 By Eleanor Mendoza Whitney
Lately I have had some strange and telling dreams. They take place in settings like hospitals and medical offices. In my dream I am usually confused and trying to find a way out. You will not be surprised to learn that in real life, I have a family member with an upcoming procedure and that I am involved with preparing for it. When I share my medical office dream with my partner he will say with a raised eyebrow and a touch of playfulness, “Hmm, whatever could that mean?” Dreams can represent many things. They can show what our brain is processing as we sleep. They can reflect important events in our waking life. They can also reveal our fears and hopes. They can be a way for us to “try on” strategies like a dress rehearsal for our waking hours. Dreams can even have prophetic meaning, as in the Bible - they deliver a message from God. Sometimes I don’t know why I have had a certain dream but I have a sense of its importance. It sticks with me during my morning. When this happens, I like to take a moment of quiet and allow it to replay in my head. As I do, I ask myself questions like, “What is going on in my body as I watch this? What emotions are emerging for me? What does this remind me of?” My spiritual director can be really helpful for this process. She holds a safe space for me as I explore the dream. Sitting with a “sticky” dream and paying attention to my response can help me understand more about what my dream might mean to me. For example, I know that I am nervous about my family member’s upcoming procedure. Will we be ready? Do we know everything we need to know? I notice that I feel nervous, unsure and stressed. I can feel a physical sensation like a weight in my belly. When I allow emotional and physical responses to emerge, I can sense a shift in how I feel about it. Nervous and uncomfortable feelings make space for self-compassion and acceptance. I also notice God’s grace and companionship. I experience it as a feeling of calm. It doesn’t take away the challenge in my life, but feeling that God is with me as I move forward is a great blessing. Do you remember your dreams? Do you keep a dream journal or share your dreams with someone close to you? Have you had an important dream that sticks with you? What did you do about it or what would you like to do about it? |