Good questions, good thread. My addition is this: Since at least some lucid dreams come from noticing detail (strange, odd, or otherwise), it is helpful to have a plan for noticing detail. I have a system that serves as an outline for my dream journal, both for lucid and non-lucid dreams. When I recall a dream, I make it a point of emphasis to recount the location, the time of day, the ground and other surfaces, and the people, especially the color of their clothing and hair. I also have predilection for names and symbolism.

So, "awareness" is sometimes a remote and abstract topic. What I suggest is that one can approach it with very tangible and practical means. Look at your dreams and notice the patterns. Upon seeing them, commit a plan to record and analyze them. I think this methodology promotes a progressive familiarity with dreams.