#oneironauts

When trying to lucid dream, there are many factors to take into account if we want to make the best out of our dream work.

Reality checks or reality tests are the actions we perform in order to corroborate if we are awake or in a dream. But what should be the prompt for these reality checks? Clare P. Johnson (a magnificent author on lucid dreaming (which I highly recommend looking up!) and PhD on lucid dreaming), advices not to set an alarm to prompt reality checks, and this is why:

“A reality check should be prompted naturally; doing reality checks on autopilot, out of a sense of obligation, is never going to get the best results. We need to find ways of creating spontaneous reality checks that are unique to us, using our bodies, and our thought-patterns”

“You are unique. So invent a reality check that reflects your uniqueness. When we link our bodies, our senses and our habitual thoughts to a reality check, it grows in power and can be extremely effective. Have fun and be creative.

• If you’re a smiley person, why not recall your intention to get lucid each time you smile at someone? • Or if you have a singing gut, you could use stomach gurgles as a prompt to do a reality check. • Notice when your body is not doing its usual thing. • If you have any kind of chronic aches or pains, notice the spaces between the pains. In dreams, we are often pain-free. • Link certain thoughts to reality checks. If you’re someone who regularly experiences negative or self-critical thoughts, you could react to this by using a reality check as a springboard into a lighter state of mind. • Connect specific sensory sensations to reality checks. For example every time you smell something amazing; ask yourself seriously: “am i dreaming right now?” • Whenever you see something that strikes you as particularly beautiful, ugly or weird, ask yourself “am I dreaming?”.

Change your anchor every so often so the challenge stays fresh and surprising.

Highly personal reality checks are likely to be the most effective ones for you. You’ll find yourself so used to testing your reality that you’ll soon find yourself doing it in a dream and realizing that you are actually in a dream.”