People dream, sometimes having very strange dreams. At times, the same dream may recur, seemingly trying to convey a message to individuals. Could this be a precognitive dream? Is there a way to understand the meaning behind such dreams?
American psychotherapist F. Diane Barth wrote in Psychology Today that dreams have long been a part of human culture. Today, people view dreams through the perspectives of science, superstition, evolution, culture, and psychology. Dreams often symbolize individuals’ attempts to resolve conflicts and difficulties that arise in their waking lives, serving as a way to regulate emotions.
Barth provided an example where two women dreamt of a majestic mountain peak. One of them was suffering from a life-threatening illness, interpreting the mountain as a symbol of impending death. She said, “I know it is coming for me, but I need not be afraid.”
The other woman, pregnant with her second child, dreamt of a grand mountain standing beside a smaller, less prominent ridge. She saw the two mountains as representing her two children: the first child growing stronger as they aged, while the second child was still small but gradually growing inside of her.
Barth stated that the purpose of dreams may shift with the current issues in our lives. The recurrence of old dreams might indicate a need to reexamine past problems to address new challenges or serve as subtle reminders from our psyche – highlighting past successes that could help us navigate present difficulties.
Much like how the same symbol can hold different meanings for different individuals, symbols can also capture and encompass cultural differences. The same dream may hold varying significance for someone raised in South America compared to someone from France.
Barth suggested that one of the best ways to understand the possible meanings of recurring dreams is to keep a dream journal. Here are the four key elements of keeping a dream journal:
– It should be specifically used to record dreams.
– Keep the journal and a pen by your bedside before sleeping, allowing you to record the dream upon waking.
– Store your journal in a secure place to protect your privacy.
– Regularly record your dreams in it.
Once you have your journal ready, pay attention to the following:
– Quickly jot down your dreams upon waking, as dreams occur in memory-impaired areas of the brain and fade rapidly.
– Record everything you remember – images, sounds, colors, shapes, characters, thoughts, plotlines, and feelings are all important.
– Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, punctuation, or complete sentences. Focus on capturing the dream content as swiftly as possible.
– If you can’t recall any content, try noting the feelings during and after the dream.
– Date your entries; if you might forget the specific date upon waking, some people prefer to write the date on a blank page at the beginning of the journal each night and adjust it accordingly in the morning if they did not record a dream.
Barth noted that once you develop the habit of recording your dreams, it’s essential to periodically review them, such as every three weeks. Look for patterns, recurring themes, and images in your dreams.
Let these images float in your mind. Avoid trying to forcefully interpret them. If you wish to understand what they mean to you personally, refrain from using dream interpretation apps. On the other hand, sharing these images with loved ones might spark interesting or helpful insights.
In dreams, understanding and caring individuals may see messages that you may have missed.
Barth recounted an instance where a friend repeatedly dreamt of a jar of mustard but couldn’t understand its meaning. Upon sharing the dream with her husband, he asked if it was French mustard or Grey Poupon. When she said “Grey Poupon,” he reminisced about the enjoyable time they spent in France before their child was born.
Upon hearing this response, she realized that the dream symbolized an underlying worry – the growing distance in their relationship.
In conclusion, Barth reassured that even if friends and family cannot help interpret your dreams, there’s no need to worry. Keep an open mind and stay receptive. Over time, as you reflect on the images and thoughts from your dreams, your brain will guide you in understanding what you seek.
Furthermore, Canadian psychotherapist Nicholas Balaisis suggested that a good starting point for dream interpretation is to engage in loose and free associations around the key images and themes in the dream. For instance, if you dream of specific people or places, you can begin by reflecting on the meanings they hold for you.