Dreams (1)

‘Dreams, the nocturnal wandering of the mind…and let me qualify that by saying that is the most accepted view or description. In fact, a dream isn’t bound to the dark hours, but may occur at any time when a subject reaches a semi-aware or unconscious state. Of course, images come in a heightened state of awareness, but we call those visions or daydreams- they are closely linked, the mind being the factor that binds. Now, the wandering of the mind can be wishful thinking, a fantasy conjured, which is either helpful or harmful, because, while not real, it has effect on wakeful activities. If the subject is unhappy, conjuring a better-life fantasy may provide inner peace and the confidence to achieve it, but it may also spiral the mind into a state of depression when the subjects wakes to find it unreal. In much the same way dreams of the perfect mate has an up and a down side…ask me, I know about that. But…all right. Dreams are problem solvers, particularly effective for those niggling matters of daily existence, and are generally pretty direct…the trick being to recall solutions before dreams fade on waking. I’d say those are most frequent, and includes psyche symbolism- for instance, a person feeling smothered by those around him would dream of drowning, so his unconscious is prompting a change, to take control again. Unluckily, they’re largely ignored. The mind can also take one into a comfort zone, the place or time one felt most content, like childhood or an enjoyable picnic with loved ones, and on waking one is refreshed. Your mind is thus also your healer. In much the same way you may recall a lost loved one and the images of familiarity may aid you in the future, like approval given for living while the other is gone- better than grief and guilt that handicaps in the real world. Often it’s the strength of your mind, and your memories, that determines which road to take- positive or negative.’ Lucan drew breath and looked up.