Why you Should Resolute to Record Your Dreams

Dreams are rather remarkable when you think about them. Transported to another realm where you'll only limit is the imagination and experiences of a life lived, but why do we dream? Can dreams really provide us with a deeper insight into our subconscious minds?

The ability to dream is the ultimate virtual reality and has been marveled at since ancient times. Throughout the ages and in different cultures dreams were considered to hold prophetic powers, and the key to your deepest desires, wishes, anxieties, and nightmares.

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The Power of Recording Dreams

Sleep occurs in 5 stages, each stage has the aim to recharge the mind and body. It's the 5th stage known as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) that is the most common stage for dreaming. Within an 8 hour sleep period, the average person is said to have at least 4-6 dreams.

However, once you wake up you don't always remember your dreams! The key is to have a notepad close by. As soon as you emerge write your experiences down. Over time you may start to see some patterns emerge in your dreams. If so then this may be an area you need to focus on in your daily life.

Sigmund Freud (b.1856 - d.1939) who was a psychoanalyst believed that dreams severed a purpose. He said that dreams were the manifestations of the unconscious mind. By dreaming, people could live out their deepest desires (and sexual fantasies, but we will not go down that path 😳)

However, the psychiatrist Carl Jung (b.1875 - d. 1961) who founded analytical psychology argued that dreams prepared us for future scenarios. Psychologist Antti Revonsuo (b.1963) discovered that during dreams there is an activity in the amygdala. this is the part of the brain responsible for the 'flight, fight or freeze' reaction when faced with danger! Therefore Revonsuo believed that the brain was just preparing itself for future events. In other words, it's just another mechanism for keeping us safe.

By recording your dreams you will gain a better understanding of yourself.

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5 Common Dream Meanings

Dreams About Falling

"Symbol of fear in real life - perhaps of failing at work or in your love life" - Russell Grant, Astrologer.

Dreams about falling from great heights are one of the most common dreams. These are often followed by a hypnic jerk that can wake you up suddenly. This is caused by muscle contraction occurring whilst we sleep. Dreaming of falling can be an anxiety-based dream and occur as a result of a fear of failure.

Dreams About Losing Teeth

Losing teeth can have multiple meanings from a fear of losing your attractiveness to loss and bereavement and even worries of public speaking or frustration over communication issues. If you are experiencing these dreams then you have lost something that is important to you or you are stressed/anxious about losing something.

Dreams About Being Chased

Being chased in a dream might indicate a desire to escape from your own fears or desires. Dreams, where you are being chased, can be particularly terrifying. They can indicate escape from your fears or that you are avoiding something in real life.

The key to understanding such dreams might be making a note of the identity of your pursuer. If your pursuer is a mysterious, unknown figure, it might represent a bad experience or past trauma. If you are being chased by someone of the opposite sex this could mean you are afraid of or avoiding relationship difficulties. If it's an animal then you may be avoiding coming to terms with your own feelings

Dreams About Flying

Dreams, where you are flying, can feel rather exciting unless, of course, you are not a fan of heights! These dreams can indicate a desire for freedom, independence, and escapism or on the other hand can spell out success.

Dreams About Infidelity

"If you or your partner cheated in your dream, one of you isn't getting what you need from that relationship right now" - Eve Adamson and Gayle Williamson, The Complete Idiot's Guide Dream Dictionary.

Dreaming about infidelity especially when in a relationship can be distressing. In most cases, this could be seen as a reflection of what you fear or your brain playing out the 'what if' scenarios. Infidelity dreams can also indicate trust and communication issues.

In Summary...

In order to develop your self-awareness, it may be a good idea to make a resolution to start noting down your dreams. What is your subconscious mind telling you? What areas of your life do you really need to work on.

Dreams are a reflection of you that indicate your true desires, hopes, frustrations fears, and anxieties.

What are your dreams telling you?

© Trisha Dunbar

Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only. If you have any concerns about your dreams and struggling to sleep due to this please seek advice from a medical professional.

*Footnotes: B = Born D = Died.