I feel most of the answers to our questions and problems are inside of ourselves. The trick is to know how to understand, listen and interpret that knowledge. In our everyday lives our conscious mind is so busy nattering away at us we learn to tune out perhaps vital information.
One of the best ways to find solutions to our problems is to keep track of our dreams and take note of any patterns. How many times have you dreamt this dream? When do you dream it? Is it always under stress?
Some people believe they don’t dream. Everyone dreams, you just don’t remember them. In studies where the test subject is awakened when going into REM (rapid eye movement, this is when dreaming takes place) the person will daydream more and have problems focusing on normal daily tasks.
If you can’t remember your dreams start keeping track of your daydreams and see what they may symbolize and see if there is a pattern they always take. Are you always the hero?
When we sleep, our conscious mind becomes quiet and our subconscious emotions and hidden agenda start to reveal themselves, usually in symbol form.
Keep a notebook and pen beside your bedside to record your dreams immediately upon awakening. Most dreams are forgotten within ten minutes of being awake. This is why most people who say they don’t dream think so.
Most dreams are a way of dealing with everyday stress and it is shown to us in symbol form. Very few dreams are ones of prophecy. I have found that those dreams appear to be more than real. Sounds odd but I don’t know of a better way to explain it. They usually will stick in your mind for days after. It might also be a long time before the meaning of this type of dream becomes clear.
I also believe that many of us gain knowledge while in a dream state. This is sometimes referred to as astral traveling. (more on this in a later blog)
I usually find that dream interpretation books are a little disappointing in their interpretations of dreams. It is always a good idea to see if you can discover the school of philosophy of which the author is an advocate. For example, if they are a follower of Freudian teachings, all interpretations will be based on some repressed sexual thoughts.
From my own experience, I usually follow the following formula. I find the main theme in the dream represents you. For example, you dream of an old house and you are wandering from room to room looking for something, that house is the inner thought of yourself. Maybe you feel you are getting older and life is passing you by and you don’t know what direction to take. Searching the rooms shows you looking inside of yourself for directions you can now take. The house is old but is it in good repair? Does it need some sprucing up. This person should then look after their diet and exercise program. Even a check up at the doctor maybe in order.
The following are some common dream themes interpreted that I have found to be very accurate. Hope you find them helpful as well.
The sense of falling, being chased, climbing, being suffocated or drowning: This is a very common type of dream. Here the dreamer is without a doubt having problems dealing with stress and difficulty with everyday life. The greater the emotional anxiety, the greater the fear of the problem, the more terrifying the dream will be.
Are you being chased by a bear or a truck? What you are being chased by and how you feel consciously about the animal (or whatever) gives clues to what the problem is.
Maybe you associate bears with anger. Maybe you are angry at yourself but afraid to admit it. Most of us deny how we truly feel about things. Your true feelings always show up in your dreams.
If you notice in your dream diary every time you see a certain person you have a stress related dream, this can be helpful to put you in touch with how you really feel about them even though outwardly you might think differently.
Pay special note to see if whatever is causing you causes you or if you each the top of the mountain or stairs you are climbing or if you fail or fall to the bottom. This can be a clue as to how to solve the problem. If I have a problem and need help, when I retire that night I give my mind the affirmation That I will have the answer in the morning. The following morning, I pay special attention to the dreams I had the night before. How you feel during the dream is the biggest key to unlock the meaning.
Dreams of death dying and loss: These types of dreams happen often as well. People will sometimes panic when they have this kind of dream feeling that it will actually happen. Remember, we dream in symbols. Very rarely does it mean someone will die. These kinds of dreams usually happen when we are undergoing a transformation of some kind and we feel a sense of loss or mourning, for example, you maybe beginning or ending a relationship, or moving or changing jobs.
On a spiritual level these dreams represent the completion of a karmic tie. If in your dream you see someone die, this means the karmic bond between you is finished and you now can have a relationship on another level. For some it is a way of working out their fears related to death and loss.
Animals: Birds usually indicate a message. You would need to look at the type of bird and the over all feeling of the dream to understand the message. Say the bird was a blue jay, which are perky and playful with lots of energy, this could mean you will have dealings with a person of this nature or you will receive happy news. Trust your own instincts.
For some to dream of kittens would be wonderful but if you dislike cats, the dream will have a whole different meaning.
We all have an animal totem ( the animal our spirit relates to and has characteristics of), plus animal spirit guides. Animals in our dreams gives us great insight to who we are and the nature of the obstacles we need to overcome.
Water: Take careful note of any dreams that pertain to water. The condition of the waterless us know what is happening in our lives. If the water is clear and calm, your life and future look peaceful. If the water is muddy and turbulent, you guessed it, troubled times ahead. Hopefully if you see yourself in a boat it doesn’t sink!
Always look to the vessel your in, on the water. If it is a good and sturdy, then you know you have a good support system to help no matter what the water is like. If it is a leaky raft and sinking, better hang on for a rough passage in your life.
To dream you are fishing and catching lots of fish shows a time of abundance and fulfillment in your life. Again use your judgement and trust how you are feeling at the time of the dream. If the water was stormy but you felt calm, that’s wonderful. This shows how well you can handle this situation.
Buildings: In this case establish the type of building and the state of repair it is in. If you enter the building, how did it feel inside? Pretend that you have had a dream of an old large house with many rooms and you find yourself looking for the library. The house is good repair except the second floor. This shows there is some information you need to seek out to learn to take better care of yourself. Figure out where your second floor might be physically located on your body. Use your dreams to help you. Are your buildings cold and foreboding or warm and friendly? How do you feel when you see them?
Talking to someone you haven’t seen or thought off in a long time: This is a very special dream. It is possible to be telepathically in touch with there. When we are relaxed and in a dream state it is easier to pick up thoughts and messages that are being sent or felt about us. It is common for someone to dream about another and surprise, surprise a week later they receive a letter or visit from the person in the dream.
When someone we care about has died this is a wonderful way to work out our emotions surrounding the loss. To dream about a lost love one is very comforting and helps us deal with the reality of the death in a less painful way.
As you can see our dreams are a wealth of information. I have barely touched on how you can interpret them. Hopefully the formula That I use will get you started in unravelling the mysteries of your own dreams.
Affirmation: I allow myself to be in touch with the power and meanings of my dreams.
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