Dreams and nightmares

[pevelg]

Fascinating thread. Dreams are one of the most intriguing things for me. I dream almost daily and have also learned how to recall dreams. This usually involves concentrating and relaxing at the same time after waking up.

The most fascinating thing for me is that I visit the same realms (or whatever you wish to call this) in my dreams. For example, in one of my dream realms, I am in an ancient kingdom. Castles, vast fields, streams and mountains. I find that I am often in this realm, with different stories happening. Sometimes, it is the same story as I've had in the past. When I am dreaming, I know in part that it is a dream. So when the story is the same, I already anticipate the events. Interestingly enough, having consciousness of the dream state does not usually effect the dream. Most of my dreams are extremely vivid, as someone mentioned, almost like Cinema.

I am usually one of the characters in my dreams, though this does not have to be what I consider "self." For example, I once dreamed that I was a Mexican girl (i am a Russian male) and was stabbed in the stomach by a knife. I remember feeling the blood coming from my stomach as I lay on the ground bleeding.

I've also had a dream in which I either transcend or pass away, not sure which. I just remember that I felt like it was time to go, I felt a little nervous, and yet also at peace. Everything then turned white and I knew that all was over. The dream stopped there.

Another interesting one is where I remember the location of a particular place. As I am in that location in my dream, I remember every part of this house and have memories of events that may have taken there. The strange thing is that this is in no way related to real life. The place in my dream I have never been to before. And yet that place will appear in my dreams often.

Lots of my dreams have compilations of reality and fiction and involve various individuals I've met in my life.

Lastly, and most interesting to me, are the emotions I am able to feel in my dreams. One of these are love. I am currently single, which might contribute to these dreams. The odd thing is that some of the emotions in my dreams I do not have in real life. Though I've gotten really close to some people in my life, the emotion in the dream is slightly different and more euphoric.

I rarely have nightmares and am usually able to wake as they occur.

 

[pevelg]

That is intriguing. The question is, will it be kinder to help her learn dream recall rechniques, or to let her carry on without remembering? From my own experience of improved dream recall, I suspect the latter.

I think teaching dream recall techniques would be beneficial. My roommate rarely has (or is unable to recall) dreams and is always a little envious when I recall various dreams. Dreaming sometimes is like reading a great book or watching a good movie.

 

[pevelg]

Another interesting dream is one in which I play music. As seen in my profile picture, I am playing classical guitar. In reality, I am only just learning the instrument and slowly. In my dreams however, I will play various instruments and be very proficient. Also, I can "hear" the melody of what I am playing. And I have to say that the music is breathtaking. Even in my dream, I am amazed by the music being created. I've played the guitar, harp, cello, and other instruments that can only be invented in dreams. Yet each time the music is breathtaking. If only I can somehow transcribe that music from my dream to real life. Only once did I dream of singing, and I was very good. In reality, my vocals are terrible, giving me my first "C" grade in my post high school education (a vocal course).

 

[Roger Hicks]

Fascinating thread. Dreams are one of the most intriguing things for me. I dream almost daily and have also learned how to recall dreams. This usually involves concentrating and relaxing at the same time after waking up.

The most fascinating thing for me is that I visit the same realms (or whatever you wish to call this) in my dreams. For example, in one of my dream realms, I am in an ancient kingdom. Castles, vast fields, streams and mountains. I find that I am often in this realm, with different stories happening. Sometimes, it is the same story as I've had in the past. When I am dreaming, I know in part that it is a dream. So when the story is the same, I already anticipate the events. Interestingly enough, having consciousness of the dream state does not usually effect the dream. Most of my dreams are extremely vivid, as someone mentioned, almost like Cinema.

I am usually one of the characters in my dreams, though this does not have to be what I consider "self." For example, I once dreamed that I was a Mexican girl (i am a Russian male) and was stabbed in the stomach by a knife. I remember feeling the blood coming from my stomach as I lay on the ground bleeding.

I've also had a dream in which I either transcend or pass away, not sure which. I just remember that I felt like it was time to go, I felt a little nervous, and yet also at peace. Everything then turned white and I knew that all was over. The dream stopped there.

Another interesting one is where I remember the location of a particular place. As I am in that location in my dream, I remember every part of this house and have memories of events that may have taken there. The strange thing is that this is in no way related to real life. The place in my dream I have never been to before. And yet that place will appear in my dreams often.

Lots of my dreams have compilations of reality and fiction and involve various individuals I've met in my life.

Lastly, and most interesting to me, are the emotions I am able to feel in my dreams. One of these are love. I am currently single, which might contribute to these dreams. The odd thing is that some of the emotions in my dreams I do not have in real life. Though I've gotten really close to some people in my life, the emotion in the dream is slightly different and more euphoric.

I rarely have nightmares and am usually able to wake as they occur.

(With especial reference to the highlighted bits): yes, there is a house I know well in my dreams, even though I hae never been there. It has elements of houses I have visited but is hopelessly blended from all of them: a house I lived in, a house I considered buying, a friend's house, more.

And yes, although learning dream recall and the rudiments of lucid dreaming has meant that I have recalled more dreams that are unsatisfactory, it has also had the benefit that I can often awaken from nightmares or even from unsatisfactory dreams.

And yes, 'self' (or even several selves), and dying/not dying can be fascinating in dreams.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Doug]

I often put myself to sleep with pleasant thoughts of current photo projects or expeditions, etc. I seldom recall actual dreams, though, and then only the last part just before I wake.

Like Bill (bmattock) when I awaken from a dream it’s nearly always a situation where I’m defending myself against attack. Though I’m well-schooled in knife-fighting and firearms, there are never any weapons in the dreams. It’s always vigorous unarmed combat.

Unfortunately, I have an active sleep condition in which I physically act out the events of the dream (without being aware of my actual surroundings), so the results can involve lacerations and broken bones. As John said, we are supposed to “disconnect” while asleep, but I don’t. Obviously there is unacceptable physical risk in this; luckily there’s medication to calm it down.

Even so, a few nights ago I awoke after sliding smoothly and quietly off the edge of the bed to hide from attackers coming in the door... and I realized it was just a dream.

 

[JohnTF]

Sounds like the plot of several movies or books, are you keeping notes Roger?

One thing, at least in some dreams, I am doing better than in waking hours, or I used to. ;-)

The work/stress dreams led to a day where it seemed I was tired from sleep, which should be odd.

Some dreams involved very good ideas, and I thought I should have a paper and pen close by to write them down, as the details seemed to fade particularly quickly upon awakening.

J

 

[Bob Ross]

Symbol or Cymbal? Our dream languages seem to be uniquely talored to each of us. They follow our public and private metaphors. In the photography metaphor, it is like decoding the hidden meanings in various composition styles.
My wife is one of those who can recall her dreams every morning, so I hear a lot of dream stories. Her dream language is nothing like mine, but I have known her long enough to estimate some of her symbolisms.
My dreams that aren't very symbolic, but too real, repeat and are unsettling, have on several occations proven to be precognisive for me. A warning from a part of me that is really trying to get through, to ease the impact of the event.
As we mature and have most of the issues of life under control, we often invite change, since most of us are hooked on drama....cymbals? I suspect this can generate some unsettling symbol rich dreams.
A fun thread, thanks.
Bob

 

[gb hill]

I only dream about finding a Leica at a yard sale for $20.00🙂

 

[varjag]

At high school I used to have bad dreams about being in classroom in pyjama ..

So, is your avatar related to that? 😉