Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams – The M.I.L.D. Technique

What is mnemonic induction of lucid dreams or the M.I.L.D. technique?

Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams was developed by prof. Stephen LaBerge in his doctoral thesis carried on lucid dreaming. Having been successfully used by thousands of people to induce their first lucid experience, M.I.L.D. has gone on to be one of the most popular induction techniques.

This method of having a lucid dream mainly consists of repeating a mantra in our minds forever, until it becomes reality. Like Buddha said – “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.”

The best time to perform M.I.L.D. is after waking from the dream and just before returning to the dream.

Before you fall asleep, schedule to wake up right after having a dream. When you wake up, remember the dream as detailed and complete as possible.

Focus on your goal of becoming aware that you are dreaming the next time you dream. Repeat this: “Next time I dream, I will become aware that I am dreaming”, as often as possible, just like a mantra.

Focus on this idea alone; if you notice that your mind wanders away, bring it back to the basic idea, that you will become aware of the dream.

As you continue to focus on this idea, imagine that you return to the dream you’ve just had. Only this time imagine that you are lucid. Look for a sign of the dream (among the ones mentioned above).

When you see it, cry out “I am dreaming” and continue your fantasy. Imagine a plan of action for the next lucid dream and imagine you accomplish those actions consciously.

Repeat these steps until you fall asleep again.

As you fall asleep, if you discover that you are thinking about something other than what you have set yourself, repeat the first steps described here, so that the last thing in your mind as you fall asleep is the intention of awareness of the next dream.

Q: What should I do before I go to bed?

A: There are many things that can affect your dreams and how you enter them. The most important thing is comfort. For instance, you shouldn’t be hungry or feel the need to use the toilet. Although not essential, they have effects on your concentration.

Q: I haven’t managed to wake up after any dream! What I am doing wrong?

A: Although in most cases you should wake up, there is also the possibility to sleep until morning without interruption. Maybe inducing an idea is something new for you, or you are just really tired and you cannot wake up.

In this case, it is recommended to start using the alarm if the first 4-5 nights are not successful.

Q: I wake up but I fall asleep before I can write down in my journal. How can I prevent this?

A: You should have a bedside lamp within your reach so that you won’t have to make too many moves, and also you should have your journal ready at hand.

Furthermore, take notes only of the important details of your dream, so that you can remember it completely in the morning. Be careful not to wake up too much so you can fall asleep quickly.

Q: I have an itch, can I scratch?

A: Scratch it! Just do not think about it and quickly come back to where you left off. You will return to work immediately.

Last tip: Make sure your mind is set “to have a lucid dream just before you fall asleep!” And do not let your mind doubt.