Kiplar meditation
This is a meditation technique for lucid dreamers. When practised daily, it increases mindfulness and promotes a state-of-mind that makes it easier to recognise a dream. It can also be used by advanced practitioners to transition from a meditative state, directly into a lucid dream.
If you are new to meditation try our crash course in meditation first.
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The Kiplar
The Kiplar is a symbol used in meditation. Each shape denotes a different stage.
The symbol was carved in trees, doors and pendants to ensure it was regularly seen throughout the day. Seeing the symbol reminded practitioners of the sensations experienced during their meditation. They would relax, become mindful and aware of their state. If encountered during a dream they would become lucid.
Click the play button in the steps described below to highlight the corresponding shapes in the Kiplar.
Preparation
If you are hungry, eat and then wait at least 30 minutes.
Drink if thirsty and try to go to the toilet.
Choose a time when you don't need to rush off afterwards.
Lie down and get comfortable. Sitting is OK if you are not planning to attempt a lucid dream.
Optional aids
I remove distractions using earplugs and a good quality sleep mask that blocks any light.
1. Body 
Picture the outer shape of the Kiplar. Remember, your body is an obstacle. It has no part to play. Be aware of it. Relax and let it go.
You don't have to dwell here. Progress after a few seconds if you feel ready.
More on relaxing
Make sure you are comfortable. Tense and relax any parts of your body that feel tight, or try stretching.
Optionally try exercising 30 - 60 minutes before meditating. Include some squats, push-ups and pull-ups. The aim is to briefly target large mussels.
Yoga provides good preparation. If you are not familiar with Yoga, search for instructions on the "sun salutation".
2. Eyes
Picture the eye of the Kiplar. Remember, your eyes are an obstacle. They have no part to play. Close them. Allow your gaze to lower and relax your focus.
Common faults
Consciously focusing your vision at an imaginary point.
Moving your eyes during meditation to engage with dream images.
3. Breath
Picture the breath of the Kiplar. Remember, control of your breath is an obstacle. Close your mouth. Relax your tongue. Be aware of your breath and lungs. Leave it to continue without your attention.
You may find that once you focus on your breathing it feels like it needs your attention to continue. Don't worry about it. Just move on to the next stage and the feeling will fade.
Focusing on your breath can lead to taking deeper breaths as though you're preparing to exert yourself. This is not desirable when attempting to enter a dream state.
As your body prepares to sleep your breathing patterns may change. As you enter a lucid dream the sensations of controlling your body are replaced with those of the dream world. In both cases, trying to fight these changes can cause you to panic and pull out of the dream.
4. Thoughts
Picture the first wave of the Kiplar. Your concious thoughts are an obstacle. Meditate on the feeling of contentment. Quiet any inner dialogue.
Remain in this stage until your mind naturally moves on to the next. This is a beneficial place to stay for long periods. If you end your meditation after being here for 10 minutes you will feel great.
More on contentment
Recall the time you felt most content. It may have been for just a moment - relaxing on holiday, or holding a loved one for example. When you feel content you're happy and satisfied. You don't want or need to be anywhere else. You're in the moment and not thinking or worrying about anything else.
If you need a little help getting there, say the following in your mind:
I'm not hungry or thirsty.
I don't need to be anywhere else.
I don't need anything.
No one needs me right now.
This is my time.
When you feel the emotion, hold on to it, notice how it feels. Allow it to amplify and fill your mind and body. Don't focus or concentrate on it. Just allow it to happen.
You may find that your gaze raises for a while at this stage. That's OK. Just let it drop again when you're ready. You may find yourself smiling a little too.
5. Dreams
Only proceed with the final two levels if you are laying down and want to try having a lucid dream.
Be aware of shapes, flashes or images that are not from your concious mind. Don't picture the Kiplar, but know you've entered the second wave. Meditate on the feeling of acceptance.
You may feel strange sensations at this point including spinning, sinking, floating, tingling, temperature changes and more.
More on acceptance
The feeling of acceptance is about letting go of everything and just going with the flow. Nothing matters now. Trust that you will return but accept that it's even OK if you don't.
Don't dwell on the sensations you're feeling. Accept them. Go with them. Know they're good.
As your body falls asleep it will enter a state called "sleep paralysis". Don't worry if you find that you can't move. It happens to us all every night to stop us acting out our dreams. Just go with it.
6. Lucid dreaming
As the imagery grows and surrounds you, be aware that you're approaching the third wave, but don't picture the Kiplar. Feel your feet on the ground. Bring your attention to an object in the scene. Touch the object with your hand and feel the sensation. Wait until the object is clear and detailed. Slowly move your attention around the scene. Notice that you've lost all sensation of your physical body lying in bed.
Begin to experience the lucid dream.
Download the Kiplar
Visit the downloads page to download an image file of the Kiplar and learn how to use it in your training.