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Alright, first off I'm trying to improve my dream recall. I think I can recall around one dream every 2-3 days, or 2 dreams in the same period - that's if I'm lucky. Since I've started to keep a DJ, how long should I expect it to be before I start noticing improvements?
Secondly, is it usual if you're almost NEVER viewing a dream where you're actually involved?
Well as for the first question, your dream recall will increase as you keep writing them down. Improvments can start in as soon as a week, it all depends on the person.
Some suggestions to help you in your dream recall would be auto-suggestion as in phrases such as: "I will remember all my dreams when i wake up" this works quite well for me. You will come across many other ways to help you, but you can tweak them to your standards.
Thats all i can give you for now, im not entirely sure what the second question is asking, sorry lol
Ah, alright. Thanks for the answer. I was hoping it'd be 100% recall after the first entry though xD Mrr, I guess I wasn't clear on the 2nd question. What I meant was, is it common to have dreams where you (in person) are not part of the dream?
Another question too, if anyone minds answering. After trying the affirmation technique (subconscious version), my body started to feel very heavy and it became extremely difficult to move. Is this normal for this type of thing?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandius
Yes it is actually very natural to have a dream where you are not included, i have them often as i do ones where i am a part of them.
Does this happen after you become lucid in the dream?
I haven't become lucid in a dream yet. I just feel as though I'm a passive presence in dreams.
When you begin to feel heavy, its probably your body transitioning into sleep paralysis. Just go with it and let the process follow out.
What affirmation technique are you using? It sounds like you'd be a good subject for self-hypnosis if you experienced feelings of heaviness. The technique may work better for you than on others for that reason.
How long have you been keeping the journal so far? Have you been getting up/going to bed at about the same time every night?
Also, welcome to Dreamviews!
Many people have a lot of dreams where they are always watching the dream from a sort of disimbodied 3rd person view. I've run into a few people here on DV who say they always see dreams that way, so unsual yes, but unheard of, no.
That heavy feeling may have been the start of SP, which is a great sign for your future luck with LDs, especially techniques like WILD.
To get the most out of your dream journal (and to improve your recall as soon as possible) try to re-live the feelings, thoughts, sights, etc you had from the dreams you do remember. Re-read your dream journal often. Before bed is a great time.
A way I sometimes use to "get back" the dreams I lost during the night is to get back in bed. Find a comfy position. If you remember the position you were in when you woke up, get into it and snuggle down. Close your eyes, and let your mind wander. Try to not think about anythig from your dayly life. Don't lay there worrying about work, or friends, or anything. Try to let your mind wander on its own in a loose, unfocued way. I usually can get back at least one dream doing this. The key for me is to not get excited or focus immedialy when I get the first hint of a dream back. Relax and let it play out in your mind. Then quickly grab a pen and capture it on paper before it slips away again.
Don't worry if it takes a few days to get your dream recall up. Remember, you are building new habits, and that can take some time. Also, don't underestimate the power of autosuggestion. Just tell yourself that you will remember your dreams. It sounds silly, but it works really well for most people.
I think Abra is right on with the self hypnosis. It sounds like you are slipping into a state of deep relaxation pretty easily. Keep trying to develop this, because it will be a very valuable skill if you ever start trance induction for WILD or self hypnosis, or any related meditations.
When you wake up, lay perfectly still and your dreams should come back to you after a minute. It's because your brain thinks that because you aren't moving that you're going back to sleep and turns on the dream centre of the brain again (including the dream memory.)
If you become lucid, you should be able to force yourself into the dream, even if you're having it in 3rd person.