Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)
The Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams technique (MILD) is one of the most often mentioned lucid dream induction techniques. Developed by Dr Stephen LaBerge during his PhD dissertation, it is one of the simplest methods available. However, its effectiveness is somewhat sporadic.
The core principle utilizes prospective memory - the ability to remember to perform a future task, so as to prepare yourself to remember that you dreaming whilst dreaming. Therefore, it is wise to develop your prospective memory skills during your waking hours, to increase your chances of success.
MILD is almost always taught in a way that completely misses the original and very simple principle, often with all manner of additions and omissions. The following is MILD in its virgin form, as close to the original as developed by LaBerge:
The MILD Technique
When you awaken naturally from a dream in the early morning, rehearse it several times until you have memorised it.
As you lay in bed, returning to sleep, say to yourself "The next time I am dreaming I will remember to recognise that I'm dreaming"
Imagine yourself back in the dream only this time see yourself becoming aware that you are dreaming.
Continue steps two and three until your have clearly set your intention or you return to sleep.
HINT: If you awake from a dream and find that your mind is too drowsy to perform the technique, take a moment or two to clear your mind by doing something that requires full wakefulness. For example, you could take the time to write down your dream. Just be careful not to wake yourself so fully you find returning to sleep impossible.
MILD is a great technique for those who want to attempt lucid dreaming without investing too much effort, however, as such, the results can be somewhat hit and miss. Ideally it should be used as part of a more developed and comprehensive lucid dreaming strategy.
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