by Last Updated on July 27, 2021 by Avia
Suggested Answers to the Question: What is a Dream?
I get a lot of emails, and often I get the question: What is a dream? Great ask, and I’ve got answers. Determining dream meaning depends on our own beliefs about dreams. There are countless perspectives on what dreams are.
For example, many believe dreams are nothing more than a secretion made by the mind to release mental experiences. In this, rather sterile view dreams are dumping grounds for mental processes so the mind doesn’t get overcrowded. As the body rests and rejuvenates itself, the mind empties out a day full of reflections.
The antithesis of this view is that dreams are like the missing half of life, and dreams make a human whole. In this view, humans are two parts of a whole: One part is the waking aspect – the part of us that is awake and active. The second part is the sleeping self – the aspect of us that is sleeping or passive. Dreams are a manifestation of that passive half.
Even if we were to take the “mental dumping” perspective of dreams…we can still learn from them. Dreams can recapitulate our daily life experience and we can study this for a different angle on life. If dreams are indeed a regurgitation of our daily life, then we can observe these “play-backs” for more definition and meaning.
“Dreams are more real than reality itself, they’re closer to the self.”
~ Gao Xingjian
Of course, our search for clarity and meaning of dreams is made more profound if we consider the magical potential of dreams. Looking at dreams as a source of inspiration and sacred wisdom can open up a broad variety of learning. Too, this type of learning is unconventional and as such, it can offer unique solutions.
At their simplest, the meaning of dreams can serve as a recording of what we are experiencing in our daily life. This recording can be played back (in the form of recalling dreams or a dream journal) for another perspective of the action in our lives.
At their most radical, meaning of dreams can afford us a level of depth that can completely rock our world. Dreams can open up a view that will revolutionize our understanding of ourselves and the worlds we live in (yes, “worlds” because in dreams there are many, many worlds within which to tap for specialized knowledge).
Whether you prescribe to one of these polar views about dreams, or choose to stand somewhere in the middle of these two views – to be sure, dreams do happen, and there is a lot of potential wisdom to be gleaned from them.
I hope you enjoyed this article answering the question “What is a dream” and exploring dream meaning. If you dig this article, be sure to check out other links below to dream meaning and ream interpretation tips.
As always, thanks for reading!
Sweet dreams,
Mighty brightly,
© Copyrighted. All Rights Reserved.
Other Articles of Interest on This Website
Common Dream Meanings
This article lists some common symbols found in dreams and potential dream interpretations for each. From the naked dream to loss of teeth dream, this post might help gain insight. Get more about common dream symbol meanings.
Types of Dream Meaning
Part of the art of interpreting dreams is learning about types of dreams. From nightmares to repeating dreams…knowing the kind of dreams we have can help understand the message behind them, and why we’re dreaming them. Check out the article on types of dream meanings here.
How to Interpret Dreams in Six Simple Steps
Interpreting dreams is so important. Dreams are a reflection of who we are, and when mined for meaning, they can uncover rich, rewarding insight. Learn more about how to interpret your dreams here.
