Old Toddler

Hello all!

This is my second introduction post (I hope this one lasts!). I've been a member on here since 2005 back when I first got into lucid dreaming. But I suppose I never really took advantage of all the information available or put in enough time to lucid dreaming. Sure, I read a bunch about it, but I never committed to following a path of progression to become a better lucid dreamer. I think I am now ready to do that, and I hope this site will help.

A little about me: I became heavily interested in lucid dreaming when I stumbled across this site late on night. I immediately snagged ETWOLD from B&N and jumped in. I think I had my first lucid dream a couple nights later. I did a couple of dream journals, but never stuck with them (like I said, commitment to the little things is what stopped me from really progressing). Though high school eventually ate up all my free time and eroded my journey to become a real oneironaut. Of course, my interest still persevered, and I occasionally had lucid dreams.

Now I want to start again. Get back into things. Can you help me?

I'll spend some time exploring the boards, but any advice on how to begin this would be helpful. I surely understand if no one replies to this as I am sure all the information I need is already available on this wonderful site.

I will mention on thing though, something that is troubling me about my lucid experiences. I tend to create lucid nightmares once I become lucid. Say for instance that I wanted to meet some DCs. I have a clear memory of watching one walk in a door in a big mall one long past LD. I followed her (a girl about my age, very pretty). As I neared the door, which was opaque, I became afraid that past the door would not be her but a horrible decrepit woman who wanted to hurt me (the younger girl having turned into her).

This irrational fear manifested itself in the dream, and wretched face appeared behind the door as I opened it. This seems to happen to me a lot. Whatever I want to happen in a dream, never does. And whatever I don't want to happen, simply does. Very frustrating. I'm going to go do some dream control searches.

So again, hi all! Can't wait to be a part of Dream Views.

As for your problem, it sounds as if you expect the worst in reality also. Try becoming more optimistic, not only in waking life but also dreaming. You can also reassure yourself that it is only a dream. Nothing can hurt you. You are in control of your mind.

Hope this helps, and welcome back!

Welcome back, Phobetor! Glad you've decided to return and feel free to let us all how we can help :)

As prog4p4rv18 mentioned, try avoiding those negative thoughts. I know it's much easier said than done, but if you find those negative thoughts creeping into your mind, stop them as soon as you can. If you think someone horrible or ugly is going to appear, say, "No! Someone lovely is going to be here!" or something along those lines. You can also try switching your actions to something else. Instead of going forth into a potential "nightmare" turn around and head in another direction. Start doing something else.

You could also try making a plan as to what you hope to accomplish. While you're awake, decide what you want to do. Plan for it to succeed! Remind yourself what your intentions are and when you next become lucid, act on that plan rather than waiting around for something bad to happen. :) Act! Enjoy your dreams. It may just take practice, but in time you'll figure it out.

See you around! Sweet lucid dreams.
-Amé