, hone them in on a regular basis to enable them to have consistent lucid dreams), you're definitely going to be ok here First thing I have is good news: I have most of my dreams once the sun has come up already as well (due to that blasted insomnia), and therefore most of my lucids are at that time. Not that I purposely try to have lucids at that time. Rather, that's just my way of coping, and having lucid dreams in spite of the insomnia. The downside is, I usually only have them on my days off, since I know I can sleep in as late as I want. Second good news: your idea of WBTB is perfect for your situation. For starters, try to figure out when approximately you fall asleep, say, on the weekends when you sleep later. Then time your alarm for about 4-6 hours after that. THEN, stay up for a little bit and then go back to sleep while doing MILD. This little pattern helps get your mind aware enough while keeping your body tired enough, to be able to sleep and dream while maintaining just enough awareness to induce a lucid dream. Sounds a bit fussy at first I admit, but it mostly just happens naturally when you regularly set your alarm for that time, while practicing a higher degree of awareness for that brief period that you're awake. I know I've just hit you with alot of info, so please let me know if you have any questions ok? And welcome to DreamViews

[bemistaken]

Hi bemistaken, glad to have you here. I feel alot of your pain, I really do. From the fear or water right down to insomnia. I will say, one area I had help with was when I was having strange experiences similar to your OBE's, my mom and brother were doing the same thing. So I didn't feel afraid like you unfortunately did. BUT, now that you know there's loads of people who have OBEs or related experiences (and even better, hone them in on a regular basis to enable them to have consistent lucid dreams), you're definitely going to be ok here First thing I have is good news: I have most of my dreams once the sun has come up already as well (due to that blasted insomnia), and therefore most of my lucids are at that time. Not that I purposely try to have lucids at that time. Rather, that's just my way of coping, and having lucid dreams in spite of the insomnia. The downside is, I usually only have them on my days off, since I know I can sleep in as late as I want. Second good news: your idea of WBTB is perfect for your situation. For starters, try to figure out when approximately you fall asleep, say, on the weekends when you sleep later. Then time your alarm for about 4-6 hours after that. THEN, stay up for a little bit and then go back to sleep while doing MILD. This little pattern helps get your mind aware enough while keeping your body tired enough, to be able to sleep and dream while maintaining just enough awareness to induce a lucid dream. Sounds a bit fussy at first I admit, but it mostly just happens naturally when you regularly set your alarm for that time, while practicing a higher degree of awareness for that brief period that you're awake. I know I've just hit you with alot of info, so please let me know if you have any questions ok? And welcome to DreamViews Thank you OpheliaBlue, I see we have another thing in common...I from Texas also! I was born and raised in the sparkling 'City by the Sea' Corpus Christi. I also spent some time living in Dallas so it is good to see a fellow Texan. Thanks for your advise and I will let you know on my progress as I start tonight with my training. I will be utilizing the WBTB and MILD, however, I do believe that I have also had some success with the DILD. From what I read on this site, I believe I have also been doing the DILD. When I became Lucid those few times, I just remember feeling strong vibrations in my dream and I told myself I am dreaming. Before I could blink, I was in my room floating above my body. I use to be scared, but now I know this is natural. I will let you know about my progress this week and I do appreciate all your assistance.

[bemistaken]

Hi bemistaken, glad to have you here. I feel alot of your pain, I really do. From the fear or water right down to insomnia. I will say, one area I had help with was when I was having strange experiences similar to your OBE's, my mom and brother were doing the same thing. So I didn't feel afraid like you unfortunately did. BUT, now that you know there's loads of people who have OBEs or related experiences (and even better, hone them in on a regular basis to enable them to have consistent lucid dreams), you're definitely going to be ok here First thing I have is good news: I have most of my dreams once the sun has come up already as well (due to that blasted insomnia), and therefore most of my lucids are at that time. Not that I purposely try to have lucids at that time. Rather, that's just my way of coping, and having lucid dreams in spite of the insomnia. The downside is, I usually only have them on my days off, since I know I can sleep in as late as I want. Second good news: your idea of WBTB is perfect for your situation. For starters, try to figure out when approximately you fall asleep, say, on the weekends when you sleep later. Then time your alarm for about 4-6 hours after that. THEN, stay up for a little bit and then go back to sleep while doing MILD. This little pattern helps get your mind aware enough while keeping your body tired enough, to be able to sleep and dream while maintaining just enough awareness to induce a lucid dream. Sounds a bit fussy at first I admit, but it mostly just happens naturally when you regularly set your alarm for that time, while practicing a higher degree of awareness for that brief period that you're awake. I know I've just hit you with alot of info, so please let me know if you have any questions ok? And welcome to DreamViews Thank you OpheliaBlue, I see we have another thing in common...I from Texas also! I was born and raised in the sparkling 'City by the Sea' Corpus Christi. I also spent some time living in Dallas so it is good to see a fellow Texan. Thanks for your advise and I will let you know on my progress as I start tonight with my training. I will be utilizing the WBTB and MILD, however, I do believe that I have also had some success with the DILD. From what I read on this site, I believe I have also been doing the DILD. When I became Lucid those few times, I just remember feeling strong vibrations in my dream and I told myself I am dreaming. Before I could blink, I was in my room floating above my body. I use to be scared, but now I know this is natural. I will let you know about my progress this week and I do appreciate all your assistance.

