1) The "rush" doesn't happen to everyone. I, for example, have to shout to the dream "Clarity now!" occasionally. However, it could also be that you are only achieving partial lucidity, in which case I recommend that you try looking very closely at your hands in the dream to convince your mind to generate the detail. Try doing simple math to improve reasoning.

2) What you're doing here is excellent. If you don't really like to do RC's (i know i don't), try http://www.dreamviews.com/induction-...kingyoshi.html. This is the method I've been using for over a year, and I now get 4-5 LDs per week. The first three days are the hardest, but it gets easier after that.

3) Try combining mantras. Also, say them in present tense. The mantra i use is "I have long, lucid, and memorable dreams every night". If you get distracted, don't worry, just go back to repeating your mantra until you fall asleep.

4) you don't have to be particularly good at visualizing to do MILD. Just keep doing it to the best of your abilities, and you will slowly improve. Rome wasn't built in a day.

5) for someone who has only been lding for a month or so, i recommend you stick with MILD. A well-done case of MILD makes WBTB completely unnecessary, and if you do wake up at night, just try counting breaths until you fall asleep.

6) for meditation, a zen self-awareness meditation should do the trick. You basically try to become aware of everything you're thinking of. Once again, it gets easier with practice.

And finally, don't lose heart. I know that its confusing, but once you find a method that "feels right", stick with it and you will have success.