On my last post, I briefly discussed reality checks to achieve lucid dreams. This time I want to expand on the subject and be as elaborate as I can on the different types of reality checks that you can use. I want to also cover some Lucid Dream Project (LDP) terminology so that it will be easier for me to discuss and for you to understand in case you want to join online LDP communities.
Some Common Reality Checks
Reading text - As described on the previous post, this is probably the most common and easy to use method of inducing a lucid dream within a dream.
Breathing - This method works very well. What you can do is hold your nose with one hand and try to breathe. If you can breathe normally, then obviously you are dreaming.
Looking at hands - check to see if anything is out of the ordinary, such as unusual colors of extra fingers.
Checking the time - Is the time displayed reasonable? Read the clock over and over again. Digital clocks seem to work better for this check.
In general, anything out of the ordinary in your dream is a dreamsign. You just have to learn how to differentiate a dream from reality. It is easier said than done. Note that reality checks need to be used as quickly as possible because dream cycles do not last very long.
Terms and Acronyms Used Amongst Lucid Dreamers
Astral Projection (AP)
Separating the spirit from the physical body. The difference between an Astral Projection from an out-of-body experience is that the Astral Projection is an intentional act.
Dream Character (DC)
Used to describe the characters in your dream.
Dream Journal (DJ)
Used to help improve dream recall. Any method of recording your dreams.
Dream Initiated Lucid Dream (DILD)
When you realize you are dreaming in your dreams and become lucid.
False Awakening (FA)
You wake up in your dream and convince yourself that you have woken up in reality.
Hypnagogic Hallucinations (HH)
Hallucinations in the half awakened state. These can be quite overwhelming.
Hypnagogic Imagery/Sounds (HI/HS)
The images and sounds that come from hypnagogic hallucinations.
Lucid Dreaming (LD)
A dream in which you are aware you are dreaming.
Mnemonic Induced Lucid Dream (MILD)
A lucid dream induced with the aid of your memory.
Out-of-Body Experience (OBE)
A perception in which one is no longer in their body. It is usually an involuntary act.
Oneironauts
Explorers of the dream world. Term coined by Stephen LaBerge and used in his book Exploring the World of Lucid Dreaming.
Reality Check (RC)
A test of reality. A technique to induce lucid dreams.
Rapid eye movement (REM)
A phase during sleep where ones eyes are moving rapidly. It is usually accomodated by the most vivid dreams.
Sleep Paralysis (SP)
A period in which one is unable to move, usually occurring when one wakes up or before falling asleep. Can be associated with hypnagogic hallucinations.
Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming (WILD)
A lucid dream initiated from the wake state, entering the dream already lucid.
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