[bemistaken]

From 5/3/2013 Total Sleep Time: 8 - 8 1/2 hours Method: WBTB and MILD Bedtime was around 10:30-10:45pm WBTB was at 5:30 am I got up and went to bathroom, then stayed up repeating some mantra's like "I will recognize that I am dreaming" or "I lucid dream" I am only able to do this for about 15 minutes before I fall back to sleep. I realized that I must try and stay up a little longer than this, but I am only able to really practice on weekends when I am able to sleep in my days off. Last night, I had a total of 3 non lucid dreams...I am not able to recognize any dream signs in my dreams. It's like I am a bystander and I am believing the most unbelievable events in my dreams...and this really pisses me off . My goal is to question my surroundings in terms of what makes my reality 'real' and what would make my dream world a 'dream' or 'un-real.' I'm hoping this will improve my mentality to question what is happening in my dreams and prompt me to do a RC and become lucid. I'll keep you posted...

[paigeyemps]

Hello, welcome to the Intro Class! :]

[bemistaken]

Date: May 10, 2013 Method/Technique: MILD & WBTB, along with RC, DJ Your Homework For Lesson II is: 1. Study up on all of the induction techniques listed here and find one that suits you. The technique that I feel suits me is the MILD and WILD encompassing with WBTB. I have a late bedtime and I wake up naturally several times during the night, so I feel these are the best methods for me. 2. Practice your chosen induction technique for at least 2 weeks (although longer is preferred) before changing it to something else or ruling out that it's not working. For now, I have been practicing only the MILD and WBTB techniques for the last few weeks and have not had much success (please see DJ entries at Lucid Dreaming - Dream Views - bemistaken - Dream Journals). 3. Continue to post all of your experiences, even failed ones, into your workbook. All of my experiences so far has not been successful…I believe one problem is I stay up way to long from the WBTB. The least little bit of time I am awake will keep me up for the entire night, so I need to only stay up for just enough time to go to the bathroom and get right back in the bed. Any longer and my body will think it’s time for me to get ready for work and I’m up for the rest of the night. Optional: 4. Discuss your chosen technique with the teachers by posting in your workbook. There are lots of ways to go about each technique, we will be able help you find a method that suits you! Ophelia, I PMed you today…I need help! . 5. Choose a second (and possibly third) induction technique that compliments your first. For example, if you chose DILD you will also be able to perform WILD. I believe this may be the best thing for me at this point, so I have been reading the tutorials on WILD . I'll keep you posted... Bemistaken’s Short-Term Goals - Have a lucid dream and be able to stabilize it Bemistaken’s Long-Term Goals - Astral project from a lucid dream and maintain it - Teleport - Time Travel

[bemistaken]

