Thread: Control thoughts, or let them drift?

Originally Posted by Dianeva

I've attempted two WILDs in the last two days and have failed both for what I perceive to be the same reason.

It seems that when my mind is drifting to sleep, part of that process involves thinking very deeply about some thought or memory that happens to come to me. The thoughts go deeper until I barely realize anymore where I am. This seems an essential part of the process of falling asleep.

Do I have this wrong?

As a result, I've found it impossible to remain aware of where I am and the fact that I’m trying to stay aware. So I have a dilemma. If I try to force myself not to think about the random thoughts which come to me, to only think about staying aware and WILDing, I don't get into any deep thoughts and therefore don't fall asleep. If, instead, I let my thoughts drift, I can't at the same time remain aware that I'm dreaming. I've tried repeating something to myself, like 'dreaming,' but that stops as soon as I get too deeply into a thought.

Which of the two methods should I be using? Should I try not to control my thoughts, not think about anything else, and somehow fall asleep that way, or should I let my thoughts drift while somehow remaining aware?

Thanks for reading. Any advice is appreciated.

The idea of WILD is to fall asleep. But not to let your mind fall asleep. if you
understand what I mean. Your mind is you, your consciousness. Your body however
is a tool for your mind. Usually your mind falls asleep first, but with WILDs your mind
should never fall asleep. You will be "awake" for the entire dream. Heres how
normal sleep works:

- the mind starts to wander and think
- the mind then drifts off to sleep
- the body, after receiving know movement signals wonders if the mind has gone to sleep
- the body sends a test signal, telling the mind it is uncomfortable
- as the mind is asleep, it does not receive this signal and the body gets no response
- the body now knows the mind is asleep and follows suit.

Heres how WILD works:
- The mind stays awake but is careful not to send any signals to the body
- The body, receiving no instructions from the mind tests the mind to see if it is asleep
- The mind receives the "im uncomfortable, please shift position" signal
- The mind of a WILDer resists the strong urge to move and deceives the body
- The body, receiving no signal, goes to sleep
- The brain begins the REM process and a dream forms in front of your eyes.

So use some sort of anchor to keep your mind awake while your body falls asleep.
Some good anchors are:
-counting ( 1, 2, 3, 4, etc... until you enter SP )
-Focus on Hypnagogic imagery ( Your brain will practically present you a light show as your body falls asleep so enjoy )
-Focus on your breathing ( Observe but try not to control )


Hope this helps,
~Wes

Originally Posted by Shadow27

The idea of WILD is to fall asleep. But not to let your mind fall asleep. if you
understand what I mean. Your mind is you, your consciousness. Your body however
is a tool for your mind. Usually your mind falls asleep first, but with WILDs your mind
should never fall asleep. You will be "awake" for the entire dream. Heres how
normal sleep works:

- the mind starts to wander and think
- the mind then drifts off to sleep
- the body, after receiving know movement signals wonders if the mind has gone to sleep
- the body sends a test signal, telling the mind it is uncomfortable
- as the mind is asleep, it does not receive this signal and the body gets no response
- the body now knows the mind is asleep and follows suit.

Heres how WILD works:
- The mind stays awake but is careful not to send any signals to the body
- The body, receiving no instructions from the mind tests the mind to see if it is asleep
- The mind receives the "im uncomfortable, please shift position" signal
- The mind of a WILDer resists the strong urge to move and deceives the body
- The body, receiving no signal, goes to sleep
- The brain begins the REM process and a dream forms in front of your eyes.

So use some sort of anchor to keep your mind awake while your body falls asleep.
Some good anchors are:
-counting ( 1, 2, 3, 4, etc... until you enter SP )
-Focus on Hypnagogic imagery ( Your brain will practically present you a light show as your body falls asleep so enjoy )
-Focus on your breathing ( Observe but try not to control )


Hope this helps,
~Wes

OMG that's why i've kept on failing WILDS...... i move my body I'll try not to now that i know..... THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by gameoverlord345

OMG that's why i've kept on failing WILDS...... i move my body I'll try not to now that i know..... THANK YOU!!!!!!!

No problem