How to Use the Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming (WILD) Technique

Have you ever heard of lucid dreaming? You might be surprised to find out that you might have already experienced it at least once in your life. Furthermore, you are also able to partake in the experience of having a lucid dream actively. If you are wondering how you can have a lucid dream, there are several methods to do so. However, none are as widely successful as the Wake Induced Lucid Dream (WILD) technique. While it can be challenging to incorporate this technique into your nightly routine, it can provide incredible benefits once you do. So read on as I show you how to use the WILD technique for great sleep.

What Are Lucid Dreams? Is WILD Effective For This?

Lucid dreaming is the act of being consciously aware while you are in a dream state. You have most likely experienced one of these in your life and, when you have, you might notice that what you see in your dream were abnormal. Your memory may have been clearer and, if you’re lucky, you may have been able to control various aspects of your environment.

The term “lucid” means clear, though this is more than just a clear dream. You are aware that you are dreaming but have the consciousness. People are attracted to lucid dreams as it enables one to do things you are unable to do in reality, like tasting fire or flying to the moon. It has you explore boundaries and limits!

For those who are interested in lucid dreaming, that is where the WILD technique comes along.

At the most basic level, this technique allows the dreamer to consciously slip from a waking state to a dreaming state without ever losing any sense of awareness. Throughout the entire process, you will be lucid and knowledgeable about your surroundings. When enacted, the WILD technique allows the dreamer to experience the onset of sleep.

The WILD technique keeps the mind awake while your body is asleep. It is easy to follow and quite effective with the many people who have tried it out, as long as it is done correctly.

Essential Things to Take Note Of

Before you attempt to use this technique, it is important to take proper precautions and prepare accordingly.

The Environment

This process relies heavily on blocking external distractions, such as street noises or significant others you share a bed with. Logically, the best place to perform this technique would be in a guest room or a sofa where you know there will be a minimal disturbance.

Keep all gadgets away and remove anything that can make noise, such as cellphones and alarms. Also, make sure you are in total darkness.

The Time

Also, this technique works by putting the dreamer directly into REM sleep. If you can pick a time of the night where you know you will be most likely to enter REM immediately after sleep, you will have a higher rate of success.

Trying the WILD technique immediately before falling asleep at night is not advised, as you will most likely not enter a dream. The exact time would depend on your body clock and usual sleeping schedule.

REM sleep would occur 90 minutes after falling asleep. Having a relaxing sleep routine before bed can have you enter REM sleep faster, such as yoga or hot baths. Avoid any video screens or gadgets at least an hour before bed, and all lights must be switched off.

How to Use the WILD Technique

Now that you know what lucid dreaming is let’s delve deeper into the WILD technique. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Achieve Comfort and Relaxation

The WILD method is mostly a meditative process, and as such, it is essential for both your physical and mental being to enter into a relaxed state. Physically, the goal is to allow your body to experience the sensation of sleep while maintaining mental consciousness.

In your favorite position, pretend as though you are asleep physically. Unless uncomfortable, try to move as little as possible. Mentally, passively experience all the thoughts that run through your head. If you think of extraneous thoughts, acknowledge it, and allow it to pass. Don’t become fixated on any ideas, as that will prevent you from entering a meditative state.

2. Controlling Your Breath

Focus your attention on your breath. Do not count them, but take note of each breath you take. This will keep you anchored to the conscious state while not making your brain work harder than it usually would. Eventually, your body will feel very loose and almost numb, as though it is not there.

At this point, you have reached the point where you have physically mimicked sleep. It is now time to focus on imitating a sleeping state with your mind.

3. Try Visualizing

Continue to count in a passive way. Do not become focused on the numbers as you count them. Instead, visualize each number and move on to the next. If you lose count, pick up counting at any number you choose. Losing track of where you were in your count is a reliable way to tell when you are about to fall asleep.

At this point, you will most likely experience strange images or small snippets of dreams. Do not become too focused on them, as doing so will cause you to fall asleep. Instead, remain aware of your surroundings. Throughout this whole process, it is important to stay conscious.

4. Inserting Yourself To The Dream

After experiencing dream snippets, you are very close to being able to enter a dream. You will likely see very geometrical shapes and seemingly flashing lights. There is also a chance that you will hear noises that in reality are not there. These are all good signs and mean that you are almost ready.

For the last step, imagine a dream that you want to have. Imagine the scenery around you and the people involved in it. After you have entirely constructed the dream itself, imagine yourself entering inside of it both physically and mentally. Hopefully, if everything was performed correctly, you will now have full control over the dream.

FAQ On WILD

If you have more questions about WILD and lucid dreaming, these may help you out:

1. What are the dangers of using the WILD technique?

Remember that while lucid dreaming is fantastic, it can have its side effects, such as sleep paralysis, feeling fear and pain, or being stuck in nightmares. However, that can be changed easily through practice and learn how to control what happens in the dream entirely.

There’s nothing to worry about when you wake up. There’s no possibility of dying or getting hurt in reality as you dream.

2. How can you get out of a lucid dream?

Sometimes dreams are intense to the point you want out. To wake you up, set the alarm at a particular time. Calling out for help and blinking in your dream works.

However, to avoid disturbing your REM sleep and waking up refreshed, a better way to get out of discomfort is to change your dream. Get rid of the nightmares by analyzing your nightmares and identify why you are scared or fearful. Voice your desires and actively change the dream, manipulating the nightmares through controlling the lucid dreams.

3. I follow the technique. Why doesn’t it work?

There are a few reasons as to why you still aren’t lucid dreaming. It can be from trying too hard or not staying committed. Also, not having enough sleep is a significant factor. It’s best to go to bed earlier and keep a healthy sleeping schedule.

Also, remember to stabilize yourself in the dream and to stay in the lucid state to avoid waking up earlier than you should.

4. How long does a lucid dream last for?

What you can do is to stay calm while you dream. Do not fear or over-excite yourself. Looking at your hands and rubbing them together can also help stimulate your conscious brain, grounding yourself in the dream.

Your mind works wonders and demanding clarity and focus in the dream can help you stay in it for longer. Doing simple math can also help to build consciousness while dreaming. If you’re not so much of a maths student, spinning around the lucid dream works as well, bringing awareness and prolonging it.

5. How can I avoid sleep paralysis?

Sleep paralysis is a way to follow the WILD technique effectively. However it can be scary for first-timers who don’t know what’s happening.

You must understand that you shouldn’t avoid sleep paralysis but to know how it works. It isn’t a must-experience to enter lucid dreams, but it shouldn’t be fought. Dispel the fear through educating yourself on sleep paralysis and firmly telling yourself that it uses a dream. Do not focus on fear or negative thoughts but rather, enter the lucid dream intention to begin moving.

Wrapping It Up

Lucid dreaming can be a fun and thrilling experience for those who wish to induce it. There are many methods available for doing so, but none are as reliable as the Wake Induced Lucid Dream method. By following the steps outlined above, you will guarantee to raise the likelihood of you experiencing a lucid dream.

Hopefully, this article gave you a better perspective on lucid dreams and how you can achieve it through WILD techniques. Use these steps as a starting point for your nightly routines now!

If you have more questions on lucid dreaming or want to share your experience on WILD, comment below. All your input and contributions will be much appreciated.