I think it sure could be the paraliminal--although it should also be said that even with the best tools, YOU are the most important ingredient.
One thing about what you think were unrelated vivid dreams--I have had some success with making an affirmation before going to sleep (or in your case, before using your paraliminal) to the effect of, I will remember my dreams, AND they will speak to me in a language I can understand. Like you, I've had my share of lovely vivid dreams that made NO sense whatever at first glance, because they were so strongly coded in some kind of subconscious/dream speak. (Shoot, I never even did well with COBOL.
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When I do this, USUALLY I both remember and understand them.
I think in some ways understanding dreams is a bit like learning any other language--at first both speakers have to compromise and meet in the middle. Then, you gradually learn the language of your subconscious better and better. In the meantime, it's fine to ask your subconscious for help.
