Socially Triggered Awareness Reality Test Technique (START)
Introduction
The Socially Triggered Awareness Reality Test technique (START Technique) is a lucid dreaming technique that was created by lucid dream researcher Daniel Love, with simplicity and effectiveness in mind. It's also a great way to make one's lucid dreaming practice a little more social.
The START technique can be used by beginners and seasoned lucid dreamers alike: For a beginner lucid dreamer, it can be a good way to get an initial taste of lucidity -- and it can also be a great supplement to a more experienced lucid dreamer's practices.
The START technique is unique among lucid dream induction techniques in its utilization of the potent influence of social psychology.
The Technique
During your waking hours -- and especially during social events -- you will wear or carry an item that requests that people ask if you are dreaming.
As you go about your daily business, every now and then, someone will notice your sign, and ask you if you are dreaming. Importantly, this will occur at random and unpredictable times, which is different from the self-generated reality test reminders created by your own prospective memory. Another important point is the fact that these reality test triggers will be social in nature. This is especially useful because the vast majority of most people's dreams tend to reflect or repeat variations of social interactions from their waking hours -- so anything you can do to create a reality test prompt that's social in nature is likely to eventually influence your dreams.
So, when asked the question "Are you dreaming?" during the day, you take a moment to perform a thorough reality test. It would probably also be a good idea to let the person who asked know what you are doing and why -- perhaps you will even inspire them to become a lucid dreamer as well!
To perform this technique, all you really need is a post-it note and a pen, to make yourself a little sign to wear on your clothing that says "ASK ME IF I'M DREAMING". However, if you would like something a little more natural, Daniel Love of Lucid Dream Portal has created a series of t-shirts and accessories that you can purchase specifically for this purpose. They can be found here: https://teespring.com/stores/thelucidshop
Author/Inventor:
Daniel Love
Skill Level:
Beginner
Lucid Dream Type:
Regained awareness (DILD)
Effectiveness:
(anecdotal & community reported)
Medium
Sense preference suited:
Social
Hints & Tips:
Uniquely engages the social areas of the brain, an approach overlooked by all other techniques.
Requires very little effort to try.
Helps induce reality tests in scenarios which may otherwise be missed.
Is an opportunity to discuss lucid dreaming with others.
Watch a full video tutorial for this technique here: https://youtu.be/tWVEXo5IEs4
