Many people have trouble remembering their dreams - even I do sometimes. When this happens I know have to go back to the basics of dream recall again. I've kept a dream journal since I was a teenager and found many of the insights gleaned from my dreams invaluable over the years. So, when I don't remember my dreams I feel as if something important is missing from my day.
     Some of my dreams are pre-cognitive, some vivid encounters with departed loved ones, others recollections of out of body experiences, but the majority solve problems and answer questions about issues I'm grappling with in my life. While I love the precognitive dreams and interacting with those who've passed on and being out of body I have to say the most rewarding dreams are the problem solvers simply because they are the most practical in everyday life.
     Today was one of those days that my dream evaporated into thin air. And, I know for certain why this happened too; I moved and opened my eyes too soon. Tonight I plan to go back to basics and do the following to ensure that I recall a dream:

1. Make sure I have a pad and pen on my bedside table.
2. Set the alarm for a half hour earlier to have time to mull over my dream.
3. Create the intention to have a dream and recall it. Spend a few minutes before drifting off telling myself that I want to have a dream, that I will have  dream and that I will readily and easily remember it.
4. When I wake up DO NOT OPEN MY EYES right away. After turning off the alarm clock - DO NOT MOVE. Just lay still to allow the dream to stay on the surface of my mind.
5. Do not allow pets to distract me when I awake, or better yet keep them out of the bedroom so they don't wake me up. (Easier said than done!)
6. After grabbing some of the pertinent details - WRITE THEM DOWN before they sink back down to the depths of the subconscious.
7. Do meditate directly after getting out of bed. If you're not a meditator don't turn on the radio or TV or talk right after waking either. After writing down the pertinent details - silence allows further dream fragments to bubble up to the surface of awareness.

     One more thing I have found disruptive to recalling my dreams is getting up at night if I've had too many liquids prior to bedtime. While many times I'll awaken and be in the midst of a dream - the movement of having to get out of bed right away yanks them immediately from my mind, so that for the most part they are lost forever.
     Well, that's it. I'll let you know how I made out. If you try it and are successful - let me know! Good luck my fellow dreamers.