"Nothing happens, unless first a dream."

–Carl Sandburg

Common Questions about Dreamwork (with Answers)

What is dreamwork?

Dreamwork is remembering, recording and exploring dreams.  When we remember dreams, think about them, and express them in some concrete way, we connect more strongly with our soul and the world soul.

We learn more about who we are and what we can be in this lifetime.  We can learn to release old hurts and worn-out thoughts and behaviors.  We become open to symbol and synchronicity.

Dreamwork is not analysis or interpretation because we’re not trying to “figure it all out.”  Dreams have multiple layers of meaning and lots of energy.  We look for ways to connect with that meaning and energy, not assign labels and file away the results.

Why should I work on my dreams?

Modern life encourages us to be superficial.  Often, daily life focuses on getting things done at work and at home, and entertainment is little more than distraction.  Yet we are so much more.  Dreams offer a way to go deeper, to connect with hidden parts of ourselves where wells of energy and creativity can be found.  Our dreams also have their practical side, and can help solve everyday problems, simple or complex.

I don’t dream, so I can’t do dreamwork, right?

Well, not exactly.  Everyone dreams, although not everyone remembers their dreams.

The important question is, Do you want to explore dreamwork?  If you do, then there are two avenues:  Learning how to remember your dreams, and learning how to use visualization and similar techniques to connect with dream images.  Several of my introductory workshops, or books on dreamwork listed on the Links page, can help with this.

What if I have nightmares?  I’d rather forget them!

I’ve had vivid nightmares since childhood.  In most cases, forgetting doesn’t help nightmares go away... but dreamwork can.  By expressing what’s in a dream (even a scary one), by finding helpers, and then by working with whatever is scaring us, we can learn even from our nightmares.  This learning process can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of scary dreams.  But this can be a slow process, especially with strong nightmares.  It’s important to be gentle with yourself and allow this learning and healing process to develop at its own pace.

Can you tell me what my dreams mean?

Nope, I can’t.  You, the dreamer, are the expert on your own dreams.  Your dream life is as individual as you are, and only you can say what its meanings and messages are.  I can offer ideas, exercises, games, projects, and experiences to help you connect with and understand your dreams; but I’ll never tell you what they mean (and you shouldn’t let anyone else do that, either).

But don’t dreams have symbols in them?

Yes, they do.  But symbols are complex and not easily understood ... just like dreams.  Think about snakes:  They’ve been described as phallic symbols, symbols of transformation, of healing, and of the Great Mother.  Your dream snake and my dream snake might not be the same.  In fact, the snake you dream of tonight may not carry the same meaning as the snake you dreamt of ten years ago.  And yet, we can all learn from our dream snakes, past and present, by working with them and sharing the results.

Where do I start?

I offer individual consultations and group workshops on a variety of topics.  The Links page suggests books and other resources that will also set your feet on the path of dreams.  Dream well!