Couple questions regarding reality checks and dream signs

...How? I've never once said to myself in a dream "This isn't logical", so how do I go about doing that?

I've heard you can become more aware by constantly "reality checking", but what is it that I'm checking? What is it I need to observe in order to become more aware of my surroundings? I suppose in the waking life I just take everything for granted...How did you guys develop your reality checks and your intense awareness, and did they carry over to your dreams?

I haven't had a lucid dream before, but I've become very interested as of late.

Thanks.

Hi, welcome.
There are many ways to do reality checks. There are a few common methods that many people use. Basically, a reality check will tell you whether or not you're dreaming. Common ones include:
- history check (try to remember how you got to where you are now, what you were doing before this, and make sure the sequence of events is logical. In a dream, the answer won't be clear)
- put your finger through your palm. In a dream, you'll usually be able to do this.
- read text, since in a dream, it's difficult to read text.
- look at text or a clock, look away, then lock back. If you're dreaming, the text or time will likely have changed.

How not to do a reality check:
- think that everything feels so real, there's no way you're dreaming (you don't realize this if you've only experienced vague memories of non-lucid dreams, but lucid dreams can feel very real when you're in them)
- try to fly or do something else you wouldn't be able to in real life, and determine that, since you can't, you must not be dreaming (this one has gotten me a few times).

When you actually are dreaming, you'll find that a lot of these methods aren't even needed. You'll know right away that you're dreaming as soon as you question it, and won't have to look at a clock or anything (although that isn't always the case).
I find that just thinking about it, questioning whether you're dreaming at all, even when you're almost sure you aren't, will increase general awareness and make you more likely to question it while you really are dreaming. If you never question it while you're awake, it isn't likely going to occur to you that you might be dreaming while you're asleep.

How often should I be doing these checks? I check the clock quite often seeing as how I'm in school almost all the time, and I've never checked a clock in a dream.

That finger through palm thing, though...I think I'll start doing that. As well as history check. How often?

You might be interested in this quick reality check tutorial (from this site). Or click the link below for a longer list of methods. Some people do them as often as every 20 minutes or so. Others only find they need to do them a couple times a day. You could start with whatever seems right to you, and as time goes on, if you don't give up right away, you'll adjust your technique and how often you use it.

It's also difficult for some people to remember to do reality checks, especially if you're planning on doing it often. Methods for remembering almost all involve making an associating in your mind, so that whenever a certain thing happens, you're reminded to do a reality check. You can make the association with looking at a clock, walking through a doorway, looking at a mark you draw on your hand, etc.

That's a very good idea. I think I'm going to attempt to get into the habit of poking my palm with my finger every time I go through a doorway.

And I'll try to do a history check every hour or so...

Thank you.

my reality check - i look at my arm clock and if it melts or obscure i can realize that i`m luciding at that time. i think everyone need to develop his own reality check, what works the best for you. it`s indevidual think

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Originally Posted by dreamquotes

arm clock

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Did you mean alarm clock are you calling your watch an 'arm clock'? lol