DREAMS

The Importance of Paying Attention

Materials Needed

·      Journal

·      Coloured pens/ markers

·      (Optional) recording device

·      The notes app on your phone (can use talk to text)

Paying attention to the information our dreams hold is an important component of this program. When we sleep, the unconscious and subconscious are able to fully awaken. It is in this state that deep healing can take place. This is also the arena that we can tap into etheric realms. By consciously recording the information and experiences we receive upon awakening, we gain greater insight into the workings of our mind, the spirit world and the intuitive wisdom we all hold regarding the paths that lay before us.

Recording our dreams is a great exercise to get used to before our awakening experience. However, if you have already gone through a spiritual awakening, it is never too late to begin recording what images, feelings and experiences you notice while in the dream state.

"I can't remember my dreams. I don't even think I dream." 

This can be a common misconception but the truth is that everyone dreams, whether we remember them or not. And there are ways we can work with our inner unconscious to begin to remember our dreams. Some of my favorites include:

1. Before going to bed set an intention to remember your dream. You could even at this point ask your subconscious a question that you would like answered while you sleep. Write this question down to solidify your request before falling asleep.

2. While we sleep, we move from various brain states where higher and lower vibrational waves move through the brain. Upon our waking state we are at a Beta level brain state and during sleep we move into Alpha and Theta states, where the majority of our dreaming takes place. This state is also characterized as REM sleep. In this state, if we were to watch ourselves, we would notice the eyes moving from one side to another.

3. In order to remember our dreams, it helps us to wake up from these deeper sleep sates. A way I do this is to drink a large glass of water before bed, or to even set a soft alarm in the very early morning hours. By waking at this time of the early morning, I often awaken while in the REM state of sleep when I am dreaming. This gives me the opportunity to quickly record what I remember. I'm usually pretty groggy so will use voice to text or even just vocally record what I remember from the dream. After falling asleep again after this brief awakening, I tend to fall into what feels like a deeper dream state and the next time I wake up, I am better able to recall my dream.

4. As we create this pattern of remembering our experiences during our dreaming states, the information becomes more accessible and remembering becomes a part of the process. Be sure to always record what ever details you remember upon waking as well as the overall feeling or emotions you have after the dream.

Understanding Our Dreams

What our dreams mean are only true to ourselves. Although there is a collective consciousness and we are able to tap into these deep ideas, beliefs, archetypes and universal truths; when we are looking to interpret what a dream means, it is best to rely on what it may mean for you individually.

Dream Yoga

Notice the words you wrote down to describe your dream. Are there specific words that stand out? One method I've used is to circle or highlight every word that holds significance and then record these on a different page. I then go through each word and beside them, write a definition of what that word may represent to me. Once finished, I read these definitions in sequence and it is like reading into my dream on a whole new level! This is one method of extracting powerful and profound wisdom from your dreams. Although I've seen this method taught by various people, where I first learned it was from a book by Swami Sivananda Radha called Realities of the Dreaming Mind: The Practice of Dream Yoga.

Art and Dreams: A Gestalt Approach

Another powerful method for interpreting your dreams is through the use of art and reflection. In this method, I create a visual representation of a snapshot from my dream. It doesn't have to be a beautiful work of art, it is just a representation, although it is best to not use stick figures and instead create full bodies when they are present.

Really stay present with your body while creating by noticing feelings that come up and pay attention to your breath. This work is best done in a place that feels safe and serene for you. Light candles, burn incense, be sure that you will not be interrupted; whatever you need to do to feel comfortable and resourced.

Once finished your visual representation of the dream look at all the parts. Using an "I" voice, ask each part of the picture what messages it may have for you. Maybe there is someone at the window looking into a room? Ask it what message it has, answering with "I am, I have, I will", etc. Stay connected to your breath by breathing deep into the belly and feel your feet or seat on the ground. Allow the message to come through. Maybe this image outside of the window says, "I'm lonely" or "I'm curious" or "I am afraid" or "I want you to see me". Whatever comes up, just allow that message to arise and write it down, noticing what feelings this brings up for you. If you like, continue the dialogue and see what other messages may arise. 

This can also be done with inanimate objects like a table, door or lamp within your dream. Write down the messages you receive. Once finished, see if there is anything you would like to change in your visual representation. Is there anything that needs to be done for a healing or realignment to happen that you are able to create in the image in front of you?