Dreaming: An Interpretation by Gary Hopkins
April, 2016
Dreams can hold some very profound meaning for people when used as a tool or technology just like meditation, prayer or any other kind of therapy. I do believe that sometimes they are just a dream, but when you apply intention to this type of communication, the experience can be quite transformative.
The idea, in my opinion is to learn how to discern the difference. There are viable techniques that have been used for centuries, but I believe to get anything out of it other than the ‘wow’ factor, you really have to make it your own. It is a skill like anything else and the only way to get better at it is to practice.
I have used lucid dreaming techniques, dream journaling, simple intention and general programming statements over the last several years. One significant step that I made many years ago was to move my meditation practice into my dream state. Initially, this had a very intense and profound effect for me during the first six-months or so and to this day is an extremely useful tool in my nightly experiences.
I would like to point out that the most basic fundamental aspect that has helped me greatly was to get comfortable in identifying my emotional state during the dream itself. For instance, I may encounter an animal or a being that I do not recognize or at first glance the scenario itself may be quite intimidating, however focusing on what I feel in that moment tells me everything I need to know. Am I scared? Anxious or Calm? The point is when you realize this, whatever the feeling may be, then it is largely a part of the message itself and dictates where to go next. I have found that focusing the mind like this opens the door to a back and forth communication within the dream.
For instance, when experiencing something or someone that you do not understand or are fearful of in the dream, you can start asking questions in that moment like ‘Why are you here?’ ‘ What do I need to know?’ or ‘What is this about?’ In my experience, this will always change the tone of the dream from chaos to order. Engaging the experience by simply asking a question will allow you to suddenly take charge. This will give you a place to anchor yourself (so to speak) and then you can navigate from there.
Another point I would like to make is that I believe in Oneness and that ALL things are projected from the self. Spiritually speaking I believe that there is no separation, so the phrase ‘We Are One’ holds a particularly deep meaning for me. Therefore, to be afraid of things that essentially come from you is a ridiculous notion in my opinion. Because of my point of view, frightening dreams that hold demonic principles are non existent for me. It is simply an informative experience. It definitely has its ups and downs and those particular aspects may be represented there, however I consider myself an observer of these experiences rather than riding any particular emotional ripple that may be associated with these aspects in the dream state.
Remember that the Dream State is 100% programmable with no laws or rules other than what you deem necessary or important. You make these worlds. So, you must ask yourself this, in my dream state am I a rabbit amongst a pride of lions? or am I omnipotent and able to flow freely without obstruction through any situation or experience that may present itself? To me the choice is pretty clear if you want to make progress, however it can go in any direction that you allow.
I mention this because as you get into exploring your dreams you will experience many things that you will not understand or can be described. And until you acquire some skill in navigating these other worlds your beliefs can and will dictate your perception of these experiences. In short if you believe in demons and scary things they will most certainly show up at some point. Just like if you know nothing can hurt you in these states then that will be the case as well. Like I said before, YOU make these worlds and as Einstein once said, “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.” Simply put, the choice is yours, so choose wisely.
To get started here are a few simple suggestions you can try:
1. Setting your intention – This is a simple process. At night just before falling asleep repeat in your mind that you will ‘wake up’ in your dream and be aware of it. At that point practice changing things, turn the sky orange, create mountains, turn a sea pink, allow yourself to float or fly etc. There is no limit to what you can do, so get creative and have fun with it. This type of practice will increase your skill in dream awareness and is good to know for future exploration. Also repeat to yourself that upon awakening in the morning you will be refreshed and healthy and will remember every detail that happened in your dream.
2. Dream journaling – This is a great practice that helps you train your mind to remember more details about your dreams. Keep a notepad on your nightstand and as soon as wake up write down every detail you can remember about your experiences. Be sure to make notations of how you felt in the dream, i.e. sad happy, nervous etc. Over time these notations usually form a pattern with a message of their own with some interesting insights. It is always good to go back and reread your notes a month or two later.
3. Lucid Dreaming - there are many techniques that are out on the internet under the umbrella of Lucid Dreaming. Go out and Google this information and try what sounds good to you. The ‘Setting your Intention’ written above is one way to do this. Another easy technique is just before bedtime repeat to yourself that when you look at your hands in your dream you will realize that you are dreaming at that moment. There are many ways to apply this and you can make up your own trigger if you want to. Whatever works for you will be best.
4. Shamanic Dreaming – Obviously this method is for those who are drawn to shamanism itself. It is just one aspect of the culture and can be very powerful medicine as they say. I have not delved into this type of dream navigation deeply as I am comfortable with my own process, however there are layers to it and for the spiritually regimented person this may be a good fit. If you explore this you will want to look up the Author Robert Moss. He has written a couple of books about Shamanic Dreaming and seems to be an expert that is referred to often in articles that I have read on the subject.
In closing I would reiterate that dream interpreting is subjective. Keep in mind that becoming your own expert over time should be a part of your goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. In the infinite world of dreaming there is no reason to limit yourself to anyone else’s dogma, constrictions or interpretations. Be completely free and have fun with your new experiences. Dream on my brothers and sisters.
