Dreams
Changing Perceptions Along The Journey of Interpretation
Throughout history there have been ample views entertained as to the significance of dreams. In ancient civilizations, the most prevalent views where that dreams provided insight into challenging aspects of one’s life, and could predict events and provide individuals with inner guidance and healing. The Bible and other scriptures make countless references to dreams and the messages they conveyed. Individual dreams that influenced a change in strategy are well- documented in history books.
A form of imaginative dreaming known as dream incubation was a common practice in Greece, Egypt and Rome. Dream temples were abundant in Ancient Greece. Individuals would travel long distances to seek guidance from priests trained in the art of dreaming. During special dream incubation ceremonies, the healing God, Asclepius, would be invoked. The participants believed that healing would occur when Asclepius, would appear during the individual’s dream state and provide insight and wisdom that would lead to healing.
Conflicting theories surrounding the interpretation of dreams remain abundant today. Sigmund Freud theorized that dreams had symbolic meaning that could be understood by having knowledge of the dreamer’s behavior. Freud wrote that most dreams could be linked to repressed and infantile sexual drives. Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist, believed that the dreamer had final say when it came to deciphering a dream. He also believed that dreams were messages from the deepest layers of our unconscious which he named the collective unconscious. Jung used archetypes to describe the contents of our collective unconscious. Archetypes are patterns that are found within the unconscious of each one of us. For example, a cave can suggest exploring the depths of the inner self, new life and creativity or a safe place. Jung believed in the power of intuition in contrast to limiting oneself to logic when attempting to make sense of our dreams. His writings on the collective unconscious have been a source of debate for many.
A student at the University of Chicago made an observation that would change the way in which sleep and the phenomenon of dreaming were understood. Eugene Aserinsky observed babies’ eyes darting back and forth while asleep. Further observation and research suggested that dreaming occurred during the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep cycle. The REM cycle alternates with the NREM cycle (non rapid eye movement) throughout the night. The identification of these two cycles has led to a better understanding of sleep disorders in the medical community. In his book Moments of Engagement: Intimate Psychotherapy in a Technological Age, Peter D. Kramer, MD raises the question whether specific medicines produce dreams with similar characteristics. Dr. Kramer observed that some of his patients taking the same drug for high blood pressure experienced dreams with similar themes. The most recent research has shown that dreaming occurs in both NREM and REM sleep. The REM sleep cycle has been credited with vivid dreaming.
Researchers will continue to study the complexities of sleep and dreaming. New theories will be formulated and the debate as to the significance of dreams will continue. In the meantime, attempting to recall your dreams and make sense of them can be a new, challenging and rewarding experience.
Exploring Your Dreams
Substances, conditions and situations that have a negative impact on sleep and the dream state are: misuse of caffeine, alcohol and nicotine; side effects of medication; depression, anxiety and chronic stress; shift work; excessive napping, and jet lag. Keep these in mind when deciding to explore your dreams further.
There are various approaches to consider when attempting to understand or make sense of your dreams. Some of the most prevalent ones are listed below:
Journaling & Self Exploration: Write down your dream in detail upon waking up. Include any other thoughts that come into conscious awareness. Make sure you include your feelings and emotions experienced during the dream. Do not sensor or judge your thoughts. Recall any colors, scents, feelings, symbols, etc. What did you like about the dream? What did you find aversive? What did you learn or become aware of? Does this dream remind you of an event in your life? Go back and revisit your writings 4 to 8 weeks later. What thoughts come to your mind? What new awareness has surfaced? Do you feel the same about the dream now as opposed to when you first experienced the dream?
Mental Health Professional: Many psychotherapists and counselors have post- graduate training in dream interpretation. They can provide you with information on their training and how they approach the interpretation of dreams. You should feel comfortable with their philosophy regarding dream interpretation. Remember it is your dream and your own personal experience that is most important.
Books and other literature: there exist ample information on interpreting dreams through symbols. Use this information as a guide. Allow your intuition and experiences to play a role in the final interpretation or message.
Dream Circles / sharing your dream: Members of the circle take turns sharing their dreams. Other members comment on thoughts and emotions that surface as each dream is recalled. This group is more about dialogue and sharing than it is about direct interpretation. It allows you to consider other possibilities. It is a powerful approach because it is guided by spontaneity, genuine thoughts and intuition. If you are not comfortable sharing in a group setting, you can consider sharing the dream with a friend or two. Sometimes while verbalizing your dream to others more information/recall will surface helping you better make sense of your dream.
We all dream even though we might not remember. Dreams are the gateway to our unconscious world. Dreams help us make sense of things and uncover hidden truths. They can provide us with added insight by releasing a flood of treasures from our unconscious that lead the way into unique ways of knowing.