This Well May Be Good Insight

Anxiety and apprehension are probably the most common emotional states in dreams. These feelings come up in dreams of all kinds, including dreams of falling, trying to get somewhere and feeling paralyzed, feeling helpless in the face of disaster, or having too many things to do at once.

Other scenarios include being robbed of a cherished possession, losing a loved one, feeling lost and not knowing which way to go, etc.

In sleep time, when our defenses are down, these dark, troubling thoughts can show themselves in our dream plots and scenarios. Although these dreams are usually very uncomfortable, by examining them, we can discover not only the depth of our anxiety but also the issues and situations in our waking life that we need to address and change.

The willingness to explore and study these types of dreams can be very rewarding. They do not come just to torture and cause us anguish. They are our psyche’s way of providing valuable insight into the challenges of our waking life and dramatizing the need for immediate attention to these challenges.

Dear Nancy: I’m 30 years old, single and have a somewhat stable job. I just bought my first home and I’m feeling good about it although I feel a bit overwhelmed with the responsibility. I don’t normally have fearful dreams, so this one surprised me. Could you help me figure it out? - Sharon

A very powerful man has a gun and is intending to shoot my two dogs. I am connected to him in some way, possibly living with him. We are inside the house with two young boys. I ask the man to leave the dogs alone, but he is intent on killing them. The dogs run down the basement steps and he follows them.

I grab a baby monkey and run out of the house. Instead of pursuing the dogs, the man and the boys come after me, trying to find me. I hide and hold the monkey close to keep it warm and safe. The younger boy finds me and tells me he will not tell the man where I am.

Dear Sharon: On the telephone we eliminated the possibility that this aggressive and threatening man could be someone you associate with in your waking life. The next natural step is to view him as a part of your own psyche, a part that is disruptive and demanding attention.

Animals in dreams usually represent our natural instincts. The dogs are pets, part of the “family,” and can be viewed as a part of you. Is the masculine (intellectual, aggressive, practical) part of yourself trying to control or eliminate your own natural expression and way of being in the world?

The baby monkey you save gives us a hint of the possible cause of this conflict. Monkeys are playful and fun-loving creatures. They are mischievous and spirited. Have you felt the need to control or subdue your playful nature because of your new responsibilities and debts?

The dream suggests the need to “save” these playful and lighthearted aspects of yourself. We need to have cooperation with all parts of ourselves. In this way we find a balance and natural rhythm between work and play, obligation and creativity.

I would suggest going back into the dream. In a quiet meditation, rather than hiding, face your pursuer. Ask him why he wants to destroy the animals. Find a resolution with him. Establish a friendship and mutual cooperation that will enable you to respect both the playful and serious aspects of your nature.

Good luck, Sharon.

xxxx