I've read through some tutourials and different threads and I wanted to ask what would be the best method of performing reality checks for a beginner? I don't really understand how it works? Say if I were to write RC on my hand in black marker. If I checked this throughout the day being serious about each time then taking a minute to observe my environment would I eventually do the same in my dreams therefore allowing me to realize I'm dreaming and become lucid? Thats the way I'm interpreting the information I'm reading at the moment but I'm unsure.

Last night was weird. I read all about lucid dreaming and decided I would just try it even though I haven't done any preparation. I read somewhere that some people manage to get small lucid dreams just because they've heard what it is and automatically do it. I lied down with the idea swirling through my mind over and over and over until I fell asleep. I woke up a few times throughout the night but what was different is that I was much more aware of what I had just been dreaming about. Usually I cannot recall any of my dreams unless they are long and vivid. But last night every time I woke up I knew what I had been dreaming about. It felt unusual to be able to re-call all those dreams. There was certainly no interaction or sense of being present but I felt as though I knew it was happening and I could ask myself questions throughout the night.

I just don't know where to start and would like some clarification.