Lucid Dreaming - The Basics

Right, I woke up this morning (or should I say noon) and had no idea what to write today. But, lo and behold, in my comments section I saw a request by zach.kirsteins, who wanted to know more about some LD techniques.
So, let's start from the basics.

There are quite a few different techniques you can use to become lucid. Some might be better suited for people who fall asleep faster, while some are best used in combination for a good result. The first thing you should do before trying to become lucid, however, is to improve your dream recall, that is to say, you need to be able to remember your dreams when you wake up. What's the point in having an incredible dream if you can't even remember it, right?

In order to improve recall, start writing a dream journal, basically a diary where you record your dreams. Get yourself a notebook and a pen and you're all set. Or, if you prefer it, get a tape recorder, or use your cell phone to record your dreams orally. Whichever works best for you. I find it most convenient to write my dreams down, so I always keep my notebook and pen right next to me in bed. That way, I can write down my dreams as soon as I wake up.

It is important that you write down your dreams fast. After waking up, your memory might be a bit fuzzy and hard to focus, but don't panic. Just lie still and let the memory of the dream come to you. When you have a piece of memory clear in your mind, grab your pen and start writing! As you write, you might even remember more details of the dream, so just keep going. Make it as detailed as possible, this will help you later on. If you don't have much time in the morning, due to school or work or some such, you can write down short notes instead. Then, when you have more time, you can use the notes as a base for a full entry.

As you keep recording your dreams like this, your dream recall will surely improve. By recalling your dreams regularly, you signal to your subconscious that dreams are important, and it will become even easier to recall. Should you not be able to remember anything, don't be disappointed. Write anything down, any specific feeling you had when you woke up, a certain thought that you might have had, anything is fine. It is probably connected to your dream in some way.

Once you are able to remember at least one dream each night, you are definitely ready to move on to the next step towards lucidity. More on that next time. Until then, sweet dreams!