Keys to interpreting your dreams successfully
The exact meaning of dreams is up to each individual dreamer,
since each dream is unique to the mind that created it. There
are many interpretations of virtually any object, place or
person encountered in a dream, but each of those objects,
people, and places are open to alternate explanations as well.
Those wishing to analyze their own dreams often do so out of a
desire to use those dreams to make decisions or gain control
over issues in their working life. Whether you wish to analyze
dreams simply for the fun of it or to gain access to your
subconscious mind, it is important to capture your dreams
properly in order to analyze them. Keeping a dream journal is a
great way to keep track of your dreams, and to look for patterns
that may emerge after a few weeks. Even those who do not have
recurring dreams often notice the same themes popping up again
and again, and a dream journal can help uncover these
connections. This article will provide you with some times for
getting the most out of your dream world, and using that world
to improve your waking life. Immediately upon
awakening, play the dream back in your head several times.
Playing the dream back in your mind will help you remember those
all important details that are so quickly forgotten. Be
sure to move quickly when recording your dreams. The dream world
is one of the most ethereal, and one of the most easily
forgotten. It is estimated that as much as half of the dream can
be forgotten in as little as five minutes, and after as little
as ten minutes almost all of the dream can be lost.
Write a quick description of the dream as quickly as
possible, focusing on the key symbols and themes of the dream.
Write down any words or descriptions that jump out at you. It is
not necessary to write a full narrative of the dream at this
point; simply record how the dream felt, some of the objects
that were encountered, and similar details. After the
initial impressions of the dream have been recorded, read over
your notes and start filling in the gaps. The dream narrative
can be recorded at this point.
Look for a quiet place in which to start interpreting
and analyzing your dream. It is important to choose an area free
of distractions, and to concentrate on what the dream really
means. If no quiet room is available at the moment, take a last
look at your notes and come back to them later when you can find
a quiet place. Pay close attention to your feelings as
you review your dream notes. First impressions about the meaning
of a dream are often quite accurate. Also pay attention to the
context of the dream, where it took place, and the feelings it
engendered both while in the dream world and upon waking.
If you meditate, that can be a big help in trying to
capture the deeper meaning of the dream. A few minutes of quiet
meditation can reveal much of the nature of the dream.
In reviewing your dream notes, examine the emotions they stir in
you. Pay attention to the emotional state that existed in the
dream. Pay particular attention to any details that
stand out. Vivid parts of your dream, or those that can be
remembered long after the dream, are often the most important.
When examining you dream and looking for the meaning of
symbols, it is important to not limit yourself to the most
common interpretations. Remember that each dream is as unique as
the person who dreamt it.