Emerging Perspectives Human Development News

I don't know precisely when dreamwork shifted for me from being simply a "practice" to being a "spiritual practice." Perhaps it was several years ago when I began to realize that there were far more implications to doing dreamwork than its practical application to my own and others' daily life. Because this awareness pointed beyond my ego concerns I began to recognize that something Other was drawing me to itself through the imagery of dreams. Now I realize that dreamwork, among other spiritual practices, is a way of maintaining a relationship with the deepest Source of creative energy as it manifests itself in dream imagery, in the events of daily life and in the world.

A daily practice of dreamwork is much like the practice of prayer and contemplation in that it invites a "keeping in mind" of dream images that honors both the inner movement of Soul and its outward expression in life experience. For example, as I carry the energy of a dream image during the day, I am aware of a reciprocal energy that also carries me. I am alert to the different ways that this inner experience resonates with my life experience. Robert Romanyshyn the author of The Soul In Grief says: "Moments in the time of the Soul wait for us as occasions in this world. They wait for us to be ready".

A few months ago, I had a dream, which seemed significant although I didn't know why at the time. I wrote the dream and carried its energy with me during the day by "keeping in mind" the various images. Once I committed myself to this practice, propitious events occurred that otherwise I might not have recognized. I now realize that these moments have indeed been waiting until conditions in my life were ready to receive them. Because image and metaphor is the indigenous language of the Soul, dreams present these "moments in the time of the Soul" each night during sleep through imagery. The spiritual practice of dreamwork enables us to recognize and welcome their epiphany in the occasions that greet us during each day.

"Dream Mindfulness"

Spend time each day savoring a dream image.
During the day keep the image in mind and notice how its energy finds outward expression in your daily life.
Repeat a dream mantra frequently with deep intention.
Notice if the mantra changes and if so, go with it.
Notice how this dream energy resonates in your daily life experience and in world events.
Notice any associations, memories, images that emerge.

Judy is a licensed psychotherapist and dreamwork consultant. She has practiced the art of psychotherapy and dreamwork for over 20 years. Judy maintains a psychotherapy practice with Therapy and Renewal Associates in South Seattle. She offers workshops dream groups and is available for dreamwork by phone. You may Email Judy or contact by phone at 206-988-6867.