Qualtiy of Reality Checks

Since finding DV, I've lucid dreamt twice. But those were following my own "method", with only those two dreams happening in almost three weeks.

Really getting into the spirit, and hoping for better results, I began religiously dream journaling (a treat in itself), and diligently performing multiple reality checks (>20 a day). I was hoping this would accelerate my progress, but alas, not so far (almost another week).

I'm a little frustrated because the wildest scenerios play themselves out in my dreams, and I accept them unquestionably (so no reality check).

Could it be the quality of my reality checks? Life is rather bland lately, staying at home, and I was thinking that getting out in the world and seeing peculiar/interesting things might help better "contextualize" my reality checks (by checking reality at more interesting times). Any ideas?

Thanks,
Legend

Yeah, getting out more often would definately help, cuz if you think about it, if you're at home all day, there isn't much questioning about wether or not your reality is in fact dream-like, since it doesnt change much (its your house, so im guessing there isnt much changing there).

On the other hand, if you go out, chances are you'll see something interesting or maybe even weird and you'll think: "Hey, I might be dreaming...".

Also keep in mind that the context matters. Any reality check I do while on the computer is a total waste, because as far as I know I never dream of being on the computer. Learn to recognize your dream signs and do RCs every time you notice one. For instance, I do reality checks every time I see a cop (getting arrested in a dream is a bummer and huge waste of time), and every time i see someone sitting cross-legged (one of my dream signs).

Try looking at RCs from a different angle. Instead of doing RCs routinely throughout the day, train yourself to do one every time you feel an emotion, every time you see a place you've never been to before, and every time someone says something strange (NOT something that confuses you, I mean something strange that you would normally just ignore). Also try being in a constant state of reality-checking. Take the time to notice the subtlties of places that you see every day, and notice the minute changes that your mind would normally gloss over for your convenience, because that's exactly what you're trying to avoid.

I think you should also try induction techniques as you've already been keeping a dream journal and doing reality checks for a while. Try MILD and also WILD as they make you think about lucid dreaming when you fall asleep, and that helps a lot. Even if you don't succeed in WILD, you'll have a greater chance for DILD. Keep reality checking too, and try to adjust it for your dream signs as already suggested. If one technique doesn't work, try another one, it's individual.

Hello,

I find that the mind is particularly susceptible to suggestion in the 2 or 3 hours prior to sleep. That is why many people will say "Right before I went to bed, I did ___ and then I had a dream about it."

So, if you want to incorporate certain topics or themes into your dreamstate, try to focus on those tasks and/or activities in the evening.

~Deja