One method for converting ordinary dreams into lucid dreams involves the reality testing exercise, categorized under wake-initiated lucid dreaming techniques. This approach, pioneered by psychologist and sports researcher Paul Tholey, originated from his curiosity about whether dreams are experienced in black and white or color. Tholey sought to maintain the authenticity of his dream experiences by avoiding alterations caused by waking consciousness. To achieve this, he developed the practice of reality testing, utilizing a technique known as mind questioning.

Tholey's mind questioning involved placing a mental question mark in front of every aspect of reality, aiming to transfer this heightened mental awareness into dreams. Through consistent reality testing during wakefulness, where he questioned whether he was dreaming or awake and confirmed reality through observation and touch, Tholey successfully integrated this skill into his dreams. This conscious questioning within the dream state led to lucid, vivid, and colorful dream experiences resembling reality.

Reality testing, a form of critical thinking, prompts individuals to question their wakeful state with inquiries like "Am I dreaming or awake?" Subsequently, individuals attempt to affirm their wakefulness by evaluating reality, such as observing a scene and verifying its stability. Tholey emphasized the need for performing reality testing seven or eight times daily for tangible results, a routine he credited with enabling him to experience lucid dreams within approximately two months.

Furthermore, Tholey distinguished between wakeful self-awareness, characterized by reason and logic, and dream self-awareness, which is more intertwined with emotions and excitement. Lucid dreamers actively seek to enhance dream self-awareness, making reality testing a valuable method.

However, Tholey cautioned against allowing reality testing to become automatic, as this could lead to unconsciousness. The goal of reality testing is to foster momentary self-awareness during each test, ultimately awakening the mind within a dream while the body sleeps.

Tholey's research, along with that of other scientists, marked a departure from the scientific taboo surrounding the study of lucid dreaming. In his book "Creative Dreaming," Tholey outlined the reality testing technique and presented ten commandments for lucid dreaming. These commandments, designed for those with limited time or focus, emphasize daily execution under any circumstances.

10 Reality Check Commands:

1.   Ask yourself five to ten times a day: "Am I dreaming or awake?"
2.  When asking the above question, intensely imagine that you are dreaming. To the extent that whatever you feel includes only a dream, along with the sensation of your body.
3.  While responding to this question, pay attention to both what is currently happening and what has already occurred because dreams always occur suddenly. In dreams, there is a void instead of yesterday or the past. Do you feel this void as a memory or something unnatural?
4.  Always ask the critical question in unusual situations that you might encounter in a dream.
5.  If you have recurring content in your dreams, such as repeatedly seeing a cat or a dog, ask the above question as soon as you see the cat or dog.
6. In wakefulness, imagine specific topics that you see in your dreams, like flying in the air. Make a strong effort to feel yourself in this state. Such visualization is linked to the idea of being in a dream.
7.  Go to sleep with the thought that you will have lucid dreams. (Suggestion)
8.  If you don't remember your dreams well, use a dream journal to strengthen your memory.
9.  Try to perform a specific action in your dream. (Intention and will)
10.  Practice regularly but not with pressure, and be patient.