5 steps to lucid dream tonight
Easy ways to access a magical sleep state
Welcome back, sleeping beauties!
In Part 2 of this Lucid Dream Series you’ll get:
5 steps to become aware that you’re dreaming
How to start tonight
I recommend you start with the basics of lucid dreaming in Part 1.
The part 3 series finale is here.
You’re insatiably curious, so you love a good ol’ poll. I asked my social media followers about their experience with lucid dreaming. 86% of you have been able to lucid dream at least once. 14% of you want some help, or don’t know what it is.
Tell us what’s up with you!
Well, I’m 100% sure everyone can try it, succeed, and improve. In the 5 steps below, you’ll be able to find something that works for you. Some of you might find physical body-based techniques easier than visualizations, while others might really like mental exercises. If you can, I recommend trying all of them together for accelerated lucid lift-off.
Even if you’ve had a lucid dream, you might not know what to do once you’re there, or how to use it as a powerful tool for self-exploration of your subconscious, solving problems, opening creativity, and experiencing an expansion.
If you’re going through a challenge and want some direct guidance, I only have 2 spots left this month, so grab one quick!
5 Steps to going beyond your wildest dreams
These steps are simple, and you get better with consistent practice. If you’re anything like me, patience isn’t your virtue; but anyone who can lucid dream will tell you, it’s totally worth it. Let’s get into it.
A reality check
Throughout your day, combine reality checks with mindfulness. Pause to observe your surroundings. Ask yourself, "is this a dream?" while fully engaging your senses. Like, try to push your hand through a solid object. Or (since a common lucid dream experience is flying), imagine yourself floating or levitating. Feel the sensation of weightlessness…then, firmly plant your feet on the ground. This gives your brain a contrast that will help you recognize when you’re experiencing altered physics in dream states.
Nocturnal navigation
This is all about setting an intention. Make sure you’re in bed, not too sleepy, and you can put down your phone for the night, and not get up again. Spend 5-10 minutes setting a clear intention that you will become aware you are dreaming in your dreams. Visualize yourself realizing you're dreaming and repeat "I will recognize when I'm dreaming” out loud or written down. This gets your mind ready for that REM sweet spot.
Dream yoga
Us yogis love the moment we get into Savasana, but dream yoga is a bit different than a quick lay-down. Tibetan Buddhism (and many ancient cultures) have practiced some form of Yoga Nidra, or dream mindfulness. They did this to access spiritual enlightenment—so you can see why we’re going to take a page out of this pose. Try this mini practice to start.
Before sleep, visualize your body dissolving into light. Imagine detaching your consciousness from your physical form. Do this as long as you’d like. When you know the difference between your physical body and pure awareness, it’s much easier to recognize the difference when you drift off to dreamland.
Do it like the dreamer, Dalí
“Dream Caused by the Flight of a Bee Around a Pomegranate a Second Before Awakening” by Salvador Dalí. All the paintings you see in this post are his.
Dalí is known for painting his dream worlds. One of my favorite ‘fun facts’ is that he would hold a metal key in his hand above a plate, and take a micro nap sitting up in a chair. When he fell asleep, the key would slip out of his grip and the “clang!” noise would wake him up. Still in a daze, he’d immediately paint his dream.
Bringing your keys and plates to bed is not the vibe, so just set an alarm for 4-5 hours after you go to sleep. Keep yourself awake for 20-30 minutes doing a lucid dream activity like dream yoga. Then go back to sleep with the intention of having a lucid dream. This is meant to sync you with your natural REM cycles, and gives you a higher chance at success. If you have a biometric device like an Oura ring, you can note what time you usually begin REM and coordinate that way, too!
Your nightstand
Keep a journal and pen next to your bed. Pick it up immediately when you’re awake—before you touch your phone, or get out of bed, or start talking to your bed buddy. Scribble anything you remember from your dreams. Don’t overthink it. Record how you feel, and what emotions or sensations are lingering. Be a detective for "dream signs"—recurring themes or elements that might’ve been signals that you were dreaming. Write about missed opportunities for lucidity and visualize how you'll recognize them next time.
Okay sleepyhead, time to tuck you in. You’re on your way to a dream world full of new experiences and ah-ha moments that will change how you look at your waking life.
Sweet dreams,
Christina
Want bonus tips and customized insights? Ask a question or tell me about your experiences and I’ll respond!