Everybody dreams – several times during sleep. Not everyone remembers their dreams but this can be developed (see below). The importance of dreams has been recognised since earliest recorded history. Sadly, we have somewhat turned away from this fruitful connection with our inner world. But for emotional and spiritual growth and a healthy awareness of self, dreams are a rich source of sustenance.

Working with dreams can be challenging as they often inform us of aspects of ourselves that we may not wish to acknowledge. For example, if we have been taught not to express anger, then we may repress this natural emotion. However, it is likely to appear in dreams in some form. Dreams can help us break away from limiting conditioning and beliefs – and they tell it like it is – having no respect for our waking life tendencies to please others or obey ‘old rules’.

Hints for Helping You to Remember Dreams

Keep a dream journal – this is like a message to your unconscious mind that you are willing to work on your dreams. Even fragments of dreams can be very important, so don’t disregard these.

Write the dream in the first person – “I am sitting……..etc” , this helps keep the dream vivid in your mind. When writing down the dream you will often come upon puns and plays on words that our dreaming mind uses – often with great humour – that aid insight.

Draw a sketch of the dream, or some of its aspects – it doesn’t matter if you feel you can’t draw, even ‘stick’ drawings are useful.

Note down the feeling quality of the dream – this is very important.

Give the dream a title – this will assist you in recognising any patterns.

The Aha! moment: This what we are after in dream work. It is a definite felt sense of recognition that lets you know you have found meaning in the dream. It often takes the dreamer by surprise.