FILD Technique (Finger Induced Lucid Dreaming)

The Finger Induced Lucid Dream technique (or 'FILD' as it is commonly known) is also sometimes referred to as the 'Hargart's Induced Lucid Dream'. It is a variation of the WILD (Wake Induced Lucid Dreaming) Technique because it involves entering the dream state directly from a waking state. The FILD technique is an effective method of dream chaining. Dream chaining is sometimes known as the Dream Exit Induced Lucid Dream (DEILD) and is used to re-enter previous dreams and  induce multiple lucid dreams in a single session of sleep. 

Here is a Youtube video I made explaining how the FILD Technique works:

The FILD technique tricks the body into entering a lucid dream by movement of the 'dream body' (the dream self) and generally, the individual should feel tired before attempting FILD. This is a very popular lucid dreaming induction method which relies on movement of the index and middle fingers. 

The benefit of this induction method is that no visualisation or hypnosis is required and the individual does not experience the same kind of sleep paralysis required by the WILD technique. Dream visualisation is the element which causes most problems for those attempting to use the WILD technique, and certainly is the aspect I find most difficult to achieve. Many FILD practitioners say that this is the quickest form of lucid dream induction technique, which like WILD, enables a smooth, seamless transition from wakefulness into the dream state.

The FILD technique tends to be most successful when combined with Wake Back to Bed. The amount of sleep you need to get before attempting this technique varies. If you feel extremely tired at the start of the sleep, you may wish to begin it then, but most people seem to have success by attempting FILD after waking from a period of sleep - for some, wakng after 3 hours of sleep is perfect, for others 5 - 7 hours may be more appropriate (especially given that studies have shown lucidity to be induced most successfully after 6 hours of deep sleep). Experiment with trial and error and note the pattern which works best for you. Using an alarm clock may be necessary, but isn't recommended, as it can sometimes wake you up too much and make it difficult to fall back asleep easily.

FILD should be initiated at the point when the individual feels themselves falling asleep. The individual should lay as still as possible and clear their mind, relaxing all of the muscles in the body. Keep your arms by your sides, with your hands resting on the mattress. Another advantage of the FILD technique is that is can be useful for random awakenings in the middle of the night - utilise the periods of wakefulness which occur unintentionally during a sleep to try the FILD technique.

As soon as the individual finds themselves falling asleep, they should imagine themselves playing piano with the index and middle finger of their preferred hand. The trick is to move these two fingers up and down alternatively, as if they are hitting consecutive keys on a piano. Make this movement even more subtle - move the fingers so slightly that they barely even move, but rather perform more of a minuscule, barely noticeable muscle contractions. Don't bring the fingers all the way back down to the mattress. Do not count the finger movements or let stray thoughts intrude into your mind because this may wake you up. Just focus on the finger movements and you will naturally fall asleep and transition into a dream state!

After about 30 seconds or so, use your other hand to perform a reality check. This is very important because you may find that you are in a false awakening situation. I usually use both hands for a reality check, but when using FILD, you only have one hand available, so use that to perform the nose pinch or a similar one-handed reality check, such as trying to push your hand through your stomach. With luck, you will have entered a dream state, and the reality check will enable you to become lucid. If this has not worked, you can repeat the technique again. To increase the effectiveness of the FILD technique, practice these finger movements during your waking hours and combine them with a waking reality check to encourage your brain to make an association between this specific movement of the fingers and reality checking.