Using Dream Incubation to Create Your Dreams

Dream incubation is a method of "planting" an idea into your mind so that it will manifest in your dreams. It requires you to determine your objective (what you want) and repeat that intention (through mantra and visualization) while falling asleep. 

What you focus on during the few last minutes of the day can greatly impact what you dream about. By knowing how this works, it is possible to train your subconscious to help you recognize when you are in a dream, create a dream, re-enter a dream, or solve a problem.

Think about the process of planting and growing a seed. Using this analogy, I'll show you dream incubation can be used to tap into the powers of your subconscious mind while you sleep.

Dream Incubation

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1. Set your intention (Pick your seed)

This is where you decide what idea you want to "plant" into your mind. Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, here are three suggestions:

1. Create a dream. Imagine whatever it is you want to dream about. Do you want to be with your best friend? Would you like to explore the surface of Mars? Be specific.
2. Remind yourself that you're dreaming. Which one of your dream signs will you find in your next dream?
3. Solve a problem. Do you need guidance dealing with a family issue? Is there an important question on your mind? 

Pick only one thing to focus on. You should be very relaxed and about to drift to sleep before moving onto the next step.

2. Mantra (Plant the seed)

A mantra is a simple, repeated word or phrase. It revolves around the intention you want to establish. You will use it to "plant the seed" into your mind.

Create the mantra that you will repeat. Make it simple and direct. Here are some examples using the suggestions from the previous step:

1. Creating a dream. "The next time I dream, I'll be walking on the surface of Mars."
2. Reminding yourself that you're dreaming. "I will remember that I am dreaming when I recognize (dream sign)." 
3. Solving a problem. "How do I choose the best candidate to hire?"

Begin to repeat your mantra slowly, yet rhythmically in your mind. Keep your focus on this phrase, but don't get frustrated if your mind wanders. Simply bring your attention back and continue.

3. Visualization (Cover the seed)

Now that you have an intention and mantra established, try to visualize yourself achieving whatever it is you desire. By visualizing, you will surround your idea with the "soil" in which it will grow.

Create a vision of how you believe your dreams will unfold tonight. Fully immerse yourself; see and feel what it will be like. Even if you have no idea how it should take place, do the best you can. 

4. Repetition (Water the seed)

Continue to visualize and repeat your mantra until you feel this idea is established in your mind. This should only take a few minutes.

5. Let go (Allow it to incubate)

Let this be the last thought as you fall asleep. It's time for your subconscious to take over.

6. Assess (Did anything grow?)

When you wake up, recall your dreams. Assess what happened.

• Did you have a dream about the setting you created?
• Did you see your dream sign? Did you become lucid?
• Was any clarity given with regards to your problem or question?

Sometimes our dreams offer very subtle hints in different forms and we may not pick up on these messages until we get to know our dreams a little better. Other times our dreams speak to us in a way that we just know what they're trying to say.

Don't expect instant success on the first night. Stick with this if you really want to become lucid or get answers to your burning question. The more often you try and the more focused you are, the better your results will be.

One last thing...

If you don't believe in this kind of stuff, it won't work for you. In order to be successful with dream incubation you have to truly believe in it. It may be hard to believe in something that hasn't worked yet, but keep your mind open to it. 

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