Thread: Really interesting first lucid dream experience, and I need some pointers! =)

Hey everyone, I just registered here in hopes that I could get some tips about controlling the dreams more fully.

I've had several instances of lucidity in my life, starting at a young age with similar nightmares. I would be in similar situations and realize I've had this kind of nightmare before, then forcing myself awake as a means of escape.

Last night (between 3:30 and 5:30 in the morning, after having woken up to go to the bathroom), I had my first lucid dream in which I did not wake up instantly but was able to continue with the dream in control of my own actions, for seemingly a few minutes (maybe even 5-10).

The most interesting part is this: I became lucid after beginning a dream within my dream.

I had went to bed that night telling myself I would have a lucid dream, using the technique of "I will look at my hands and realize I am dreaming." I thought it over just a few times before waiting to fall asleep - I don't currently keep a dream journal or use any other device of initiating the lucid dreams. Then, sometime during my dream, I went to bed telling myself yet again that I was going to have a lucid dream.

I saw images flashing as my dream self was falling asleep and then I had a false awakening as my dream self; only somehow, my dream self instantly knew it was a dream when it got out of the bed! I have no idea how, I don't remember looking at my hands. But I guess it just assumed it was a dream because it intended to have a lucid dream before going ot bed. I then pinched my cheek just to prove it to myself, and sure enough it was a dream (it felt funny, rather than painful).

This was the first time I became lucid and remained in control - I walked around and went outside, where it was seemingly nighttime, continually telling myself, "This is a dream" to ensure I remained lucid. When I saw how dark it was, I tried to change the scenery so that it was light outside, but it didn't work. I also tried summoning my girlfriend to the scene but I couldn't get her to appear either. I did see a few old friends randomly appear in my backyard and I decided to walk up and talk to them, which worked out fine.

When I eventually awoke from this secondary dream, I lost lucidity and found my dream self conversing with a fictional school teacher as to why I could not control the surroundings of my dream. When I eventually woke up for real, I was so excited and confused that I had to come register here!

I am unsure as to why I could control my movements and thoughts, but not change the surroundings at all. Should I have tried spinning? Or does it simply take practice to change the scenery? Either way, this was a very unique first lucid dream experience and I hope I can get some tips - thanks! =)