Since the dawn of mankind, in every culture around the world, dreaming has been an important tool for transformation and for gaining a deeper understanding of the inner workings of the mind.
It’s only been recently that people have come to believe that, at best, dreams are entertainment, and at worst, a terrific annoyance. In the last days, G-d says, I will pour out my spirit on all people, Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Acts 2:17
However, dreams are a gateway into the realms of spirit and the subconscious mind, and can be tapped into by anyone who ever does any sleeping! Dreams can offer insights into situations, and can even be prophetic or clairvoyant in nature. Surprisingly, even the bible has nearly 100 references on the importance of dreaming!
Keep a dream journal
One of the most important parts of doing dreamwork is remembering your dreams. And you can begin to do this by keeping a dream journal. Every morning on waking, immediately write down your dreams. This is very important because even the simple act of getting up out of bed to use the bathroom can cause the fragile wisps of dreams to vanish. If you didn’t remember anything, write that down too. It will happen eventually. What is important is that you are setting the intention and developing the habit of remembering.
If you don’t have time to write down your dreams, try setting your alarm clock for five minutes earlier. This simple act can also actually help you to remember more of your dreams!
“Dreams are not on our case, they are on our side.” Robert Moss
Not dreaming at all?
Try setting your alarm for about three hours after you’ve fallen asleep. Everyone dreams, just not everyone remembers. If you tend to dream early in your sleep cycle, it will be harder to remember your dreams in the morning.
Try drinking a few sips of water as you are sitting in bed, just before sleep. As you sip, repeat to yourself “I will remember my dreams in the morning.”
When you wake, don’t open your eyes, don’t even move, just lie in that position and think about your dream. If you do happen to roll over, try going back to the position you were in while you were dreaming. Science cannot say why, but for some reason, returning to the position you were dreaming in can help with dream recall.
Don’t give up if you find it difficult to remember your dreams. Even if all you are writing in your dream journal each morning are the feelings from the dream, or even vague images, you are still on your way to remembering.
Remembering your dreams can not only help you solve problems, and offer insights into personal situations, but doing dreamwork also helps you to understand a part of yourself that would normally remain hidden. It is through this unknown aspect of yourself where healing, creation and inspiration spring forth, allowing you to reach deeper levels of understanding and personal transformation.
