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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Later Ones Last The Longest

Nancy Bloom

Some people say they never dream, but the truth is they just don’t remember dreaming. Scientifically, it is proven that we all dream every night.

In a typical night of eight hours sleep, we experience five to six active dream phases. These dream phases are distinguishable from other sleep phases by what scientists call rapid eye movements (REM), which is eye movement from side to side.

As sleep progresses, the REM, or dream stage, increases in length and toward morning can last as long as 45 minutes to an hour. The dreams occurring during the early morning hours are more likely to be the ones remembered. Some of the other physical signs of the dream state are a decrease in muscular activity, an increase in blood pressure, and variability in breathing and pulse rate.

Dear Nancy: I am content being a wife and mother although I look forward to doing more for myself someday. I have trouble sticking with projects and ideas long enough to complete them and I seem to be unable to decide “what I want to be when I grow up.” I wonder if this dream addresses these issues. - Teresa

I am attending a convention in the basement of a building on a college campus. I go to the ladies room and hear an announcement that pictures will be taken in the next hallway. Everyone runs to the picture area to secure a place in line. We hear another announcement that helicopter rides are available. My mom and I run over to that area and are the first to get a seat on the helicopter. As we take off, we spot a huge (the size of a building), sleeping bear on a hill.

We notice a backpacker heading toward the bear and we fear for his safety. Just as the man comes to the bear, it wakes up, rolls over and looks directly at us in the helicopter. The man runs in fear but the bear ignores him. As we watch, more people see the bear, go up to touch it, and run away.

The helicopter ride continues and we do some fancy sideway and upside-down flying.

Dear Teresa: Conventions and colleges in dreams suggest the gathering together of the many parts of yourself for advanced learning and growth. You begin this dream in the basement which can represent the unconscious or that which is hidden. When the opportunities for pictures and helicopter rides are announced you run to take them. This is a very positive sign because each new opportunity is on a higher level than the last; the first is in the basement and the last is in the sky. This shows that even though it may seem to you that you don’t follow through on projects and ideas, in reality, you are striving for a life with no limitations.

The helicopter shows that “the sky is the limit” for you and also provides an overview of the situation, giving you a higher perspective. You can see the whole picture from this place.

The bear is one of my favorite symbols, personally. The fact that it is huge gives us a clue that this symbol has great power for you. He looks directly at you, ignoring all others. The bear is sleeping, or in a quiet, dormant state, showing you incredible untapped potential. I see a lot of strength and power awakening in you.

I would ask, “Am I afraid of my own power? How can I awaken and integrate the bear’s energy in my own life?” Watch for new opportunities, Teresa, and know that, for you, the sleeping bear has awakened.

xxxx