correct definition?

[silverrose]

well, my son said these are called lucid dreams, so I'm posting to ask what you think... approx. 6 years ago when I was having an awful nightmare, I managed to wake myself up from it... since then, the very rare times I had nightmares, I'd been able to do that... is that what 'lucid dreams' is about- being able to consciously connect yourself back to the awake state?

[Michael]

Being aware that you are in a dream is about the easiest way to put it. If you woke yourself up because you knew you were dreaming, then you were lucid for a little bit. But, you can learn to stay in your dreams and control them with practice... just read through the main webpage. You probably were lucid, but just for a little bit.

[Citizen]

Michaels right. If you were lucid at all, it lasted for a FRACTION of a second because it sounds like you just popped right out of there... Welcome!

[Oneironaught]

At the least, you were semi-lucid: not fully aware that you are dreaming but, subconsciously knowing that there's an 'out' (in the form of waking to escape). If you've ever been in a situation where you've been able to explicitly think to yourself "This is a dream" or "I'm dreaming" then that's a lucid dream. And welcome aboard. Hopefully you'll stick around and maybe improve your dream life even more.

[Wavefunction]

Well, looks like I'm a little late answering your question. But to Dreamviews!

[silverrose]

yes, I was aware that I was dreaming... but considering how those nightmares are, why on earth would I want to STAY in them? to me, waking up was a GOOD thing