The oddly named Finger Induced Lucid Dream (FILD) technique is one of the most discussed lucid dream induction techniques online. It is classified as a type of Wake Initiated Lucid Dream (WILD) as the dreamer maintains awareness, focusing on a slight finger movement, and transitions into the dream world. It is straight forward and effective, hence the popularity. Let’s break it down, step-by-step so you can try it out tonight!
How to Perform FILD
Let’s break down the FILD technique, step-by-step!
Step One: Wake after 4.5 to 6 hours
Set an alarm, or use autosuggestion, to wake you after approximately 4.5 to 6 hours of sleep. REM sleep, where most dreams occur, increase in frequency and length as the night goes on. Lucid dreams are much more successful the closer they are performed to a REM period. This is especially critical for for WILD techniques, like FILD.
Variables: Experiment with when you set your alarm to find the best time for you. The goal is to wake up in the middle or directly before a REM period. You can experiment with times after 6 hours as well, the 4.5 to 6 timeframe is just a suggestion to start.
Step Two: Lay in a comfortable position
You do not need to lie on your back if that is uncomfortable. The goal is to fall asleep, so get comfy. Just make sure you are in a position that allows one of your palms to lie flat on the mattress or pillow. This will come into play in the next step.
Variables: Experiment with staying awake before attempting a FILD. This can help clear some of the mental cobwebs and help you focus on your FILD technique. Start with staying awake for 5 to 15 minutes and adjust depending on the amount of wakefulness you need to competently perform FILD.
Step Three: Twitch your fingers
The anchor for your awareness during the FILD technique is a subtle twitching movement of your fingers. Using your index and middle fingers on one hand, slightly twitch the muscles in an alternating pattern. The movement you want to replicate is the same movement of playing piano keys. The key is to TWITCH the muscle without actually moving fingers. It is very subtle.
Variables: You can practice this movement while awake at your computer keyboard. Set your fingers on two adjacent keys. Press down ever so slightly and alternate back and forth between your index and middle fingers. If the computer keys get pushed down, that is too much pressure.
Step Four: Perform a reality check
After 30 seconds, keep your eyes closed and reach up to perform a nose-pinch reality check to check to see if you are dreaming. Pinch your nose and try to breathe. If you cannot breathe, you are still awake and you need to repeat step three. If you CAN breathe, congratulations, you are dreaming! Open your dream eyes and let the adventure begin. Do not count the 30 seconds in your head, just estimate the time.
Variables: It will normally take a few repetitions of steps three and four for you to be in the dream world. Experiment with the time you spend in step three, perhaps extending the repetition phase to 45 or 60 seconds.
Wrapping Up:
This oddly named technique is known for being super easy to perform and for producing great results. I recommend giving it a try and seeing how it works for you.
Want to Learn More?
Head on over to our Flagship Online Course, where we teach you how to create a complete and effective lucid dreaming practice. This includes all the most effective techniques, action plans, practical exercises, and downloadable resources. Our goal is to set you on the path to lucid dreaming mastery!
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