Intro and noob question

**Vivaldi** · 07-30-2011 03:16 AM

Hello, new to lucid dreaming in general. I've always been a very vivid dreamer and can usually recall at least 1 dream a night, sometimes more. Even when I was a kid my parents said I was always happy when it was time for bed, then I could have my dreams. Sometimes I can even have a dream that I like, wake up, then go back to sleep and continue on with the dream. I'm not sure if that's considered lucid or not, since I don't know if I knew I was dreaming. Kind of confusing, I guess. I think I've been lucid twice in my life but it's hard to tell, and in any case I woke up immediately when I realized I was dreaming. And all this time I've never considered trying to lucid dream, I'm not sure has taken me so long! Other than that, I'm from Indianapolis, USA, but have also lived in the UK and China.

So my question is, is there a certain position that is good for lucid dreaming sleep? I know the astral projection people claim that laying on your back is best, but I have trouble sleeping on my back so I don't really prefer it.

**Puffin** · 07-30-2011 03:26 AM

Hi Vivaldi, welcome to Dreamviews. c:

A lucid dream, abbreviated "LD", is basically just knowing that you're dreaming when you're in the dream itself. If you're aware of the fact that you're asleep, regardless of whether you can actually control your surroundings or not, it's an LD. Usually when you're lucid, you'll feel more conscious than you normally are, and also feel like you're more "present" in the dream. Excitement can definitely be an effect of suddenly realizing that you're dreaming, but it's nothing a bit of practice and stabilization within the dream won't fix: rubbing your hands, feeling nearby objects and structures, and looking around will all help to ground you in the dream. Relaxing and simply remembering not to become overexcited is also important.

As for your question, I always sleep on my side and stomach; the majority of my LDs have come from being on my stomach. People say that lying on your back is the best position for a WILD (wake induced lucid dream), because sleep paralysis happens to come easier in that position. However, I can't stand sleeping on my back. If you're uncomfortable when trying a WILD, it will have a detrimental effect on your attempt - the goal in a WILD is to forget about your physical body and relax as much as you can, not to continuously be agitated because you're in an awkward sleeping position. For all other LD methods, it doesn't really matter as long as you're comfortable - a bad sleeping position might cause you to wake up more, which may hinder dream recall.

If you have any other questions, feel free to post or send me a PM!

**Dark_Merlin** · 07-30-2011 03:45 AM

Welcome to Dreamviews!

In response to your question about sleeping positions, I've always been a side sleeper. Most of my lucid's I've woken up sleeping on my side or stomach, with the exception of one or two, so I personally don't find that it makes any difference to your lucid ability

Make sure you check out Puffin's Beginner's Guide to Lucid Dreaming! It's one of the most well written and easy to understand guides for beginners. Check out some of the other areas of the forum and when you have any questions just start posting!

**DreamTravels** · 07-30-2011 05:48 AM

Hi Vivaldi! A warm welcome to dreamviews from me to you!

this is a great community and i'm sure you'll come to love it as much as i have!

As for your question, i have only ever recalled having 3 LD's (lucid dreams) and all 3 came from sleeping on my stomach. I'm not usre if it's just me, or if thats a naturally good position for LDs. Good luck with attaining lucidity and i hope i helped!