Heralding Something Important
Dear Nancy: I am a nonpracticing Christian. I had this dream two years ago, six months before I renewed my relationship with Michael, an old boyfriend. We dated for a year and had a terrible time. He was unable to commit and finally we split up, much to my sorrow. I haven’t forgotten this dream, it was so strong. Can you help me understand it? - Darleen
I am in a park having a picnic with Michael. A loud noise, like a sonic boom, attracts our attention skyward. The clouds part and an angel appears. The angel speaks and says, “Come with me.” I turn and walk to the angel, feeling peaceful and calm. People around me are running and screaming. I turn back to get Michael and see him flirting with two girls. I walk over to him, the girls leave, and we walk into a tall, thick forest. He never did see the angel.
Dear Darleen: Since this dream came before your relationship was renewed with Michael, I believe it was a preview of your experience with him. The park setting suggests relaxation and joyful activity. The announcement of the angel’s presence comes with a boom. In this way the dream says, “Pay attention. This is important.”
The angel says, “Come with me,” which sounds like an invitation to come closer to God or your higher self. The angel is in the sky, suggesting that you look upward and focus on what is above earthly concerns. The call is to follow a more spiritual path in whatever manner is appropriate for you.
You are walking toward the angel, but then turn back to get Michael. This is a crucial point in the dream because you make the choice at that point to turn your attention to Michael. You see him flirting with the girls which gives you an indication of his unwillingness to be faithful. Walking into the forest with Michael rather than turning toward the angel indicates that your choice will be to enter dark and unknown terrain. We all have choices and make decisions that affect our lives. Now that Michael is out of your life, you may want to reconsider the angel’s offer, Darleen.
Tips for readers: Have you ever had a dream or nightmare that left you feeling frightened or disturbed? One of the dream-work methods that can help a person understand and resolve nightmares is called “dream re-entry.”
To use this technique, the dreamer deliberately re-enters the dream in a quiet, meditative state and re-experiences it. It is important to note details and experience the emotional impact of the dream again, consciously.
From this perspective the dreamer can choose to change the dynamics and actions in the dream. These changes can produce deep shifts in attitudes and actions in the waking life.
For instance, my friend Bob has had several dreams of being chased and terribly wounded by thugs. He always wakes up from this in terror and feeling helpless. By going back into his dream in the waking state and knowing what was coming, Bob was able to confront and overpower his adversaries. He was prepared and knew what he needed to do.
As Bob worked on re-imaging his dream, his defensiveness and fears of confrontation were reduced and he became more courageous and confident. He found it easier to express his feelings in difficult circumstances in his waking life.
By working with dreams in this way, we can work through fears and be more creative in our waking life.
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