The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Reality Checks for Lucid Dreaming Success

September 12, 2023

Hey there dreamers!

Are you ready to take control of your dreams and unlock the incredible power of lucid dreaming? If the answer is yes, then you've come to the right place! Today, we're going to dive deep into the world of reality checks and how they can supercharge your lucid dreaming journey.

But first, let's quickly recap what lucid dreaming is all about for those who may be new to this fascinating phenomenon. Lucid dreaming occurs when you become aware that you are dreaming while you are in the dream itself. In a lucid dream, you can control and manipulate the dream world, allowing you to experience anything your heart desires. It's like having a front-row seat to your own personal virtual reality show!

Now, let's talk about reality checks. These are simple techniques that help you determine whether you are dreaming or awake. By regularly incorporating reality checks into your daily routine, you train your brain to question reality and increase the likelihood of becoming aware during your dreams. Think of reality checks as your mental alarm clock that wakes you up within the dream world!

So, how do you get started with reality checks? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some tried and true techniques to help you master the art of reality checking:

1. The Nose Pinch Reality Check

This reality check is as simple as it sounds. Start by asking yourself, "Am I dreaming?" Then, try to pinch your nose closed and breathe through it. In a dream, you'll be able to inhale and exhale without any difficulty, even if your physical nose is pinched shut. If you can breathe freely, congratulations, you're dreaming! Otherwise, you're wide awake in the real world.

2. The Finger Through Palm Reality Check

Another classic reality check involves attempting to push one of your fingers through the palm of your opposite hand. In dreams, the laws of physics don't apply, so your finger will easily pass through your hand. If this happens, you better believe you're in a dream! If not, you're back to reality.

3. The Clock or Text Reality Check

Dreams can play tricks on your mind, distorting the written word and the passage of time. To perform this reality check, look at a clock or some written text, look away, and then look back again. In a dream, the numbers or words will often change or become unreadable. If you experience this, congratulations, you're in the magical realm of lucid dreaming!

4. The Light Switch Reality Check

In dreams, light switches can often fail to function as they should. During your waking hours, try flipping a light switch to see if the lights behave as expected. Then, when you are in a dream, try it again. If the lights don't turn on or off, you're most likely dreaming! If they work perfectly, well, then it's time to face reality.

5. The Mirror Reality Check

Mirrors are portals to other dimensions, and dreams are no exception! In a dream, your reflection in the mirror might not appear normal. It could be distorted, blurry, or even non-existent. When you see yourself in a mirror, take a closer look. If something feels off, congratulations, you're dreaming! If your reflection is crystal clear, then it's time to wake up and smell the coffee.

Now that you have a solid arsenal of reality checks, it's time to put them into practice. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your reality check routine:

- Routines and Reminders

Consistency is key when it comes to reality checks. Set a routine that works for you and perform reality checks throughout the day. You can use regular reminders, such as setting alarms on your phone or placing sticky notes in places you frequent. By making reality checks a regular part of your day, you train your brain to do them automatically, increasing your chances of having lucid dreams.

- Mindful Awareness

When you perform a reality check, don't just go through the motions. Instead, engage your mind and bring a sense of curiosity and awareness to the experience. Take a moment to truly question your reality and consider the possibility of being in a dream. This mindful approach will strengthen your lucid dreaming abilities and help you be more present in your dreams.

- Combine Reality Checks with Dreamsigns

Dreamsigns are recurring elements or themes that appear in your dreams. By keeping a dream journal and regularly reviewing your dreams, you can identify your personal dreamsigns. These can be people, places, objects, or any other recurring elements that stand out to you. Once you've identified your dreamsigns, incorporate them into your reality check practice. For example, if you often dream about cats, perform a reality check every time you see a cat in your waking life. This helps train your brain to do reality checks automatically whenever you encounter your dreamsigns in both waking and dreaming states.

- Stay Motivated

Like any skill worth mastering, lucid dreaming takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't become a lucid dreamer overnight. Stay motivated, be patient with yourself, and celebrate every small victory along the way. Lucid dreaming is an incredible journey, and the rewards are well worth the effort.

To wrap it up, reality checks are a powerful tool for enhancing your lucid dreaming abilities. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you can increase your chances of becoming aware within your dreams and unlock the limitless possibilities that lucid dreaming offers. So start practicing those reality checks and get ready to take control of your dreams like never before!

Dream on, dreamers!


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Written by Michael Peterson living in the United Kingdom, expert on all things lucid dreaming.

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