[Cengaeas]

Everything MalevolenT said is true, but I just want to add one more factoid; when you are asleep your conscious mind isn't in charge, your subconscious mind is, and that part of your mind doesn't have much discerning ability, it just observes what is there, and accepts everything (which is why we can have weird dreams and not think they're weird at all). The part of our minds that does the judging, discerning, etc. is the conscious mind, which is 'out of phase' at the time you're asleep or dreaming. When we lucid dream or project, we are making a conscious effort to bring this conscious mind into phase with our subconscious (or unconscious) observations, and this is something that requires practice and energy, hence all the energy and lucidity work we put into it.
I suggest that you're identifying yourself (a diff. way of saying what M. said already) with your consciousness, but as you said, you are actually bringing in your awareness- now it's time to cultivate discerning skills to maneuver in this state. Good luck!
I suppose you have already read the Treatise (I saw Jman referred you to it in the welcome thread) and I suggest giving the dreaming section a read for tips to increase lucidity.
Happy travels!