How can I have a lucid dream?

[GoatGirl]

I want to lucid dream, but I don't know where to start, which technique might work or how to go about it! I'm really new to this. So here is some information so people experienced with this can know where to start: I have never experienced lucid dreaming. I have tried meditating but it is very nearly impossible for me; my mind is so cluttered with thoughts. I have tried thinking 'I will know I am dreaming' before I go to sleep but that never does anything. I am pretty hard to convince so there is no way I can attain lucidity by convincing myself I have no idea if I'm dreaming. Anyone have any tips that could help me? I'm open to new ideas or ways to meditate/convince myself/whatever. Thanks! GoatGirl

[Yumnش]

Try to start off at a slow pace. You say your mind is cluttered and that it's hard to convince you. Maybe you're right, so instead try to have your mind focus on something simple at the moment. Like for example, seeing how far you can count inside your head. A task like this can help your thoughts break away from build up. Once you feel like you have a clear mindset, I'm sure the techniques you've learn will be more effective when falling asleep like this.

[ThreeCat]

I think ViIe has a good point: start small and work up. I would suggest beginning with a dream journal. Write down dreams for a few weeks, and build some confidence in your recall. As for "believing" that you might be dreaming, that doesn't really happen for most of us for a while, and is not absolutely necessary at first. I would, instead, suggest you "fake it till you make it," and do the reality checks anyway. After a while, you'll see them show up in your dreams, though possibly as non-lucid occurrences. This will also help you build confidence that the techniques work. Your mind does not need to be clear to meditate. You just need to be aware of your level of clarity. Awareness is key. Instead if sitting meditation, you might try walking meditation (being aware of the sensations in your lower legs as you walk) or doing another activity mindfully (washing dishes is a good one). It would also behoove you to take advantage of some if our more experienced LDers in the DVA academy. I would recommend joining the Intro Class: http://www.dreamviews.com/intro-class/

[GoatGirl]

Thanks, guys! I'll try your ideas. ThreeCat, I was actually going to start a dream journal today but I can't remember my dream. I will next time I do though! Edit: I actually do remember a dream fragment now!