A site dedicated to LDs? I must be dreaming...

**ASmitt** · 12-20-2010 05:49 AM

Hey everyone! Name's Alex, glad to be here, and I'm glad I found this site - it really seems like I can learn a lot here!

Just out of curiosity, what is the average age of members here? I'm 18, and I've always wondered if age mattered.

**AscendedSleeper** · 12-20-2010 05:57 AM

This is just an educated guess, but I would say the average age is around 20. Many people believe that as a general trend younger people have an easier time LDing although that definitely does not mean that as you get older you will get worse at it (assuming that you practice with some kind of consistency). I have heard that this is due to an increased amount of REM sleep during youth although I can't confirm that.

**ASmitt** · 12-20-2010 06:16 AM

Well that makes sense. I'm only 18, and I've only had a small handful of short (1min max) Lucid Dreams in the span of about 5 years. It worries me that I may have worse luck with LDs in the years to come. Though I've found some useful topics on stabilizing dreams so hopefully, if I can somehow have more LDs, I'll be able to make them last longer and actually enjoy them.

**Oneironaut Zero** · 12-20-2010 06:26 AM

Welcome to DV, Alex.

I think AscendedSleeper is right, in that the average age around here seems to be at just about - or right below - 20. As far as information goes, not only is this an entire site based on lucid dreaming, but it's practically the most informative place you will find online, dealing with the subject. Nice to know that you've had a handful of LD's. Have they all just been natural, or have you been practicing any techniques for a while? As we usually do, with newcomers, I would have to suggest that you start up a Dream Journal, if you don't already have one. It just may be your most invaluable tool, when it comes to growing more proficient at lucid dreaming. If you have any questions, or need any help along the way, don't hesitate to ask around the community!

Enjoy your stay.

**ASmitt** · 12-20-2010 06:37 AM

Thank you for the welcome!

When I first heard about lucid dreaming I went on a mad research spree that didn't seem to help. I tried so many different techniques but nothing worked. After 3 years of nothing (and having stopped trying), I had an odd dream involving a white room (like the Matrix Loading Construct), mirrors floating around, and a desk. I did a reality check in the mirror, remembering that you aren't supposed to see a perfect reflection of yourself. I looked down and back up to find that it looked normal. Even still, a voice whispered behind me "You're dreaming" and I clicked into lucidy. I went to check the desk and found a folder. Before I could open it, I woke up - I'm very bad at stabilizing my dreams as I've had little opportunity to practice. It's also worth nothing that the handful of dreams I mentioned all happened on the same morning.

**Oneironaut Zero** · 12-20-2010 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by ASmitt

Thank you for the welcome!

When I first heard about lucid dreaming I went on a mad research spree that didn't seem to help. I tried so many different techniques but nothing worked. After 3 years of nothing (and having stopped trying), I had an odd dream involving a white room (like the Matrix Loading Construct), mirrors floating around, and a desk. I did a reality check in the mirror, remembering that you aren't supposed to see a perfect reflection of yourself. I looked down and back up to find that it looked normal. Even still, a voice whispered behind me "You're dreaming" and I clicked into lucidy. I went to check the desk and found a folder. Before I could open it, I woke up - I'm very bad at stabilizing my dreams as I've had little opportunity to practice. It's also worth nothing that the handful of dreams I mentioned all happened on the same morning.

The reflection test is interesting. I'm not sure how reliable that one would be for me, because my reflection tends to look exactly like myself. It just has its own personality. It's also interesting that you mention the mirrors and desk. Are you at all familiar with the Lucid Crossroads?

It's more related to doors surrounding a welcome desk, but kind of the same feel. Haha.
The next time you want to try stabilizing your dream, take a good look at your hands. Paying attention to the detail of the dream - either visually, or by touching the objects around you - will help orient you to the dream state. Focus on your intent for the dream to become more clear and stable. Really immerse yourself into how things look and feel. This will help give you more time in the dream, and help keep things from falling apart.

**ASmitt** · 12-20-2010 07:22 AM

I've heard of the Crossroads before but I don't quite know what it's all about. But those pictures sure do bring back memories. I recall thinking about traveling to different places using the mirrors, but then I noticed the desk and I forgot all about it until after the dream. I'm guessing the doors you mention take you to different realms or areas you create?

And thanks for the advice! I'm really excited to give some of those tricks a try - now if I can just master WILDs or DILDs... I have a nasal congestion problem, as well as a permanent cough which prevents me from successfully accomplishing a WILD (as I'm always having to sniff or cough, which doesn't help when you need to keep perfectly still), so I think my main focus for the future will be on DILDs.

Almost forgot - I did have a DJ once upon a time, and it really helped with dream recall. I just got a fresh new book for my dreams that I will hopefully get to use in the morning!

**Shadowmilo** · 12-20-2010 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by ASmitt

I've heard of the Crossroads before but I don't quite know what it's all about. But those pictures sure do bring back memories. I recall thinking about traveling to different places using the mirrors, but then I noticed the desk and I forgot all about it until after the dream. I'm guessing the doors you mention take you to different realms or areas you create?

And thanks for the advice! I'm really excited to give some of those tricks a try - now if I can just master WILDs or DILDs... I have a nasal congestion problem, as well as a permanent cough which prevents me from successfully accomplishing a WILD (as I'm always having to sniff or cough, which doesn't help when you need to keep perfectly still), so I think my main focus for the future will be on DILDs.

Almost forgot - I did have a DJ once upon a time, and it really helped with dream recall. I just got a fresh new book for my dreams that I will hopefully get to use in the morning!

AHA! a common mistake. Yes although you should remain relatively still, you CAN cough and do what you need too. Do you NORMALLY cough and sniff when going to sleep? If so, then its ok to do so while WILDing, your MAIN thought should be on GETTING TO SLEEP, not staying still and waiting for it to happen, or else your focusing on sitting still and your brain doesnt know that your trying to get into a dream. You need to read two tutorials, ill try and find them. Although they are REALLY long, they are GREAT at explaining what to do:

Mzzkc's Why Your Fail at WILDs Guide
Mzzkc's Comprehensive Wild Guide
BillyBob's WILD Guide

Yeah read these, because all the other tuts ive seen do the WRONG thing.

Have fun, and welcome.

**ASmitt** · 12-20-2010 05:55 PM

Wow! Thanks a lot, I'll check those out next chance I get some free time! And to answer your question, I do normally cough and sniff, but in any old comfortable position. I figure my problem is keeping the thought on my mind and focusing so hard on my goal, which prevents me from relaxing.