Recently, rather than become fully lucid I've been achieving a state of partial awareness where I'd realize I was dreaming, but wouldn't allow myself to take control of the dream. I've found myself enjoying this the most... my dreams seem to have a certain quality about them that's lost when I become fully lucid. In this way I'm able to influence my dreams just slightly and still preserve the wonder and sensations that come native those dreams.

Yesterday I became semi-lucid and had one of the longest dreams I've ever experienced. The contents of the dream aren't worth sharing, just some interactions with friends and family, a lot of driving, just a simulation of a typical day. What stood out was the length of the dream and how I was able to think as if I stood apart from the dream itself.

It was almost like I was watching a movie that I could feel and influence. It didn't feel like I was part of the dream, just a passive observer. I even found myself analyzing my dream, it was a pretty amazing experience.

Whenever I close my eyes while dreaming I wake up. This always happens and has been one of my biggest obstacles staying asleep while being lucid. I know when I'm about to wake up because my eyes begin to burn to where I need to close them and when I open them I'm back in bed.

Yesterday was the first time I've ever been able to close my eyes and open them while still dreaming. My entire world got a bit darker but I was still dreaming, which is pretty unbelievable to me.

Has anyone shared this experience or have an tips on how to make it happen again? Any advice would be appreciated, I hope it happens again.