So my dreams are just like a movie that passes. How do you actually PAUSE the script so that you can even think about recognizing that you're dreaming.

This is what i find difficult. I've had great dreams but i cant seem to PAUSE the script. things just happen and i just do stuff , i don't have time to stop and think to see dreamsigns or look at my hands or whatever reality checks i would like to do.

For example my dream last night: i walked out of my house noticed new neighbor had abunch of big dogs..about 7. and her gate was open and the dogs would go in and out..going out in the street.. and meanwhile i was scared. but the story continues. It's not like i have any input to it.

And before i go to bed, i say the mantra "My dreams will be vivid and lucid"
I'm wondering if my brain may not be familiar with those words so it doesn't do it.
I'm a shy person and i rarely talk in real life. VIVID and LUCID.. those words i never even knew what they meant before i started learning about lucid dreaming. and since i generally don't talk to anyone.. those words, i only use when reading about lucid dreaming..aside from that, they haven't really been part of me.

So i wonder if my brain doesn't understand them completely so even though i say it before sleeping, my brain doesn't really get it. hehehe. just a thought