April, 2016
Dreams can hold some very profound meaning for people when used as a tool or technology just like meditation, prayer or any other kind of therapy. I do believe that sometimes they are just a dream, but when you apply intention to this type of communication, the experience can be quite transformative.
The idea, in my opinion is to learn how to discern the difference. There are viable techniques that have been used for centuries, but I believe to get anything out of it other than the ‘wow’ factor, you really have to make it your own. It is a skill like anything else and the only way to get better at it is to practice.
I have used lucid dreaming techniques, dream journaling, simple intention and general programming statements over the last several years. One significant step that I made many years ago was to move my meditation practice into my dream state. Initially, this had a very intense and profound effect for me during the first six-months or so and to this day is an extremely useful tool in my nightly experiences.
I would like to point out that the most basic fundamental aspect that has helped me greatly was to get comfortable in identifying my emotional state during the dream itself. For instance, I may encounter an animal or a being that I do not recognize or at first glance the scenario itself may be quite intimidating, however focusing on what I feel in that moment tells me everything I need to know. Am I scared? Anxious or Calm? The point is when you realize this, whatever the feeling may be, then it is largely a part of the message itself and dictates where to go next. I have found that focusing the mind like this opens the door to a back and forth communication within the dream.
For instance, when experiencing something or someone that you do not understand or are fearful of in the dream, you can start asking questions in that moment like ‘Why are you here?’ ‘ What do I need to know?’ or ‘What is this about?’ In my experience, this will always change the tone of the dream from chaos to order. Engaging the experience by simply asking a question will allow you to suddenly take charge. This will give you a place to anchor yourself (so to speak) and then you can navigate from there.
Another point I would like to make is that I believe in Oneness and that ALL things are projected from the self. Spiritually speaking I believe that there is no separation, so the phrase ‘We Are One’ holds a particularly deep meaning for me. Therefore, to be afraid of things that essentially come from you is a ridiculous notion in my opinion. Because of my point of view, frightening dreams that hold demonic principles are non existent for me. It is simply an informative experience. It definitely has its ups and downs and those particular aspects may be represented there, however I consider myself an observer of these experiences rather than riding any particular emotional ripple that may be associated with these aspects in the dream state.
Remember that the Dream State is 100% programmable with no laws or rules other than what you deem necessary or important. You make these worlds. So, you must ask yourself this, in my dream state am I a rabbit amongst a pride of lions? or am I omnipotent and able to flow freely without obstruction through any situation or experience that may present itself? To me the choice is pretty clear if you want to make progress, however it can go in any direction that you allow.
I mention this because as you get into exploring your dreams you will experience many things that you will not understand or can be described. And until you acquire some skill in navigating these other worlds your beliefs can and will dictate your perception of these experiences. In short if you believe in demons and scary things they will most certainly show up at some point. Just like if you know nothing can hurt you in these states then that will be the case as well. Like I said before, YOU make these worlds and as Einstein once said, “The most important decision we make is whether we believe we live in a friendly or hostile universe.” Simply put, the choice is yours, so choose wisely.
To get started here are a few simple suggestions you can try:
1. Setting your intention – This is a simple process. At night just before falling asleep repeat in your mind that you will ‘wake up’ in your dream and be aware of it. At that point practice changing things, turn the sky orange, create mountains, turn a sea pink, allow yourself to float or fly etc. There is no limit to what you can do, so get creative and have fun with it. This type of practice will increase your skill in dream awareness and is good to know for future exploration. Also repeat to yourself that upon awakening in the morning you will be refreshed and healthy and will remember every detail that happened in your dream.
2. Dream journaling – This is a great practice that helps you train your mind to remember more details about your dreams. Keep a notepad on your nightstand and as soon as wake up write down every detail you can remember about your experiences. Be sure to make notations of how you felt in the dream, i.e. sad happy, nervous etc. Over time these notations usually form a pattern with a message of their own with some interesting insights. It is always good to go back and reread your notes a month or two later.
3. Lucid Dreaming - there are many techniques that are out on the internet under the umbrella of Lucid Dreaming. Go out and Google this information and try what sounds good to you. The ‘Setting your Intention’ written above is one way to do this. Another easy technique is just before bedtime repeat to yourself that when you look at your hands in your dream you will realize that you are dreaming at that moment. There are many ways to apply this and you can make up your own trigger if you want to. Whatever works for you will be best.
4. Shamanic Dreaming – Obviously this method is for those who are drawn to shamanism itself. It is just one aspect of the culture and can be very powerful medicine as they say. I have not delved into this type of dream navigation deeply as I am comfortable with my own process, however there are layers to it and for the spiritually regimented person this may be a good fit. If you explore this you will want to look up the Author Robert Moss. He has written a couple of books about Shamanic Dreaming and seems to be an expert that is referred to often in articles that I have read on the subject.
In closing I would reiterate that dream interpreting is subjective. Keep in mind that becoming your own expert over time should be a part of your goals. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. In the infinite world of dreaming there is no reason to limit yourself to anyone else’s dogma, constrictions or interpretations. Be completely free and have fun with your new experiences. Dream on my brothers and sisters.
