This Is About Courage, Choice

This column is intended as entertainment. But psychologists who work with clients’ dreams say that dreams can hold a tremendous amount of significance; a particularly disturbing or repetitive dream may indicate the need to see a therapist.

Dear Nancy: I worked for the federal government for 17 years and my exhusband was in the Navy. I’ve been very patriotic in the past, but for several years I’ve felt disillusioned because of the way our government has been operating. This dream was very striking to me and I would like to know what it means. - Charlotte

I am standing on a ledge. Below me is a pool of water. The American flag completely covers the surface of the water. I know if I jump, I will drown. I decide to jump, and somewhere between breaking the surface of the water and going farther down, I wake up.

Dear Charlotte: The most surprising part of your dream is the choice you make to jump into the water and drown! Standing on a ledge or cliff in a dream illustrates that you are about to make a choice. You can step back from the edge or jump and go forward to experience the next adventure in your life. You jump, taking the step that will bring you radical changes in your way of thinking, behaving or lifestyle.

Water is a symbol of emotional energy in dreams. This water is completely covered by the American flag which implies that your real feelings about the government are being covered up or hidden by what you perceive as your duty or patriotism to your country. You are also extremely brave and willing to jump into the water in order to know your true feelings about this issue. Fear of drowning may be a sign that you’re afraid of being swallowed up or overwhelmed by these feelings. Drowning may also represent baptism into the new “you” that acknowledges all your feelings.

Ask yourself, “Can I honor both my country and myself, finding the balance between patriotism and my own perception of truth?” This dream is quite a confirmation of your courage and determination to know your truth, and your willingness to die (or giving up life as you know it) for that truth. Congratulations, Charlotte.

Dear Nancy: This was a real exciting dream for me. What do you think it could mean? - Marie

I am with a small group of people consisting of co-workers and friends. I see a man standing across the room. He has a big, wide smile and his teeth are covered with diamonds. On his tongue is a small pile of diamonds. I am smiling back. I feel very fascinated and attracted to him. I feel so happy that he is here.

Dear Marie: This dream is vivid in its portrayal of good fortune smiling on you. This seems to be a spiritual dream bringing you a message of goodwill. The man is a messenger from God or the God within and the diamonds represent perfection and purity. The diamonds in the mouth show that your powers of communication have incredible value and healing energy.

These types of dreams come to reassure and comfort us and to bring us confidence and inspiration. This dream is telling you that you have a great gift in your ability to communicate, whether writing or speaking. I sure hope you give it a try. This could be a new direction for you.

xxxx