Journal Writing and Dreams
Grow and Bring Meaning into Your Life by Journaling Your Dreams
Dreams are given to us so we can learn and grow. Writing and reflecting in your personal journal will help you to discover what your dreams are saying to you.
Journal writing is a way to discover the meaning of your dreams. A journal is also a good place to record and listen to your dreams.
Journaling your dreams involves asking, “What does this dream mean to me?” It involves looking at the images in a dream and relating them to your everyday life. Journaling your dreams is acknowledging that your dreams are unique to you and that only you can work out what they really mean.
Write Out Your Dreams
On waking, write in your journal what you remember of your dreams. The more you do this the more you will remember what you have dreamt. You don’t need to write at great lengths, but just the main points. You can note the people in the dream, the emotions experienced and briefly what happened. What else was in the dream - buildings, places, animals, vehicles?
Sometimes, on writing out the dream, clarity comes and you realise what the dream is saying. Other times the images in the dream can seem quite obscure. You don’t have to work with it straight away. But at some point when you have a slot of time you will want to journal the dream in more detail.
Relating Your Dream to Your Life
Re-read what you wrote in your journal at the time of your dream. Now is the time to write down further thoughts and insights on the dream. Think about the things going on in your life at the moment that this dream could be relating to. Ask the question, “Is there something in my life that really does need attention?”
- In your journal write all the thoughts that come to mind.
- Dreams from the past can often refer to something you need to learn now. What are the areas of your life that need growth?
- What comes to mind when you think of the people, the places and the other aspects of your dream?
- The dream may not be talking about the person who is actually featured, but may be talking about an aspect of that person’s personality that you need to incorporate into your own life.
- You could write a title for your dream to help to pinpoint the theme.
- Find someone you trust to share your insights with, and seek help from a professional if the images from your dreams are overwhelming.
Repeated Dreams
It is particularly important to take note of repeated dreams. Sometimes a dream will keep repeating itself until that area of life it is speaking about is dealt with. Then a new theme will emerge. It’s all part of growing as a person.
Journaling your dreams is exciting and insightful. The more you journal your dreams, the more you will want to. You will begin to discover much about yourself and the journey you are travelling. Most of all, you will enjoy the process!
