Tip for keeping dream journal?

[jeffoncom]

For the past few months, I've noticed that I can naturally control (to some extent) where my dreams started and certain people/situations. After that, though, I have no lucidity or control, so they just go wherever they want to. I first read about LDs a couple days ago and it fascinated me. I've decided to start up a dream journal to help me improve my dream recall. The sources I read said to keep telling yourself that you'll remember your dream before you go to bed, and it will happen. They also said that if you have another dream afterwards, you probably won't be able to remember anything about the first one, especially if you're a beginner. As was suggested, I got a writing pad to record my dreams right after they happen. The problem is that both nights I've told myself that I'll remember my dreams and record them, and both mornings afterward, after getting excited about having been able to record them successfully, I find out that writing them down was part of my dream. Is there any technique other than telling yourself over and over before you go to bed that will help me remember to record my dreams? It seems like whenever I tell myself that, I'll just simply dream it.

[lucidbuddha]

Well if you keep dreaming that you're writing them down you should try a Reality Check (RC) anytime you write a dream down. Also you shouldn't get discouraged so quickly, it takes awhile to get high recall. Keep checking out the forums, the more interested you are the more likely you'll remember your dreams.

[Richter]

Well, not to be a funny guy, but it seems you already remember your dreams pretty well! I understand you recall that you make entries in your DJ during your dreams; isn't that good dream recall? As for actual tips; don't stop at telling yourself you'll recall dreams only before bed! Tell yourself all the time throughout the day, especially when you feel a particularly strong emotion. Combine that with an RC, and you should be on a kickstart to both dream recall and lucidity itself. I think the trick is to combine the words "I will remember my dreams" (or any other autosuggestion phrase) with really strong emotion; preferrably a positive one.

[jeffoncom]

All right. Thanks for the tips. I'll try to make a habit of doing RCs. As to your comment about already having pretty good dream recall, I would say I'm already above average. Always have been. I remember 2 individual dreams last night (one of them being writing in a journal) without having to write them down, but I still want to hone my skill before I move on. I'm trying to take this in steps, so even though I'm already decent, I don't want to just skip ahead. Wish me luck!

[Redrivertears]

Hey there, Also, keep at it. Two days isn't long. Its take a while for your mind and your body to adjust to the autosuggestions you're trying to make. Patience is a very important factor in all these techniques From the sound of it, you'll soon be writing down plenty of dreams! -Redrivertears-

[Alex D]

Hey, welcome. You'll find that simply recording dreams without suggestion will be enough to make you remember more. Think of it as a snowball getting bigger and bigger as it rolls down a hill. As for dreaming about recording dreams, keep up with those suggestions and work it into your routine to do a reality check whenever you see your dream journal. Writing dreams down seems to have become a dream sign for you, so it should be a good way to get lucid.

[jeffoncom]

OK. I think my main priority now is getting in the habit of RCing. I remember 2 dreams from last night, and one of them I started to realize it was a dream and immediately woke up. I tried to get back to sleep but was too excited. Getting closer but I have a long way to go I'm sure.

[Adam]

Hey welcome to the forum, sounds like you are on the right tracks, good luck