‘Graduating’ To A Happier Life
Dear Nancy: I just quit a job that was incredibly stressful for me. It took me over a year to actually resign because I have had no idea what to do next. I feel like I’m in limbo right now. This dream was very strong and vivid. What can you get from it? - Dana
I am about to graduate from college. I didn’t complete the math class because I was stressing out and dropped it, but I’m sure they will let me graduate anyway. I have chosen a vibrant, flamboyant outfit to wear to the graduation. I ask some other people what they think about my outfit and they are totally surprised. They say it doesn’t look like me. I reply with enthusiasm, “I know but I love it and it is the new me!”
Dear Dana: What a great dream and quite a confirmation of your state of being right now. It sounds like giving up this job was an incredible challenge for you and the graduation is your reward for doing well. The dream says that it wasn’t important that you complete the math class (your highly stressful business career) and that you are ready to graduate to a more lively and enjoyable time in your life.
The clothing you choose is flamboyant and festive. This suggests that you have new attitude, a new way of expressing yourself in the world.
The dream suggests that you actually go out and buy some new clothes, perhaps replacing the business wardrobe with something more fun and lighthearted. At any rate, Dana, enjoy your new found freedom and lightness of being!
Tips for readers: Last week I gave you some pointers on sharing dreams in a dream group. Here are some more tips:
The dreamer reads or tells the dream in the first person and the present tense all the way through without interruption. Then the group members can ask questions to clarify the dream, being careful not to project any of their own feelings or thoughts about the dream onto the dreamer. The dream is viewed as a sacred experience and is protected from intrusion at this point by the group’s own projections. The dreamer is the one who interprets the dream and the group acts as facilitator by asking the dreamer questions about the dream experience.
Be sure to consider literal meanings. If you dream of a car that’s running low on oil, check the oil in your car.
Look at the landscape of the dream. Where is the dream located? Notice the setting in a detailed manner. What color was the sky or water? Was the ground hard rock or soft dirt?
What is the “plot” of the dream? Notice if there is a story, based on three segments:
a. setting the stage
b. the drama takes place
c. resolution or non-resolution
Look closely at each of the dream figures, noticing details. These details can provide meaningful clues and insights for further exploration. How are these dream figures interacting with one another?
Look for contrasts and similarities in the dream. Are the characters in the dream similar or the same as in a former dream?
Watch for puns and metaphors. For example: A mouth full of gum that you can’t get out - “Can’t spit it out!” - may be the need to speak up; playing a game may mean you’re playing a game or being insincere with someone; flying may be “high” or “on top of the world,” etc.
xxxx