Well, this is frustrating

[SSJ4SephirothX]

My eyes open by themselves when I'm trying to project/meditate.

I know what you're thinking, you're thinking that it's not true.  I have been told a number of times and have read that the mind's eye is most often the cause of this sight.

The reason why I believe that they're my physical eyes is because of two main factors:
1. My line of sight never changes, it's only straight ahead; what I'd see if i deliberetly looked directly in front of me.
2. I've noticed my eyes drying out and me having to blink.  (Could this be psychosematic by routine?)

I am not trying to open them or even think about opening them, it just happens.  This usually happens during the R.E.M. stages.  Is this simply just because my eyes are moving at a sporadic rate?  I have even noticed myself squinting (with eyes closed) as if I'm trying to focus on patterns I see behind closed lids.

Is this something I should even be concerned about?  Or, is it a common occurance?  It's something that has had me wondering so I figured I would ask to see if anyone could shed some light on this dilemma of mine.

[Selski]

There's a very easy solution - wear an eye mask. 

Sarah

[SSJ4SephirothX]

Something so simple......I always overlook the obvious.

Thanks!  

[The Present Moment]

The eyelids require a muscle contraction to stay closed. If you relax the muscle, they open.

[SSJ4SephirothX]

The eyelids require a muscle contraction to stay closed. If you relax the muscle, they open.

Well then, that explains it.    I have always tried to keep every muscle relaxed, even my eyelids (or as much as possible).

[AndrewTheSinger]

Are you sure it happens during the REM stage?

You said this has been happening while you meditate or try to project, so you're probably in alpha or theta brainwaves (Non-REM sleep). I'd say it's common, the same thing happens to me a few times before falling asleep. There are some things that you can look for to know if you've reached the trance state:

*Pay attention to your feet - they should feel warmer
*Pay attention to your eyelids -  they should be inert
*Breathing will be pleasant - you'll be breathing by sighs

This means that when you're just about to doze off your eyes will stop moving so much, and your body will be feeling very comfortable, most noticeably on the feet. It's unlikely that your eyes will open at this point, neither you or your body will want them to, but if it happens, you can just close them and continue with your practice.