Did you know that we dream every night and that remembering your dreams is just a matter of practice? Here is a simple guide to start you on your path to remembering your dreams.

Step One: Frame Your Intent with a Positive Attitude

There is no better way to start the process of remembering your dreams than by telling yourself that you can. Believe that you can remember your dreams and reaffirm it through your thoughts and words; and it will be so. Remember that your thoughts become your reality.

Step Two: Relax and Unwind From the Day’s Events

As you come to the end of the day, think of ways to promote relaxation and a good night’s rest. Here are some suggestions on ways to relax body, mind, and spirit:

* Take a warm, soothing bath to de-stress from the day’s activities.
* Listen to music that makes your heart sing.
* Meditate to slow the metabolism and relax the mind.
* Engage in stretching exercises or yoga to let go of physical and mental tension.
* Read a book that will promote relaxation.

Step Three: Keep Materials to Record Dreams Handy

Be prepared to record your dreams whenever you awaken from a sleep state. It could be in the middle of the night or from the normal sounds or sensations that usually awaken you in the morning (e.g., alarm clock, sunlight through your bedroom window).

Keep a pen or pencil and a writing tablet close to your bedside so that, with minimal movement of your body, you can reach for these writing tools and begin recording your dreams. Remember that the less you move your body upon awakening from sleep, the less likely you will fully activate your conscious mind, and the more likely you will remember your dreams!

For those of you who find it easier to verbally describe your dreams rather than writing them, I recommend you keep a tape recorder close to your bedside. A flashlight is also a handy tool for nighttime journaling.

Step Four: Incubate Your Thoughts to Remember Your Dreams

Dream incubation is simply a matter of focusing your thoughts on an intent or a question that you want answered through your dreams.

This is how it works. Let’s say that you want to remember your dreams tonight. As you lie down to go to sleep, focus your intent to remember your dreams by thinking or say something like, “Tonight I will remember my dreams” or “When I awaken, I will vividly remember my dreams.” Continue to repeat this intention over and over, much like you would repeat a mantra or an affirmation. As you begin to drift off, you will carry this intention into your dream consciousness.

Step Five: Wake Up Slowly and Peacefully

As you awaken from sleep, stay in your relaxed state as long as you can. It’s great if you can lie in bed with your eyes closed for several minutes, soaking in this restful state and bringing forward any dream images, pictures, sounds, or impressions that may still be lingering in your consciousness.

With the writing instruments that you have placed by your bedside, proceed to journal your dreams. Remember that the sooner you can journal your dreams upon recalling them, the more details you will be able to record. Dreams are elusive and the details of your dreams can vanish within minutes unless you have a means to permanently capture them, such as through written words or pictures.

Last, have fun working with your dreams and remember that you can only perfect your dream recall with practice. With practice, you will see the vividness and richness of your dream detail continue to blossom.