I am a beginner with BLD too, but I did not have much trouble starting. I began with Macky's 3 cycle method. The stages to solving can be practiced entirely separate, until you feel comfortable with each. Just practice with your eyes closed, or maybe with your hands under a table.
I started with edge flipping, memorizing the basic 2 flip and 4 flip. I gave myself some easy cases for practice, then moved up until I could locate and memorize all edges which needed flipping, and flip them all blindfolded.
Next I practiced edge 3 cycling. (I switched my "U" perm from the way that uses M slice to the way that uses only R and U turns. I am less likely to get confused with cube orientation, I believe.) Eventually, I got to where I could cycle (1, 2,3, 4,5, 6,7, 8,9, 10,11) blindfolded, then undo it (1, 11,10, 9,8, 7,6, 5,4, 3,2) blindfolded. I also practiced swapping 2 random pairs of edges.
Next, I practiced corner orienting. After that corner cycling. (Remember to avoid quarter turns on F,B,L,R faces during setup moves.) Lastly, I practiced parity problems blindfolded, like J or T or F or R, to swap 2 edges and 2 corners.
I will soon be ready to memorize the entire cube, then solve it. I just need the time and courage.
UPDATE: I have done at least 9 successful blindfold solves as of now, Oct 7, 08.
(15 sec memo on his WR solve)
