Thread: Brand new to this whole thing

I have a few questions, but I think I can find most answers by sifting through old posts, so I'll just ask this one that I have no clue about.

When I was younger, I had a nightmare (not a traumatizing or terrorizing one, but as a 9 year old, it scared the **** out of me). During most of my nightmares I had, I knew I was dreaming but could control nothing. All I could do was force my eyes open, and I'd be awake. During this dream, I knew I was dreaming, to an extent. I knew I could escape it by opening my eyes, but I didn't realize that it wasn't real because it was a dream. I tried opening my eyes, but it felt like they were already open (try opening your eyes as wide as possible, then attempting to force further to understand the feeling).

Now that I typed this, I realize I have a couple questions, lol.

1. Could someone describe the whole "knowing you're dreaming but not being able to control stuff?"
2. Could someone describe the part about being able to just open my eyes and end the dream
3 (and my biggest, and original question). What was the deal with not being able to open my eyes, and trying to, any explanation?

I'm sorry if these questions are in the wrong spots/stupid/been answered before, but any answers would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Jason