Date: May 11, 2013 Method/Technique: WILD & WBTB, along with RC during the day and DJ Attempted my first WILD session last night. I believe I made some good progress even though I was not successful at a full blown WILD. I went to bed around midnight and did a WBTB around 5:00am. I only need to stay up for about 10-15 minutes, or I will not be able to go back to sleep. Got back in the bed after a potty break and walking around the house repeating some simple mantras (again, if I do too much during WBTB, I will not be able to go back to sleep). Got back into the bed and started my process of WILD... I relax my body and allowed myself to focus on the darkness behind closed eyelids. I focused on my breathing and sometimes, if I got distracted, I would start to count. It didn't take long for the HI to start and I started to try NOT to focus too hard on this. It was weird because I'm am still fairly new and I'm not sure how HI is suppose to look, so I will give you an example. I will see pictures (or short film clips) of people doing things. The HI would come during me counting my breathes and I would loose count because of this. I somehow would get sucked into the HI, but would quickly loose mental focus and had to regain control. Again, I would start counting and the HI would start back up. I would then try to create a dream scene from the HI and as soon as I would do this, a MASSIVE wave of of something (don't know the word, maybe something like energy?) would come out of my body and it would kinda feel like my physical body was being pushed down and my spiritual body was being lifted out (I hope I explained that correctly). This happened several time during my WILD attempts but I never quite got to the point where I was totally in a dream. I can say that I never lost consciousness and I was aware throughout the whole process. After a while, exhaustion and frustration gave in and I gave up. By morning I documented in my DJ the most weakest, fragmented, non lucid dream known to man... So my question to anyone experience with WILDing is...was I close? Does this make any sense? Am I on the right path? Was I doing everything correctly ? Any help is much appreciated!

[paigeyemps]

So my question to anyone experience with WILDing is...was I close? Does this make any sense? Am I on the right path? Was I doing everything correctly ? Any help is much appreciated! Yes you we close, and you did a great job not obsessing over the sensations and getting to HI. Yes it makes total sense, and you were indeed on the right path. The sensation you felt was pretty normal, like a wave of energy hitting your body right? You might even have some ear-popping sounds and buzzing but that depends on each person. In any case, when they do happen, try not to pay attention to them because they are physical sensations and if you focus on the physical, you'll ground yourself more into the physical world when you should be transitioning over into the mental aspect. So i suggest when it happens next time, just keep focusing on the dream, visualize and try to retain your awareness. You start getting those sensations because your body is falling asleep, and your mind is just awake to witness it happening. I hope this clears it up, good luck!

[bemistaken]

Thank you so much Paigeyemps, Yes, I did indeed get the ear popping thing...it sounded like 'crackles' in my ear. The sensation you felt was pretty normal, like a wave of energy hitting your body right? Yes again, I felt the wave of energy hitting me from the core of my gut and climbing upward...so strong it kinda took my breath away (startling). when they do happen, try not to pay attention to them because they are physical sensations and if you focus on the physical, you'll ground yourself more into the physical world when you should be transitioning over into the mental aspect. This is great advise! As simple as it sounds, I never thought to move my attention in this direction, but I now understand the more I focus on the physical, the more I will stay in the physical. Thank you so much for the advise!

[bemistaken]

I have a problem , I must be doing something terribly wrong because all I am doing is dreaming...just dreaming! This morning, I woke up remember three dreams and non of them were lucid. Last night, I did my usual routine...I go to bed around 12:00am (before bed, I will say my mantras (MILD), "I will lucid dream tonight" and/or "I will recognize that I am dreaming and do a RC") and WBTB around 5:00am. Stay up for no more than 10 minutes (remember? I will not go back to sleep if I stay up longer than that) and go back to bed. I will make my attempts at WILD during this time by looking behind closed eyelids and not really focusing on anything specific and trying to stay still. I will get to the part of some of the symptoms like floating, energy rushing, and numbness. As I am reading here on dreamviews, I have not gotten to SP during a conscious WILD (I am very aware what SP is because during ALL my experiences with lucid dreaming and OBE's, I would wake up with SP, HIs, and intense vibrations). For all of my spontaneous OBE's, I am one of those people that receive all symptoms (SP, HIs, Vibrations, buzzing, etc), but during my conscious WILD, I have not gotten to SP and only had a few weak HIs. I WBTB very sleepy, but still mentally awake, so I don't believe this is the problem. I believe my problem is that I sleep with my husband and he snores loudly and continuously bumps into me all through the night . My spontaneous OBE's have always happened when I was on the couch or during a nap...in other words, when I am sleeping by myself. The last lucid dream and spontaneous OBE happened when my husband was snoring so loud, I couldn't sleep and I went to get on the couch. They also happen around 4:00-4:30 am (I documented it in my journal). So I believe I have my timing down correctly. So this is where I stand, can anyone give me advice on how to move forward. I believe that if I was able to focus on staying still during my WBTB, I could wait out the SP and HIs to go forward with WILD.

