Hi Kaffo. Although I am a beginner with LDing, I found some methods that did work for me and thought I'd share. I've been recalling and journaling since 1/6/08 and LDing since 1/27/08. I really wouldn't want you to feel a sense defeat so soon!

Since originally (for a month or so) RCing wasn't the easiest thing to convince myself to do within my dreams, I always felt that DILD (which specifically relies on a decent dose of RC training) wasn't the best technique for me. In some way, I felt the training for constant RCing was the "hardest technique", and WILDing was something which seemed to suit me. Of course I still trained with RCing throughout the day and would recommend you to continue on this path, but wouldn't want you to think that WILDing is just "too difficult for a newbie". I would encourage you on all possible paths, suffice you think you aren't getting overloaded and unfocused (which truly only you will know).

That said, I find your reaction to WILDing quite similar to mine, and I believe for me, it had a lot to do with the type of sleeper I generally am. For most of my life, I always felt good that I would never have a hard time sleeping, and even when awaking in the night, I always fell back to sleep easily. When attempting a WILD (being this type of sleeper), I find that I have to get my mind conscious over the course of 30 minutes or so. For me, I find any less time than this just doesn't cut it, and I fall back asleep. As other threads here have attested, try items like using the bathroom, eating food, even a light stretching routine or walking around inside or out to get "awake" enough for the WILD try. In some ways I was lucky in that after I read Seeker's 5 Phases of WILD I had my first LD which was a WILD.

http://www.dreamviews.com/community/...ead.php?t=9806

I think Phase 2, as described by him, is a phase that possibly most aren't trying to hone, and therefore either float too much in awareness or H.I. and give up, or fall asleep too readily. Just remember this one thing, suggestions for becoming aware or relaxed are just that, suggestions -- and each person must find what works for them. There are many excellent tutorials on here for WILDing (and other techs!). If you haven't done so, I would suggest reading almost any tutorial or guide written by BillyBob and Clairity, as they have also been extremely helpful for honing the techs for me.

Last thought -- for me, I can "hover" for up to 20-40 mins in H.I. / S.P. at times and still just fall asleep after it (frustration!!!), and I see this as *still* not being aware enough... *for me*. =) Once you find the methods that give you a "doorway" into LDs, I think you will also find other techs that work (success begets more success!) even if they are the exact same techs which didn't work at first... and your techs will work better (sometimes having WILDs as soon as 5-10 minutes in).

Stay positive!!! ... and good luck!