New/experienced lucid dreamer?

I'm new to knowing that lucid dreaming is actually a concept that people try to attain, however, in the past I have realized I was dreaming and was able to control my dream quite well. By control I mean completely changing (for example) from a nightmare to whatever I chose. I could make stuff appear and people appear and do stuff. I was in a nightmare and realized I was dreaming, looked at my hand, and made a pistol appear, which allowed me to safely switch from the nightmare. I have not been able to stay in control for longer than a short time.

I never knew that there was a community devoted to lucid dreaming, but now that I do I need some help. Most of the information was for people that have never attained control in a lucid dream. I have only had a couple dreams like this, and probably not for at least a year (that I can remember).

does anyone have advice for someone that has had LDs before but not recently?

Well, first off, welcome to Dream Views! Hopefully we can help you achieve whatever you wish to achieve in your dreams =]. You can find tutorials all over the forum and the homepage.

Well, since you've had LD's before just not recently, I'd start by:

1) Create a DJ (Dream Journal)
-This will help you keep track of the dreams you have every night or during the day (naps?) and also hopefully help you find your Dream Sign.
2) Work on your dream recall
-This is sort of like your Dream Journal. In order to affectively master LDing, you must first remember your dreams every night. At least one or two. You can do this a number of ways; one of which is called "Autosuggestion", which is basically telling yourself before you go to sleep that you will indeed remember your dreams the next morning.
3) Reality Checking!
-Begin reality checking throughout the day. Do you know what a Reality Check is? If not, view the tutorial on how to properly Reality Check here: http://www.dreamviews.com/community/...31#post1057431

Reality Checking isn't absolutely necessary; it depends on the method you wish to use to get Lucid. It sounds to me that you use the DILD method.... (Dream Initiated Lucid Dream)...in this case, Reality Checking would be a good idea. But, if you were to try to WILD, Reality Checking is not necessary.

Hopefully that gave you a good start and a small understanding on the different ways to become Lucid. Your surrounded by people that share a common interest with you, so don't be shy! feel free to ask any questions.

http://www.dreamviews.com/community/...ad.php?t=66857

^There is a Lucid Dream Induction Technique thread, that should help you get an idea on the different ways you can get lucid!