Thread: Normal to be scared about lucidity at first?

Originally Posted by DrEaMeR23

I only learned about lucidity 1 or 2 days ago, and I've read a lot about it since then. But I'm kind of hesitant about having a LD. Everybody says it's really cool and only seems to be talking about trying to stay in it and not waking up. So what can go wrong in a LD (besides waking up)? I'm probably most afraid of being lucid during a nightmare (although I haven't had or at least remembered one for a while). Because in non-lucid nightmares I can just let what happens happen. But I'm just afraid that if I become lucid in a nightmare, I'll be unprepared, make a wrong decision, and not conquer my fears. I'm sure there's a section of this forum about nightmares that I'll read about later. But is this hesitance normal for beginners? And how can I take care of it?
P.S. I am far from having a lucid dream because my dream recall isn't that good anyways, but still...

Okay, a word of warning: On your first LD, you may feel a pulling sensation when discovering you're dreaming. It's nothing major, though. It's less pressure than a Gravitron at the state fair.

Other than that, you have absolutely nothing to lose! You could actually turn a nightmare to a dream that's loads of fun. (like a recent dream I had where becoming lucid in a nightmare went from a car-ride to hell to beating up the Devil matrix-style! )

And if you haven't been keeping a dream journal, you should. That helps a TON. If you need further help with LDing don't hesitate to PM me.

DrEaMeR23, you don't have anything to worry about in regard to making a wrong decision, or something going wrong in a nightmare.

Think about it: when yyou are in a nightmare, you are being terrified, and there's nothing you can do. Everything will go wrong.

But in a lucid nightmare, there's nothing that can hurt you, and you can easily end the nightmare and turn it into a profitable dream. You can even wake yourself up if you just want to get out of the dream, but once you become lucid in a nightmare, you'll realize that nothing can hurt you(or any dream for that matter).

Suttsman, I don't know what you're talking about this 'pulling sensation'.. that's never happened to me.

Not knowing what to expect can and probaly will create some anxiety. That's normal and you'll grow out of it Just remind yourself that you are in a dream and that nothing can hurt you. It's hard to do in the midst of a sea of emotions, but when you get more practice, it will come more naturally.

Control comes with time and practice as well. One thing you can do to help that is to draw yourself even more into the dream by rubbing your hands together, calling out "More Clairity," or even just walking around. By focusing on your position in the dream, you can increase the realism and have more influence over the events of your dreams. It takes practice, though, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away.

Also keep in mind that stress and anxiety will kill your dream recall. So just relax and enjoy the experience!