Hello!
First off, this discussion is wonderful, thank you so much for your insights so far!
Dust Mote:
I think you are right about not needing to worry about the “point of reference”. I have been working on LDs for close to a year now and my practice has changed dramatically. It is definitely a learning experience and I find myself constantly redefining what it means to be lucid. I really became interested in the LL topic once I took an extended break from RCs, Dream Journals, etc., as a sort of test. I’m constantly trying new ideas and concepts. Through my constant redefining of the state of lucidity, I’ve come to the very conclusion that we are discussing. I’ve found that I recently get the same (or very similar) feeling when I notice something odd and critically wonder if I am dreaming. My mind actually goes to the point of wondering if I’m dreaming or not. That’s wonderful to have the happen more and more often in real life. You’re right, the feeling is amazing and it (like meditation), gives you a way better perspective on life and leads to so many awesome things that it’s a whole other topic. These moments of “Lucid Living” in my waking life are increasing on a stretched out basis, so I believe that all my searching is coming to a breaking point. I just really feel it happening, albeit very slowly.
Amoebe:
Well, meditation is a very different subject for a lot of people, so I won’t go into the right way or wrong way to do it. I’ll say there is a lot of great texts out there to guide you if you are interested in pursuing it on a solely personal basis. Meditation is natural. It’s just a natural state of being, just like you are “being” right now. In a few words: Meditation is the discipline of attention. If you are more interested, I can recommend some texts and links. I think meditation should be taught to and practiced by everyone. Self-discipline is sorely needed in this modern society and it gives you so many benefits that it’s ridiculous for me to list. I believe it’s more of a personal search and discovery. I can point you to some references, and if you find the pull to pursue it, you will learn as you go. That’s the best way, IMO.
I find that when I redefine lucidity based upon the techinques that are already listed, I see a lot of parellels, like we’ve discussed. One interesting one is the basic RC. A lot of literature says that when you do an RC, really take in your environment. Stop. Take a look around, critically test your environment and focus all your current attention to prove that you are not dreaming. I don’t think that the frequency of this practice is necessary, that, in my opinion, might confuse your brain as to WHEN to actually do it if you do it randomly. Instead, use dreamsigns, or “oddities”. After a while, you will find yourself more attune to your environment and these Lucid Living Moments that we’ve been talking about will happen spontaneously, just like they should! That’s your subconscious talking. Just like pointing out danger, it points out oddities to you and “loads up” the reality check section of your brain. It all related back to learning to live lucidly!
Thanks so much for all the wonderful discussions so far! I will keep posting with ideas and updates.