Freedom Theme Evident Here, Too

Thu., June 20, 1996

Nancy Huseby Bloom

Dear Nancy: I have worked through some major issues in therapy regarding my childhood. As a child I was sexually abused and treated very poorly. There were family secrets I was forced to keep.

Last year I attended a family reunion. At one point I became quite angry and stated that I was no longer willing to be treated poorly in any way, by any of them. It may have looked like I “lost it,” but I now realize it was the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. In that moment, I regained my self-esteem.

I now feel like a new person. I no longer allow anyone to belittle me in any way. I stand up for myself and like who I am.

Throughout my life I’ve had many dreams of having too many clothes on, heavy clothing that weighs me down and is smothering me. In some of the dreams this clothing seems to be Russian. I am usually unable to take these garments off.

After the reunion my dreams radically changed. I’d like your view on my dream. - Marie

I am suddenly nude, and I look down at my body and see that it is beautiful (although it’s not that nice in real life). I am surrounded by people I feel comfortable with. I feel happy and set free.

Dear Marie: Being naked in a dream is usually a very positive sign. It shows the ability to expose and express our true selves with freedom and innocence. In contrast, the heavy clothing in your previous dreams is restricting, and feels inappropriate and burdensome. “Russian” apparel suggests lack of freedom and confinement. The family secrets could be these layers of heavy clothing. Only when you stood up for yourself and “threw them off” were you able to feel totally free and accepting of yourself. You made a major breakthrough that day of the reunion, Marie, and your dreams are reflecting that change.

Tips for readers: Paying attention to clothing in a dream can tell you much about how you are feeling about yourself, and especially the image you are presenting to the world. Some points to ponder are:

Is the dream clothing worn and tattered? This may indicate the need to value yourself or work on self-esteem. Wearing old clothes suggests you may be carrying old and worn-out ideas and beliefs.

Are you looking for, or buying new clothes in the dream? This indicates a desire for change of perspective, perhaps even lifestyle.

Are you choosing what to wear from a closet or drawer full of various types of clothing? This suggests that you have many options, talents or abilities to choose from.

Is the clothing light and colorful, or dull in character? Colorful clothing suggests joy and life, while drab colors indicate apathy, depression or listlessness.

Finding yourself without clothing in a dream can be quite shocking. If you feel comfortable, it indicates that you are at ease with yourself and feel no need to hide who you are. If, on the other hand, you are trying to cover up, feeling exposed, it is signaling that you are feeling vulnerable. Are you afraid to reveal your true inner self? If the dream is sexual in nature, it could be bringing your desire for sex to the forefront.

xxxx

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