Step 2: The Dream Journal

In step 1 we talked about the importance of thinking about the topic of lucid dreaming during the day. The dream journal also helps with this but has other benefits too. A dream journal is simply a brief description of our dreams which we update after having a dream, or whenever we recall a dream.

Some people claim they hardly ever dream, but we all dream when we sleep. We will have several dreams each night but most of the time we simply forget them. Dream recall can be greatly increased by making an effort to recall your dreams and using a dream journal. It is essential that you have good dream recall, without it you may have a lucid dream and forget it.

The Process

When you wake after a dream do not move and do not open your eyes. Think only of the dream you have just woken from. It is usually easier to recall the end of your dream, then work backwards, thinking about how each event was preceded by another. Replay the dream in your mind. When you have recalled as much as you can, immediately make notes about it in your dream journal. It is usually handy to have a notepad by your bed for this purpose. Keep your description as short as possible and don't worry about your writing skills. The idea is to record the main facts before it slips from your mind.

Sometimes you will recall additional parts of dreams later in the day. When you do, try and remember to update your dream journal.

Our Dream Journal

Use our online dream journal to record your dreams from anywhere you can get an internet connection. Our journal is password protected and encrypted for privacy. For more information see the OnlineDreamJournal page.

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