This approach is probably the most economical use of
nocturnal vigilance.  As we perfect the notation  method,
we will probably wake in the morning to discover two or
three nocturnal records, but with only a dim recollection
of   having   awakened   during  the  night  to  make  them.
Quiet contemplation  in  the  morning, supplemented  by
notes from  the night, can, with practice, deliver on many
mornings as many as five dreams.
     Once   we  have  embarked  on  a  strategy of  planned
watchfulness,   we  must  look  carefully   at   the  fragile
transition   between   sleep    and   wakefulness    in    the
morning. Even  though  we  have  made  notes during  the
night,  the moment of awakening  in  the morning  is  the
most crucial opportunity to detect dreams. It is also true
that  at  this  moment  our  dreams  may  be  lost.  Dream
images from the night seem very faint in the strong light
of  day. The  awakening  thought,  "What do I  have  to  do
today?" is  their  most  dangerous enemy. Our  first  task,
then,  is  to condition ourselves so  that when we awaken
in   the  morning  our  first  thought   is   for our  dreams.
Sometimes  it may be helpful  to verbalize  our intention
before  falling  asleep,  but, in general,  we can rely upon
our desire  to  remember our dreams  to  be  a sufficient
reminder. Being so prepared,  we will often find that our
vigilance  is  rewarded   by  the  discovery  that  we  were
dreaming just before we woke up. Often it is the last part
of   the  dream  that  lingers  in  our  mind.  With  careful
attention   to  this  fragment,   the  entire  dream  may  be
retrieved.
     There is  both  a  technique  and  an  art  to allowing  a
dream  fragment  to  expand into an entire dream. It is of
primary  importance  to  avoid   distractions   which  may
interfere  with  detecting  the  dream. It is also important
not to disturb the  physical context  in  which  the  dream
occurred. Therefore, one  should  remain  motionless, in
the  same position  as upon awakening, and keep the eyes
closed.   Get    back  in   touch  with   the  dream   by   re-
experiencing  the  part   that  is   recalled.  Mull over  the
feelings evoked by the special mood of the dream as you
examine  each  character   and   event.  As   we   review  a
dream in this way, forgotten  elements emerge. How this

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