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by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.
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Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

A Wellness Take On Dreams

Friday January 30, 2004

All that we see or seem
Is but a dream within a dream. (A Dream within a Dream)
Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dreamed before.
(The Raven)Â Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)

What poet worth his/her mÃ©tier and rhythm has not plumed the depths of dreams? Likewise, what philosopher, anthropologist, psychiatrist, counselor, priest, shaman, psychic, New Age phony and other deep-thinker or deep-thinker wannabe has not offered insights, interpretations and more regarding the nature and meanings of dreams? It may seem a little late for some Johnnie-come-lately wellness enthusiast like yours truly to chip in another two pence after all these notables, among them Aristotle, Freud and the Egyptians, Greeks, Jews, Hindus, Chinese and others, have opined for so long and in such depth on the topic. Am I crazy or what? "Shouldn't I stick to exercise?" you might ask, "or to other skill areas in the three dimensions of wellness?"

Ha! The other skill areas all are fair game for addressing dreams, particularly adaptations and challenges, stress management, emotional intelligence, effective decisions, factual knowledge, mental health and meaning/purpose. The wellness concept invites curiosity about all matters that affect physical and mental well-being, and dreams certainly meet that test.

Did you know some experts believe all human dreams express themes everyone shares? Based upon her surveys and research, a writer named Patricia Garfield has made the case that there are but twelve universal dream themes. These themes, Garfield holds, transcend all generations and cultures (See The Universal Dream Key, HarperCollins, 2001). Personally, I don't believe it. Call me a "bemused skeptic," if you like. But, assess for yourself--ere are Garfield's twelve dream themes. While they sound rather negative or nightmarish, each can have a positive quality or twist, claims the author (though I struggle to see what could be positive about most of them).

Being chased or attacked. Stress rules dreams.
Being injured, ill or dying --not just personally, but involving others, as well.
Car or other vehicle trouble. Often includes problems with an aircraft.
House or property loss or damage. Related dreams include loss of a wallet or purse, jewelry, etc.
Poor test or other adverse performance. A common variation is turning up late or unprepared for a test.
Falling or drowning. Said to be related to feeling insecure, or lacking a support system.
Being naked in public or inappropriately dressed. Finally, I can see the positive side of a universal dream theme! This one is a personal favorite. Maybe I'm not normal! Heaven forbid. (How can heaven "forgive?")
Missing the boat or other transport. Often interpreted as a sign one feels he is missing out on something.
Machine or telephone malfunction. Suggests losing touch, opines Garfield.
Disasters, both natural and man-made. Problems out of control are experienced as floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, bombings and so on.
Being lost or trapped. Buried alive is popular, as is locked in a cage. Or, you can't move or even breathe.
Being menaced by the dead! Entails being haunted or berated by someone who has died. Popular interpretation--you have feelings of guilt, resentment or abandonment.

I must be living in a wellness dreamland, for I cannot empathize with these allegedly universal themes. That is, they are NOT my themes, or else maybe I'm in denial or have a poor memory for dream recall. I dream up a storm every night, but can't recall much of this kind of activity. Where are the naked women, the huge crowds applauding at the finish lines, the adoring audiences giving standing ovations and the great banquets, glorious sunsets and sunrises and all that sort of thing? Are these not also universal themes? If not, what's wrong with the universe? Or, perhaps I'm just deficient in universal empathy. No dead people are menacing me, I'm never lost or trapped, caught up in disasters, drowned, unprepared for exams, my car does not break down, I don't get injured or killed and nothing chases me. However, I am naked a lot! But, that doesn't count because I rather enjoy it. What the hell's wrong with me? I need analysis. I am not connecting with my universal brothers and sisters!

How about you--are you having your share of universal nightmare themes? If not, are you upset about it?

Well, maybe it's not such a big deal. After all, Edgar Allen Poe said what we see or seem is but a dream within a dream, anyway, so why fret about these themes or anything else, for that matter.

Best, I think, that you just go about your business while conscious, and not make a big deal about all dream images, universal or otherwise, that come with sleep. While there may indeed be universal themes, chances are each of us experiences in dreams scenes none has ever quite dreamed before. So, enjoy--don't take those assaults, drownings, air crashes, missed connections, live burials and attacks by the dead so seriously. Finally, remember this--nobody has EVER been prosecuted for being naked in public, in his/her dreams.

Be well. Look on the bright side of life.

Domain: mental
Subdomain: mental health

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