Hello! This is my introduction, and I also have a question.
My internet name is OUTC0ME, and I'm a 21 year old guy from Colorado, but have lived in New Jersey for about 4 years now. Because I grew up in Colorado, I have recurring dreams of my old house. I have also noticed that I dream about my job, and lots of random things as well! I have never had a LD, and about four months ago, I decided to start practicing several techniques. Writing down what I have been dreaming has been sort of a challenge for me, because I couldn't stick with it. I had small notes at first, but couldn't follow up with writing in the morning. Then, I tried a composition notebook, which led to the same problem after about ten days. I never dedicated myself to more than a dream journal, and I was already having problems. This led me to start looking into other techniques. After reading tons of information from this forum, I have learned lots more about LDs. A couple weeks ago, I downloaded the Lucidity app for my smartphone, which is perfect for me, since the first thing I do when I wake up is turn off my smartphone's alarm. After a couple weeks of the smartphone dream journal, I am noticing that the overall dreams are becoming more vivid, and I am writing down more details. I am really, truly committing to a dream journal at this point because of the early results. I have also had dreams with small or no details, and sometimes I haven't had anything to write down, but this does not discourage me. When I MILD, I put myself in my previous vivid dream and imagine becoming lucid, and I simultaneously think about a mantra as well. I try to give myself ten minutes of relaxing in bed before I start this. I'm really good at putting any worries or thoughts regarding other stuff aside while I go to bed, so I don't get distracted. My next task is practicing RCs, but it has been hard for me to do them, because I never truly question if I am dreaming or not. I could use more tips to help get in that mindset of not knowing! Also, After reading about All Day Awareness, I decided to give that a try. During a typical day for me, I will casually (not at any set time) observe my surroundings more in detail.
I also have an unrelated question regarding music in dreams. I love music, and every chance I get to listen to music during the day, I take it! But what is weird to me is that I don't have any dreams where music becomes a noticeable part of the dream. I'll think about the music after I wake up and log it in my journal, but I can't remember when I heard it during the dream.
That's all I have to write for now. I'll be sure to post my first LD, and if any other unanswered questions come to mind, I will be sure to ask them. Thanks for reading!
