How Are Dreams Helpful?

What if someone told you there really does exist a magic mirror that has the ability to reveal what is happening in our lives, as well as an incredible capacity to show us where we are headed? And to top it off, this magic mirror is free? Dreams are that magic mirror! How does this work?

Dreams are able to function in such a helpful way because they come from the unconscious part of our brain. During the day, our conscious brain helps us stay focused on what needs to be done, how to solve problems, stay safe and meet the myriad demands and focus of our daily lives. During the night, our unconscious brain has the opportunity to comment on all that has happened during the day. And because our unconscious remembers everything about us, including our deepest values and all that we have learned, it is able to see the big picture of our lives and contains greater wisdom than we possess in our normal awake state.

Dreams communicate with us using symbolic images. What may appear silly or meaningless can have deep significance when we learn to pay attention and discern the meaning in the symbols and situations that show up. Paying attention to our dreams requires effort. If you are interested in learning from your dreams and allowing them to guide you, start by writing them down (keep a pad of paper and writing utensil by your bed), and setting aside time to work with them. Talking about your dreams with your therapist (if you have one) can also be productive and provide information that is sometimes difficult to obtain otherwise.