Dr Stephen LaBerge developed this technique of the mnemonic induction of lucid dreams or MILD technique while he was working on his PhD into Lucid dreaming. He was able to demonstrate in controlled conditions that this actually works and is great for beginners just starting out in lucid dreaming.
Since it was published in the 1985 book Lucid Dreaming, MILD has been used extensively by many lucid dreamers.
“Mnemonic” refers to the memory and is a term that is in connection with any learning activity that assists in remembering something.”
Mild Lucid Dreaming
The mnemonic induction of lucid dreams relies upon something called ‘prospective memory’. Which, in simple terms, means the ability to remember to perform a task in the future. And in this case to recognize you are dreaming while you are dreaming. Of course the standards processes still apply, such as dream recall, keeping your dream journal and reality checks are all important to build the solid foundation on which to build.
To be successful with the MILD technique, LaBerge recommends that when you go to bed you should set your intention to be able to recall your dreams very clearly . You literally tell yourself, when you retire for the night, that you will recognize you are dreaming the next time you are dreaming.
MILD Affirmations
While you are lying in bed, go you can program these command into your memory, which will help with your success with the MILD technique.This is where the term Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams comes from.
Repeat one or many of the following affirmations in your mind or come up with a few of your own:
- The next time I’m dreaming, I will recognize that I’m dreaming.
- The next thing I experience will be a dream
- Am I dreaming NOW?
- The next time I see my ‘dream sign’ I will know I am dreaming
Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams
Now if all goes to plan, you’ll drift off to sleep and find yourself within a dream. At which point you’ll remember to notice that you indeed dreaming. Now if you find you take a while to fall off to sleep while you use this method, don’t worry, as the longer you are awake the likelihood of having a lucid dream increases when you do fall to sleep. This occurs because the longer you are awake, the more opportunity it gives you to repeat the MILD affirmations, which in turn reinforces your objective to have a lucid dream.
‘You must learn to control your dreams or your dreams will forever control you.’ -Wayne Gerard Trotman
Many people find that they will be successful after only a couple of night of using the MILD technique, others take a little longer. You should persevere and if you do you’ll be glad you did.
Pros
- This is a popular tried and tested technique.
- It is very easy to use and simple in its method..
- Can be combined or adapted with other techniques such as WBTB
Cons
- Requires you to wake from a period of REM to be successful
- Good dream recall ability is required.
- To improve its reliability it sometime needs to be adapted.