[Sibyline]

I understand your frustration, but don't get too caught up in the lack of SP. You're much more likely to notice it waking up than going to sleep. I rarely notice SP during a WILD, but often during DEILD. In other words, SP is more likely to shut off late than to set in early. At least in my experience, but I have also read the same opinion from others. Have you tried an afternoon WILD on the couch? That might work for you. Also, you might want to notice if you sleep in a different position on the couch than in your bed.

[bemistaken]

Hello friend, Have you tried an afternoon WILD on the couch? That might work for you. Also, you might want to notice if you sleep in a different position on the couch than in your bed. No, I haven't taken an afternoon nap...in months...it is hard for me to sleep in the first place. However, I do remember many of my OBE's occurring on the couch or during a nap. Yes, I sleep in a totally different position when I am on the couch (on my side) and I am never on my side in my bed (always on my back). From past experiences, I have always woke up in SP, after being sleep for a considerable amount of time. So, should I try to WILD when I wake up from a nap? Also, how long do you sleep in order to call it a 'nap?' One more thing... Being that most of my experience have been spontaneous, during WILD, am I actually 'looking' for HI's? Sorry for all the questions, but I know that I am missing something very simple here. Thanks!

[bemistaken]

Here goes... I got absolutely NO SLEEP last night! :insomnia: I literally watched the sun come up! My insomnia is killing my WILD attempts, but this is pretty common. For the times that I have a lot going on in my life, my insomnia kicks in at high gear. However, I don't fret, my crisis has worked itself out and this will correct my sleep issues. I have learned not to rush things important to me (like my LD goals) because this only increases my insomnia symptoms. I have also re-started my favorite hobby...running. This always helps me sleep better, so I am looking forward to WILDing tonight. That's right! I'm claiming it! I know I can...I know I can...I know I can...

[Sibyline]

It'll come back soon, I'm sure. I'm having a crazy week myself, so my head just kicks into problem-solving mode as soon as I wake up. I hope someone will be able to shed more light on your WILD questions. I'm a natural WILDer, so I don't really know the ins and outs of it, only how it is for me. But that thing about the fruit-shaped HI that you picked up on in my DJ, that was the first time I tried to shape the HI. Up until that dream, I had always just tried to ignore it. You can try different things and see what works for you.

[bemistaken]

It'll come back soon, I'm sure. I'm having a crazy week myself, so my head just kicks into problem-solving mode as soon as I wake up. I hope someone will be able to shed more light on your WILD questions. I'm a natural WILDer, so I don't really know the ins and outs of it, only how it is for me. But that thing about the fruit-shaped HI that you picked up on in my DJ, that was the first time I tried to shape the HI. Up until that dream, I had always just tried to ignore it. You can try different things and see what works for you. Hi friend, I believe the most basic problem with me is that I am not sleepy enough, or like I stated earlier, I am sleeping with someone that continuously wakes me up during the night. For some reason (at least in the past) I am a natural at astral projecting or OBE's (but only spontaneously or unaware at what's going on, and that is no fun!). But, when it comes to lucidly dreaming and being fully in control...I suck. I KNOW I can do this! I WILL do this! I just have to find my sweet spot! Thanks for your support, it really means a lot! When I do WILD, you will be the first to know!

[CanisLucidus]

Being that most of my experience have been spontaneous, during WILD, am I actually 'looking' for HI's? I find that the best approach is to simply relax, maintain your awareness, and gently wait for things like HI to come. Looking too hard to HI or getting too excited can delay how long it takes me to get to sleep. In general, it's actually good with WILD to not go actively seeking much of anything. Gently take notice of HI when it arrives, but don't get too excited or involved with it right away. Just remember yourself and what your goals are, but let most of this happen on its own. I'd suggest not even thinking about when you will fall asleep, since that can create a sort of self-sustaining insomnia feedback loop. Try to just be during the experience. Essentially, your only job is to keep your self-awareness intact. The process of falling asleep can just take care of itself. At some point, HI will probably become more and more realistic. Here's how I enter during a WILD: when I think that the dream is ready, I generally will my dream body to interact with it in some way, making sure not to use my muscles. This is a bit hard to explain, but it's basically just like imagining versus really doing. This pulls me into the scene and then I'm ready to go. I got absolutely NO SLEEP last night! :insomnia: I literally watched the sun come up! My insomnia is killing my WILD attempts, but this is pretty common. For the times that I have a lot going on in my life, my insomnia kicks in at high gear. However, I don't fret, my crisis has worked itself out and this will correct my sleep issues. I have learned not to rush things important to me (like my LD goals) because this only increases my insomnia symptoms. I have also re-started my favorite hobby...running. This always helps me sleep better, so I am looking forward to WILDing tonight. That's right! I'm claiming it! I know I can...I know I can...I know I can... Sorry about your insomnia, but you've got just the right attitude! Keep trying and keep us up to date on how you do! I know you'll hit one soon. Remember: stay aware, and fall asleep. That's what WILD really is down to. Soon!

