I wrote this explanation of Lucid Living a while back:
[i]You know when you’re reading a book and you become engrossed in the book to the exclusion of the outside world? That is what we are like normally, unaware that we are thinking, just running on autopilot.
Do you sometimes notice that when you are thinking there is actually a little voice in your head? It is like being aware of that. Another way of explaining it is that when you think about your breathing you suddenly need to take control of it, it has become conscious.
Next time you are out walking, really look around you. Be conscious of the act of looking. Listen and be aware that you are listening. Think about what you are doing and experiencing. Take notice!
I try to maintain awareness as often as possible, but eventually (often quite quickly) I slip back into autopilot, often for long periods of time. I also try to spend ten minutes a day walking around my neighbourhood concentrating on maintaining this level of awareness.
Hopefully awareness practice will have an impact on your dreams in the same way it has mine. I am more likely to question strange things that happen and say, “Hey this is not the way reality is!” I’m sure it will be more effective when combined with reality checks, but so far I have never actually done one in a dream. I always realise that it is a dream based on the circumstances and then wake up.[/i]
Recently I started practicing Lucid Living again, after taking a long break from dreaming. Last night I had my first LD in months. I didn’t use MILD or WILD. The LD came simply as a result of a few days of Lucid Living. I can’t guarantee it will come that easily at first for other people, but so far this has been the most effective technique for me.
Good luck!
Merged from similar topic in Quest.