Back for round 2 (Hoping for results)

Ok. I have had several lucid dreams throughout my lifetime. Not nearly enough to be satisfied. I'm talking like 10 max total. So this last summer i tried to induce lucid dreaming with the help of this site. I had no results. In fact, this summer/fall was the only real noticeable lag phase in dreaming i've experienced. I have only recently returned to my regular activity level, which is low. i want results!!!! I don't mind risking another dry season as long as it means getting there. It seems like so many people do this, that it shouldn't be that hard. But being fully invested is hard when doubt is a factor with me. Let's hear what yall got :) Thanks in advance.

Doubt can definitely cause problems with lucid dreaming. On the positive side, its only going to take a couple LDs to erase those doubts and your problems in that area will be eliminated. I'm sure you already know this, but I suggest starting/keeping up with a dream journal. Also, start getting some RCs into your daily routine. If you are RCing during waking life, make sure you aren't just going through the motions. Take a moment to look around at your environment and ask yourself, "Could I be dreaming right now?" Then imagine that everything around you is actually a dream. Now perform the RC and see if you are actually dreaming. The whole process only takes a few moments and it will increase the effectiveness of your RCs. Stay positive and even if you have some doubts toward LDing, keep in mind that you have had them before. There are plenty of newcomers on here who have never even had a LD before. You already know it is possible and try to fall asleep expecting to LD. Even if you don't think you will have one, try to act like you will. Pretend you are an actor gearing up for a role. Your role is an experienced LDer. When you lay down for sleep, get into character of a LD Master/Pro. Act like you are an expert and will definitely have an LD tonight no matter what. Try to do this every time you go to sleep along with your other practices. Even if you are only half believing it, that half may help spark a random lucid on its own. good luck and if you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Here is the technique I described above....
Dry Spell Killer: The Actor's Technique
For anyone experiencing a dry spell or having trouble achieving lucidity for the first time you can try this simple "mind over matter" technique. I use this to help break out of dry spells and I generally suggest it to others who are experiencing dry spells. I think it will also help first timers achieve lucidity. Basically here it is...Upon laying down to sleep you need to alter your state of mind. Basically, act as if you are an expert/experienced lucid dreamer and you know 100% that you will have a LD. Don't only say/think to yourself that you will have a LD, but truly 100% believe that you will achieve your goal easily. The best way to describe this "state of mind alteration" is to compare it to acting. Many actors and actresses "get into character" for their particular roles. They will spend several days (or even longer depending on the actor/actress) acting as if they are a completely different person to better prepare and play their role. Basically, you are trying to "get into the character" of an experienced/expert lucid dreamer. You could even go as far as getting into the character of "The Best Lucid Dreamer Ever." The idea is to fall asleep knowing and expecting yourself to become lucid, because you have done it millions of times before and it is easy for you. If you can do it correctly, and truly convince yourself that you will achieve lucidity, than it will greatly raise your chances of success. During a dry spell, I do this for as many nights as I need to break it. I usually am able to overcome my dry spell the very first night trying. Make sure that if you do not succeed, that you stay "in-character" and tell yourself/convince yourself that last night was a fluke and there is no way you won't become lucid the next night. You would be surprised how well this simple method can work. All it takes is a bit of "acting" ;)!

Don't solely use this and nothing else, but rather think of it as an extra boost for you upon going to sleep. Just a little something extra to help spark some lucids.

Good luck to you and if you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Thanks for this. I'm goin for it tonight. I'm also interested in dream symbols and such. Can you, by chance, tell me what my latest DJ entry means? Its really a deep one i think. I've been analyzing it. Its ok if you're not into that or whatever. I'll let you know how this goes tonight.

Keenya, I can 100% relate to your post. My LDs have always been few and random. Then last summer I tried to put a little effort into it and hung around this site quite a bit. The result, a long dry spell. Then backing off on my efforts the last few months, I have had a few fleeting semi-lucid dreams. I will have to give Yoshi's advice a roll. Trying to start doing a DJ again and using the "as-if" principle.

Ah, well I have always believed that the best interpreter for a dream is the dreamer themselves. Dreams have a lot to do with personal experience and feelings. I could give you some ideas on it though. It seems to me you are nervous about this girl you like. The other girl butting in could reflect a worry/fear that things may never progress. Of course, it doesn't mean they won't...I just think that this dream means you like this girl and for some reason you think you can't get her or she will be hard to get with. That is just my stab at it...I don't interpret dreams very often though, so you may want a second opinion :P. Like I said before, YOU will be the best judge of what this dream means. 20 people could have this same dream and it could mean 20 different things because just like every person is unique...every person's dreams are unique as well. Just a thought...

Ok thanks for that. I was already sort of thinkin it though. There's not much to come from a dream like that. No luck last night. I'm gonna try again so lets not dismiss it completely. Just keeping you updated. Its nice to know that someone is having my same experience, Ski. Let's keep on touch on progress.