Posted 28 December 2004 - 08:36 PM
Hey Cyn, The point behind the majority of remembered dreams is to show us something we're not consciously aware of or acting upon. A very powerful way to understand the dream and bring about its goal is this:
1) What feelings does it bring about within me in the dream and how do I experience or react to this? Find the feeling in your body and then ask yourself where does this same feeling appear in my waking life (especially in the day or few days preceding the dream). This then gives you insight about what the dream is speaking about. Then you can ask yourself, "How do I experience or react to this in waking life? And what new information might the dream be trying to give me?"
2) What choices or actions within my life does this dream affect or bring about?
3) Is this my best scenario or would I prefer a different ending that makes me feel freer/happier/more empowered? What is the best ending you can think of?
4) If you have decided upon a new, more positive ending, sit quietly before bed and visualize the dream but with the new ending.
Here are some of the most common themes (with positive outcome examples for each scenario) and suggestions about what the dreamer might look at in waking life:
chase or attack : The pursuer usually represents a fearful aspect of our shadow, and hence an exaggerated version of a denied or inhibited portion of our own personality that would benefit us if integrated and appropriately expressed. (ideal outcome: standing our ground, facing and dialoguing with our pursuer, and eventually, acceptance and embrace)
falling dream : Am I feeling heavy, unsupported, worried about something? How can I feel freer, lighter? Also: do I need to be more grounded? (ideal outcome: feeling safe, landing, floating or flying)
car out of control : Is life too hectic, out of control? How could I slow down, act more peacefully and "enjoy the ride"? (ideal outcome: driving well & within speed limits, walking peacefully)
unprepared, late for or failing an exam : Am I feeling unprepared for some upcoming event? Unconfident about my performance? Am I worrying needlessly or do I actually need more preparation in order to feel confident and do a good job? (ideal outcome: feeling assured about oneself, performing well)
stuck in slow motion, unable to move or make any noise : Where am I feeling stuck in life, like I’m getting nowhere or unable to voice my true feelings? What can I do to change it? (ideal outcome: relaxation and acceptance, and eventually, peaceful action & self-expression)
embarrassed to be nude or naked in public, though nobody seems to notice or mind : Where in life am I feeling unconfident, embarrassed, unskilled? This type of dream is usually pointing out, by the fact that the other characters in the dream don’t seem to notice, that we are the only one viewing our self this way, and usually mistakenly so. (ideal outcome: comfortable with oneself as is, confident)
personal injury, dismemberment : What part of my life—not usually the physical body—have I been neglecting, mistreating, forgetting—i.e. dis-membering as opposed to remembering? (ideal outcome: healing)
trapped, locked in : Where am I feeling trapped in life? How might I open myself up to a new perspective, and explore new courses of action? (ideal outcome: breaking out, exploration)
drowning, threatening waves, tsunami (tidal waves) or flooding : Am I blocking, denying or feeling overwhelmed by my emotions? How might I better acknowledge, accept, and feel these feelings—which often include vulnerability? (ideal outcome: swimming, surfing, breathing underwater)
helpless, abandoned, or crying baby, monkey, bunny or small animal : Have I been taking care of my "inner child"? Maybe I need to laugh more, play outdoors, express my creativity, be more spontaneous, or enjoy more personal warmth and intimacy? (ideal outcome: caring for baby or animal, playing, simply having fun)
-Chris-
1
Thanks Sinestro for all of your interesting info about dreams. I definitely focused in on the one regarding the "Tidal Wave". That was the very first time in my life that I had dreamt of one, so it really spooked me. I had never had any dreams about the other categories in your post with the exception of "falling". I couldn't really say that it was a bona fide dream because it always happened when I was just ready to doze off...then all of a sudden I would feel like I was falling and I would wake with a start with my heart pounding.
) In this dream I have to do this numerous times (why I don't know). But, each time I do this I learn a little bit more and it becomes easier.
