1) The first hurrdle in staying lucid is getting past the shock of it. So, you do not have to start with the first dream, you are on your 3rd dream. Now, go to the 4th. You KNOW it can happen, so you have already made a big step forward.

2)Even after decades it is not perfected. Every year you will learn more and always keep improving. The biggest jump in learning comes after, say, 20 or 30 dreams. By that point you will start having longer dreams and you will start being able to do control tricks easier.

4) Meditation is not needed, but is a powerful tool. It is like using a type writter. Anyone can type out a letter, but training yourself in how to type is a skill that takes time and drastically improves your ability to use a type writter. Any one can learn to lucid dream, but those who train their brains to lucid dream through meditation skills will be able to do amazing things. This class will teach you all about how to do the training, Dream Yoga (Sivason)

5) Sleep paralysis is all a big misunderstanding! Please do not even think about it! Here is a thread we all put together to clear up the confusion, http://www.dreamviews.com/f79/sleep-...lained-136993/

6) That is one of the techniques I push. It is probably, by far the best mantra I have ever used. It creates an after image of that phrase that can keep echoing in your head while you sleep. You are more likely to have the thought "I am dreaming" during a dream, and that will likely make you get lucid. Here is a thread with questions and answers on this technique, http://www.dreamviews.com/f12/simple...-dilds-128723/

I hope that stuff helps and welcome to dream views!