First Lucid Dream in Years Thanks to This Sub

I have had LDs before but only on accident, thanks to reading this sub I have been casually trying to trigger one again and was finally able to.

Method: Happened to wake up early - took the opportunity to try and trigger an LD with the "alarm clock, wait a bit, then go back to sleep method" I went back to sleep imagining myself doing things and this transitioned to an LD.

Did I get SP?: I get SP very easily so yes, twice during the experience. Since I was trying to LD, I ignored the (to me) very recognizable sensation and relaxed into sleep. Normally I try to wake up out of SP, which is not always easy despite having some methods.

The Experience: It was difficult to tell that I was LDing at first, the line between hazy right-before-bed thoughts and dreams can be thin. I feel that I slipped in and out of control - some scenarios were more typical dream-like in that I did not imagine them and took unconscious action. The difference was that I was consciously observing those scenes, even without control.

When I was LDing, it being the first time in a while, I took a bit of a hedonistic route at first. I imagined having sex with various people and my exes. This worked but I am on a nofap streak (30 days) and was aware that getting myself off here would reset me, so I cut that out.

I approached a door in a dark room. I have read bits in the subreddit about facing your fears in LD so I went straight to open it. I opened it and there was nothing scary, only better LD control. Go figure.

I attempted flying but only succeeded in running, which was still fun. I have flown before in LDs so I am not super worried here, it's a fickle thing.

At my most controlled moment, I tried asking myself "what is time?" I looked around at a natural scene and watched the trees shimmer in the breeze. I tried to freeze time. Everything stilled wherever I looked and concentrated. I could not stop everything; when I turned my head the world was back in motion and I had to redo it.

I felt myself wake up. My vision went black. Then I felt my body release the tension that holds you paralyzed during dreams. My body took an involuntary deep breath in, and I was awake.

Unconscious Dream Notes: during the unconscious part I observed a troubling sequence. I starting throwing water at a man, from cups. He just kinda took it and seemed to ignore it. I did not recognize the man. I keep trying to get a reaction from him, eventually using a hose to spray him soaking wet to no avail. Eventually, as I was throwing more water at his face, he said to himself: "I just want to go home." At this point, he looked like me. The difference between LD and a usual dream here? I realized how disturbing it was in real time instead of in waking reflection.

Overall Take: I can see real value here for exploring my psyche and look forward to doing it again. Would recommend.

Cheers