During the day, look around and notice details like the heat of the sun or the feeling of pain when you stub your toe. With practice and attention, when you are dreaming you should be able to notice the absence or difference in these details, and realize you’re dreaming. An additional perk to practicing mindfulness during the day, is it can make your dreams more realistic and easier to remember.
Turn off your alarm but try to stay as asleep as possible. Concentrate on the darkness on the back of your eyelids and on your intent to enter a dream state in which you are in control. Think about what you might want to dream about. [3] X Research source
If you want to try choline or galantamine, try a small amount once a week. These herbs are available from health food stores in pill form. Some experienced lucid dreamers recommend setting an alarm for 3 or 4 hours after you go to bed at night and taking the supplement then, to reduce the chances that you will experience sleep paralysis or nightmares. [5] X Research source Although some books and websites will encourage the use of off-label uses of prescription drugs or even illegal drugs to bring on lucid dreams, these are actually hallucinations and not lucid dreams, and can be dangerous. Some people have harmed themselves or others while using drugs. [6] X Research source
To test whether you are dreaming, do what is known as a “reality check. “[8] X Research source A reality check helps you ensure that you are actually dreaming. To perform a reality check while lucid dreaming, attempt to do something impossible but not dangerous like floating in the air. If you can do that, then you can advance to harder things that would be dangerous in real life. [9] X Research source If you’re not sure if you’re dreaming or if you’re awake, try to turn on the light. If you can’t do it because your hand goes through it, then you know that you’re still dreaming.
You can be anything, but many people enjoy becoming something that will allow you to experience the universe differently, like an alien, bird, or fish. You can also use shape-shifting to confront your fears: for instance, if you have a phobia of spiders, you can shape-shift into one and experience life from its point of view. [10] X Research source
Stare at yourself and will your skin to change and form into the shape you desire. You can also start at one end of your body (for instance, your feet) and consciously think of each part changing. Some lucid dreamers like to walk through the mirror at this point, fully embracing the alternate persona. [11] X Research source
For example, if you want to shape-shift into a dog, go down onto your hands and knees. Start barking, and wag your tail. Pretty soon you’ll feel your hands turn into paws and your face change. [12] X Research source
Float up in the air or put one hand through a solid object before proceeding. As long as you can do this, you know you’re dreaming and can move on. Reality checks also have the added benefit of increasing your lucidity. The more you are able to control smaller behaviors, the more likely you will be to do bigger things like flying, which takes more mental focus. [14] X Research source
Don’t focus on the feeling of landing when you come down, just on the feelings of going up. Keep increasing the height and distance that you bounce. [16] X Research source
If you have the ability and control, you can design your dreamscape with mountains or cliffs. Otherwise, you will have to explore your dreamscape to find a suitable place.
When you reach the edge or decide you are ready, jump into flight like Superman. It helps to make it seem as realistic as possible, so put your arms out and point your toes behind you.
If you start to lose altitude, aim your body up and surge upwards, imagining a rocket propulsion coming from your toes.
If you are afraid of heights, you have a couple of options: you can try to construct a version of yourself who is not afraid of heights (which can be helpful in overcoming your fear in real life[17] X Research source ), or you can fly just above the ground, sort of like hovering.
Sometimes, having this conscious thought is enough to steady your flight and help you stop falling.
You can use each flap of your arms to propel you higher into the air. Change directions by shifting your whole body.
You can use a mirror method, discussed above, or simply envision yourself as a bird, bat, pterodactyl, airplane, or flying insect.
You can use any swim stroke you are most comfortable with, and simply pick up your feet and begin the stroke to lift off.
Imagine yourself in or on the object that will help you fly, then allow it to lift off on its own and fly. [18] X Research source
Concentrate on the place you want to reach. Your dream is technically a land in your imagination, so imagine it as well as you can. Then simply open the door or walk through the mirror. If you don’t find yourself in the right place, try again or just explore where you are. The place you wanted might be right around the corner.
You can also try spinning in place, knowing that when you stop, you will be in your desired location.
If you can’t teleport without a gateway, don’t worry. It takes more time and practice without a gateway but you’ll get it in time.
