Dream Journaling by Lee King

    In reference to keeping a journal of one's dreams, the client's
first response is usually, "Oh, I seldom dream," or "I never
remember my dreams."  These tips should get you started.

Keep a pad and pencil ‹ or a tape recorder ‹ by your bedside.                                                                        

Just before falling asleep, tell yourself, emphatically, that you will remember your dreams.
         Write this same message on a piece of paper and place it under your pillow. If you pray,
         add this request to your prayers.

Throughout the day, remind yourself that you will remember your dreams.

Drink a large glass of water before retiring for the night.  When your bladder awakens you,
         write down, at least, a couple of short sentences and/or key words about the dream before getting up.

Keep in mind that dreams fade quickly.  If you wait even a minute or so to record one,
         you will probably lose it.  I've made that mistake several times.

Occasionally, you will find that a song, someone's remark, or meditating in the
         shower will reopen the dream, but don't count on it.

Upon awakening for the day, finish writing as many of the details as you can.  
         Meditating on the key phrases you've recorded earlier should bring the details to mind.

***Also, it helps to write down any thoughts and/or feelings you have about the dream.  
      Sometimes, I find myself    humming a meaningful song upon awakening.  Add that to your journal.

Giving the dream an appropriate title often helps.

It may take several tries, even a week or so, for you to become successful.  I've become so successful at times that I awaken five to six times during one night's sleep.  If you find this disturbing your needed rest, tell yourself you want to remember only those dreams that will prove most helpful.  Generally, the several dreams occurring in any one night are showing you the same message in different ways, hoping that you will remember and understand, at least, one of them.

It is a good idea to date, or otherwise identify, each dream so that you can refer back to it when you want to.  This is especially useful if you find that the dreams comes true.  Sometimes, I flag a particularly disturbing dream for later reference.

As you write your dream, keep in mind the various factors listed on my "Dream Analysis" Web page.  
Seemingly minor details can be important to your analysis.