SP + Pre-Dream Images + Consciousness = Lucidity?

I've always been able to put myself to sleep within minutes simply by allowing my mind to conjure up images, and watching those images interact with eachother. I eventually lose consciousness, become completely immersed with the moving images, and it turns to a dream.

So, a few days ago, I read up about sleep paralysis, but nothing extensive, just the gyst, and attempted to do something close to it. So as I lay there in my bed attempting this replication of SP, I give in to the self-conjuring images of my subconscious, and these images start forming and interacting with eachother. I could start hearing bits and pieces of what they were saying, like muffled sounds.

My main problem during this is that I lose consciousness while immersing myself in these pre-dream images, and fall asleep. Since my recall is bad, I don't remember much, either.

So, here's what I'm asking: Am I on the right track doing this image technique while attempting sleep paralysis? Because I thought that the images were the last thing that should come? :?

Also, I would be extremely grateful if anyone has any tips how to remain conscious while doing this. and STAY conscious. :lol:

And before I get told, I know I need to improve my recall, but what's wrong with fooling around with various techniques while my recall is improving eh? ;)

Thanks for all your time! This is a really awesome site.:D I love these smilies :cheeky:

Welcome to DV :)
hmm this sounds interesting, I think I do a similar thing, could you maybe explain a bit more what happens? (the imagery you watch interact)
you are on a good track, its good to experiment. When you are trying to WILD, you don't really want to be thinking, don't force anything, don't force thoughts out or in.
Just let everything be, watch your thoughts/imagery but don't get immersed in them.
You might want to try counting down, breathing in deeply and/or focusing on your breath.
It looks like you are off to a good start ^^
good luck!

Thanks for the help!

I can't really explain much more about the imagery because the more solid and "dream-like" the images become, the more i lose consciousness.

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Originally Posted by erible

Welcome to DV :)
When you are trying to WILD, you don't really want to be thinking, don't force anything, don't force thoughts out or in.
Just let everything be, watch your thoughts/imagery but don't get immersed in them.

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I think thats my problem. I don't know how to not think without falling into the nothingness of sleep. I'm guessing that the breathing technique mentioned above keeps you conscious? It seems very similar to meditation.

Are there any other techniques that allow consciousness while asleep?

i used math, nothing too hard but not too simple either, this allows your mind to remain active as your body falls asleep. hope this helps.
also try picturing yourself in the dream use the images around you to create a dream and feel yourself as part of them.

hope this helps

Ahhhh... Progress!:D

Well, I tried it last night, and it seemed like counting down really helped me stay conscious. I started feeling my limbs tingle and get heavy, but also like they were floating. I could here the voices in my head, which seemed like they were simply part of my conscience, yet being voiced by the voices of the people in the near past of my waking day. Wierd. I eventually lost consciousness during because I tried for so long and was getting annoyed, and fell asleep and a regular sleep without lucidity. However, I had very good recall the next morning. I wonder if SP affects recall or if it was just a coincidence?

I had two problems:
1. When the uncomfortable feeling started kicking in, I would successfully resist it, but my damn foot kept spasming! 3 times my foot spasmed, and would send me levels back, so I'd have to start over. I just switched positions, and it seemed to help, but I have no idea what was causing the spasms.
2. Each time my limbs would get heavy, my heart would start beating fast, and my breathing rate increased. It caused me to lose concentration, and sent me levels up. I need a way to stay calm. Maybe just experience will provide that.

Overall, I probably attempted SP 5-6 times last night. Thanks for the advice though it really helped! :) I'll try again tonight.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tjones730

Thanks for the help!

I can't really explain much more about the imagery because the more solid and "dream-like" the images become, the more i lose consciousness.

I think thats my problem. I don't know how to not think without falling into the nothingness of sleep. I'm guessing that the breathing technique mentioned above keeps you conscious? It seems very similar to meditation.

Are there any other techniques that allow consciousness while asleep?

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Just focus on the goal, focus on breathing and picture yourself in an elevator, and you go down the floor, you start at 100 and count each time you go down a floor. You breathe in, count down, breath out, breathe in, count down, breathe out, etc. Just imagine seeing the numbers on the elevator drop each time you say the number and inhale. Breathe slowly and deeply. Just let everything be, every thought, image, flow by. Stay focused on the counting and breathing.