[bemistaken]

Thank you CanisLucidus, I had to take a short break...I would read so much on dreamviews everyday that other people's dreams would filter into my dreams (and not in a good way). If I read someone else's dream journal, I would somehow dream their dream. One time, I remember just dreaming about how other people's Avatars looked on the site...weird . I guess I was taking in so much information, my brain just needed a time out. But in the process of that time out, I did DILD! (You can take a look here: Merry Christmas - Dream Journals - Lucid Dreaming - Dream Views). I am going to start back tonight now that I know, I can do it. A good friend of mine has given me some great advice and I plan on doing it (thanks Sibyline ). I must say I did miss dreamviews...I was sooo lonely! Anyways, I will let you know about my progress...and I still...know I can...I know I can...I know I can!

[Sibyline]

I'm so glad you're back! It is difficult to be off DV, especially because most of us don't have people we can talk about these issues with IRL. But then again, as we have both experienced, it is possible too become too engrossed in the whole thing, so it's good to step back and lay low now and then, if it seems to have adverse affects on your dreaming/lucidity. I have seen others mention dreaming about DV avatars too, so that seems to be a common thing. But if reading other people's dreams causes you to dream the same thing, you should only read mine, because they are awesome! I try to steer clear of threads regarding people's LD problems right now, because I think that can rub off too. I try to read about the success stories, and of course it is also possible to filter dream journals so you only see the lucid ones, if that's what you need right now.

[bemistaken]

But if reading other people's dreams causes you to dream the same thing, you should only read mine, because they are awesome! You are exactly right and I do that anyway! Thanks Sibyline!

[bemistaken]

Okay, let's get to the good stuff, here's what happened... I did my usual MILD & WBTB with WILD around 5:00am, stayed up for about 10 minutes and went back to bed with WILDing on my mind. It did not take long before the 'wierdness' happened. As I was laying their as still as a statue, I focused on the back of my eyelids counting my breaths. It seems like I couldn't make it to 15 without losing count and drifting off to no where and I had to continuously start all over. I never did reach HI (I know...HI isn't necessary), so I just kept trying to focus on my counting and breathing. All of a sudden, my breath was slowly getting sucked right out of me and I felt myself floating slightly above my body. As I started to float, my hearing changed. I have had this symptom before so I tried to observe it passively like everyone says to do. As I was doing this, (this part is hard to explain) I felt my hearing go...distant? farther? slowly walk away from me??? I told you it is hard to explain! My hearing became muffled, like if you were to put your pointer finger in your ear (I hope you understand what I'm talking about). I could hear, but it was difficult. Once I felt like I was slowly finished floating above my body (note: should I have made an attempt during the feeling of floating or after?), I tried to carefully move my 'ghost' finger...but my physical finger moved instead. I figured, hmmm...maybe I'm not out yet. I was stumped and didn't know what to do next, because it really felt like I was still floating above my body. Now, I wasn't floating as high as the ceiling, maybe just right above my body (flat on my back), so I don't know if I tried too early to get out. I told myself, maybe I'm already lucid and just try to open my 'dream eyes.' So when I did this, I believe my real eyes opened because nothing looked different. I remember dreamview members saying that you could very well still be lucid, even when everything looks normal and I should do a reality check (could be a FA also). As I moved to roll out of the bed to attempt a different RC, my entire body (physical) moved. So I realized, I was still in the physical. I got back into my laying position and just started all over again by relaxing and counting breathes. Again, within minutes, I felt like my breath was leaving, I was floating, and I was becoming deaf. I paid no attention and kept trying to count my very short breaths....but then a new symptom arises...my heart start beating like crazy like it wants to leave my chest and never come back. I can't help but be scared, not because of the symptoms, but because I really can't think of what to do next because I'm not sure if I'm out. Once the rapid heart rate subsides, I try to move my 'ghost' finger and my physical finger moves again. Then...ever so slowly...the floating stops, the hearing loss corrects itself, my heart decides it is not ready to leave me...and I'm back in the physical. Too worked up to even try another attempt, I toss and turn until I unconsciously drift to sleep. Side Note: I do remember dreaming several dreams afterwards, but I was too tired to write them down and forgot them all...with my luck, I probably was lucid somewhere in there and I just don't remember it. Question: "What the hell happened?" Advised appreciated

