The Inner World of Dreams

dreams March 29th, 2009

The Inner World of Dreams by Katrina Valenzuela

Dreams are our own private language from our subconscious and higher levels of self. We spend one third of our lives sleeping and yet many are not at all curious as to where this time is spent, or to explore the incredible richness of the dreaming state.

There are many types of dreams, and the most easily recalled are simple ‘processing dreams’ in which we go over the events of the day and replay the emotions and situations in order to resolve conflicts. ”My dreams are never interesting or helpful, they just repeat what I already know.” Does this sound familiar?

People often give up on dream work because this frustrating theme is all they recall and to write it down seems to prolong the agony of a trying situation. These ‘processing dreams’ tend to occur in the first two ninety minute dream cycles, and in some cases the processing seems to take up all of the valuable dream time.

The length of actual REM (rapid eye movement) dreaming time extends with successive dream cycles, the most detailed and insightful dreams occurring in the last few hours of sleep. Naturally, if we do not sleep a sufficient number of hours the most valuable dream time is never reached. Studies show that we all need 7-8 hours, even workaholics who seem to think sleep deprivation is a virtue.

Many meticulous scientific studies of sleep and dreaming have been conducted over decades, and this information is readily available through a web search or a good bookstore. Although the scientific data is interesting and well worth exploring, I find the more metaphysical exploration of dreams to be far more fascinating.

Dream work can seem an impossible task, for especially for those whose schedules are constantly changing or who are consistently sleep deprived due to ailments or family demands. However, with patience, journaling and a consistent spiritual practice everyone can access higher level dreaming. That is where the real fun begins as we dream into the future, solve problems and create practical solutions effortlessly. Sometimes we really do need to get out of our own way in order to solve a problem.

In my experience over many years of dream journaling and counseling others in listening to their dreams, there is no meeting or event of great importance that we do not first dream about. When we meet someone and get that feeling that we have ‘met before’, it is often a case of having met in the dream state, and the relationship is simply continuing in waking state. Introductions take place long before we meet the person on the physical plane.

Throughout my life, I have dreamed into the future and I continue to gain valuable guidance in all life decisions by asking for a dream to show me the way. Before sleep, I write in my journal and address my question or concern to my higher self. Writing the question and dating the journal page ahead of time is a way of signaling spirit/higher self that we are ready to listen and to look deeply into the issue in order to gain a clearer perspective.

Upon awakening, I give the dream a title as if it is a movie or book. This creates a strand of memory that helps me recapture the dream details when I have time to write it out in detail. I used to keep one journal for dreams and another daily journal, but after a few years I could not find space for all those journals. Now, I condense them into one and I bracket the dreams so that I can find them easily. Periodically, I go back over them to note what has been portended in my dreams, often years ahead of the events.

Begin by keeping a journal of your dreams for a month. Trust that there is a part of you that is indeed in contact with a higher power. You may refer to that power and presence as God/Goddess/The Source/Infinite Creator. In any case, this presence is loving and good and available to all who ask for assistance. Other’s opinions can be helpful, but ultimately no one knows better what is best for you than you. We tend to forget that we are much more than our collection of fears, emotions, opinions and conditioned responses to life. We are the Self that experiences all of that.

If you have children, begin now to share dreams together at breakfast time or as you drive them to school. You will gain greater insight into how your children are coping with life and what fears and anxieties they may be experiencing; far more than if you directly ask them. Especially as they become teenagers, a non-judgmental parent who is a caring listener can be the key to a teenagers’ well-being.

I will post my list of common dream themes for reference, as they are common themes across all cultures and so have a certain validity. Read all you can about the common dream themes, but remember that every individual has their own inner language. In the meantime, please find a trusted dream partner and begin your journey. You will be amazed at how much inner wisdom awaits you. Enjoy your explorations into your inner world of dreams!

How to be a good dream partner

We need to share our dreams with supportive others who can help us reflect and gain greater insight into our dreaming world. This involves creating a safe, confidential space where we can tell our dreams without censoring or interruption and receive non-intrusive feedback.

Dream sharing has a long history among families and communities who honor the spiritual lives of their members. Dream sharing can bring people closer and resolve interpersonal conflicts when done in a spirit of co-operation.

Following are some guidelines to being a good dream partner:

Discuss and agree upon the importance of regular dream sharing, whether as a family or as a dream group.
Everyone agrees to keep a dream journal and bring it every time.
Begin by sharing dream titles only, what you would call your dream if it were a movie or a book.
When one person is sharing a dream, the others practice reflective listening, quietly and without reacting in any way.
When the dream sharer is finished speaking, ask them how they felt in the dream and if it relates to anything that they are consciously aware of or currently working on.
Always preface your comments with the words “If it were my dream.”

We must never presume to know more about the inner process of another than they do, or to impose our own beliefs and biases upon them. The same dream may have different meanings depending on many factors such as the stage of life of the dreamer, the feeling tone of the dream, the way in which the dream unfolds or resolves.

Keep the focus on the person who is sharing the dream. Hold a safe space for them as you listen with loving support.

Ultimately, only the dreamer can interpret their own dream, as it is a creation of their unique individual process. Your job is to listen and assist them in understanding the messages of their own inner being.

Use the Dream Worksheet below as a guideline for recording and sharing your dreams.

Dream Worksheet

Today’s Date
Date of Dream
Title of Dream

Theme or themes in this dream
Is this a recurring dream theme for you?
Your emotion in dream and upon awakening
Details that stand out or stay in your mind about dream
What is your higher self or subconscious mind trying to convey to you through this dream?