[paigeyemps]

Hey there! So sorry for the late reply. Here's what I think happened. You were still in that transitional phase where your body is drifting asleep but you're not quite there yet. This could explain why your physical body moved once you tried to think of moving your dream body. It might have been good to wait a bit longer, perhaps not try anything physical for a bit, and instead do some visualizing such as try to change the scene you are seeing. If you are not seeing anything (if you're staring at the back of your eyelids), try to create a dream scene with your mind. That way, you'll have time to properly transition, as well as have a dream scene ready! About the ear sound and muffling and being distant, i think that's just your hearing turning into real time hearing instead of hearing the outside noises, it shifts into your inner hearing. This is also characterized by a popping sound or a loud whoooosh. Same goes for the beating heart. Pretty interesting eh? note: should I have made an attempt during the feeling of floating or after? After would probably be better, I think. Being in an unstable phase of sleep, you might be better off making sure first that you are in a dream before trying physical things. And the flosting sensations etc can be parts of that transitional phase that you don't really wanna mess with too much, so it might be better to let that subside first.

[CanisLucidus]

Question: "What the hell happened?" First of all, I agree with everything Paigey says above. You were definitely on the right track here -- only a little bit further to go! Going through high-quality attempts like this will really help you learn what your WILD experience is like. I have one major recommendation. When you're trying to move your dream body, see if you can perform it as an act of will rather than a motion. Rather than the normal way that you'd make a part of your body move, instead attempt to will your finger to move. Or better still, imagine that it is already moving. See whether you can make such a change. Make no attempt to engage your muscles. That way, if things aren't quite ready, you're less likely to physically move and distract yourself from your transition. Great war story and excellent progress! You are on the right track and you're learning a ton from each of these attempts. Keep it up!

[Sibyline]

Great advice from both dream guides! I would add that if you have not yet opened your eyes, you could also attempt to see through your eyelids. That works for me because there's no confusion as to whether I opened my dream eyes or physical eyes, and I use that whenever I WILD or DEILD with false awakenings. The scene just fades in that way.

[bemistaken]

Well, I have been unusually busy for the month of June in terms of responsibility. I have not been able to practice because I got stuck with a work assignment that took up all of my time for ten whole days...but that is no excuse to practice...yes, I know . So, I made a commitment to challenge myself to putting everything I have into becoming lucid and obtaining more control. I made a contract with my family and had them sign it that they will not disturb me in the morning, during naps, or during meditation. My family have been aware of my OBE's and LD's for a long time now, so this is not at all strange to them. I believe that if I make this commitment, I will be more obligated to the time and effort of practice. Many times over the last two weeks, my son has been waking me up (school is out ) just to tell me he is leaving to go to a friends house. One time last week, he woke me up straight out of a FA...scared the sh#t out of me! So now and according to the contract they signed, they are not to wake me up and they can leave me a note on my door if the wish. During meditation, I had to be creative and create a space in my bathroom to meditate. I go into my bathroom and lock the door. Then, I go into my huge shower and place a chair in it and turn off the lights and meditate. Oh yeah, there is also a sign on the bathroom door that says, "Do not disturb...in the astral." I love my family, they don't question me about the strangeness or question what I'm doing...they just believe me. I am retraining my brain to think like a child and not question every single little thing that I feel or see. I can't tell you how important it is to be like a child sometimes when attempting the things we do in the dream world...just like a child, YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE! You have to believe that it is possible to fly to our solar system, believe that you have the ability to make anything appear, believe that you can see someone who have died many years ago, appear right in front of you like no time has passed..and most important, just believe that you can lucid dream. If I believe all these things are possible and I have the capabilities to accomplish all of these things, I know I have already conquered the most difficult part of LDing. I will put to practice this new mentality tonight and be like a child and believe it will happen. If it doesn't, no worries, like a child, I will anxiously await my next opportunity...just simply believing.