Lonely Road photo by MysticMoon14
“Every minute of the night, I live another life.” ~Heart
My dreams are almost always meaningful. I dream in full technicolor and surround sound, and so my dreams are very much like going to the movies for me. Sometimes I even hire Hollywood actors to play some of the parts. I really, really need to stop going to the movies so often…but that’s another post. 
I’ve been having the same dream, or rather, the same set of dreams, for almost a year now. Not every night, but at least once a week. The strange thing is that they always come in pairs. The setting is different, the supporting cast is different, and the “solution” is different for each pair, but the message is the same.
In the first dream, I’m alone, but in a crowded place. What I mean is that there are other people around me, but they’re not important to the dream, like extras in a movie. I’m in a place of relative safety and comfort, but it’s kinda boring. There’s not a whole lot to do except just sit around, and so I leave. I hear a rumor about a better place, but it’s kinda mythical, like no one has ever been there, or maybe they’ve never come back, so people don’t really believe it exists.
I get bored, and so I take off on an adventure to find this mythical place.
The journey is difficult, and it’s full of danger. I get lost several times, and I have to backtrack and find ways to go around the dangers. I get attacked by monsters, I fall into pits, and I spring traps along the way. It’s dirty, and dangerous, and really difficult. But at the end, I make it through. The other side really is this place of great peace and beauty. When I get there, I collapse, and I just laugh and laugh. It’s like: “Well THAT sucked, but it was soooooo worth it!”
Then I wake up. The next night (or maybe later that same night…just the next time I dream), I have the second part.
This time, I’m in the same place of relative safe and comfort, from the beginning of the first dream. But this time, everyone knows about the place on the other side…it’s not mythical anymore. However, everyone is still really scared to go, because they’ve heard about how dangerous and difficult it is to get there. They’re paralyzed by fear; they’d rather stay safe than go out into the unknown.
So I offer to serve as a guide. I tell them that I’ve just come back from the other side, and so I know where all the monsters live, where all the traps are, and everything. I promise that I can lead them to the other side, if they’ll just stick close to me.
And I do it. Using the memories from the first dream, I navigate the dangers and I bring the people through to the other side. Everyone is so relieved and so happy. They all thank me for bringing them across, and it’s like a big party. So then I leave to go get another group. Mission accomplished, so I wake up again.
*******
I know what these dreams mean, or at least I have a pretty good idea. I think they are related to my life’s purpose, my reason for being here. I’m meant to go through hardships to find something better, a better life or a better way of living, perhaps. Then I’m supposed to show other people how to find it for themselves. I’m supposed to help them navigate through the dangers so they can find the great place that I have found.
That’s a great general idea…but the devil is in the details. What better place am I supposed to find? Where am I supposed to go? What, exactly, do I need to face and overcome so that I can help others do the same thing? Maybe there’s more than one thing…maybe it’s lots of little things? I don’t know. But I feel so close to a breakthrough…so close to an answer…and I just don’t know what it is. Very frustrating.
So, I’d like to turn it over to you, oh faithful readers of my blog. Do you have any ideas what I’m supposed to do with this? Where I’m supposed to lead people? What can I learn how to do, so that I can teach others? What demons/devils/monsters/dangers should I face so that I can hep others face their own?
I look forward to all your ideas.
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Hi Jay,
Well…so many things come to mind. First thing, is that due to the way the world is at the moment, many lightworkers (a term used by some to describe those on a spiritual path) are not being able to see the next steps because the universe is switching from a male linear way of thinking to a female way of thinking. Sounds totally new agey but that is what is going on. Check out Karen Bishop’s site for more detailed information.
The next thing that comes to mind is that you have to face what you fear. The details will become apparent when they are supposed to be. But based on what you wrote, you need to face what you fear in order to get to be in the position to help others. So is there something you want to do but are afraid of doing it? Are concerns about money and so on getting in your way of pursuing your dream?
I will think about this some more and if anything else comes to mind, I will let you know.
Nadia – Happy Lotus´s last blog ..A Monk, Bowing and Palms Coming Together
Wow, Jay! You’ve asked some tough questions. I know this isn’t what you’re looking for, but I think that you have the answers to all these questions. You maybe are not trusting your intuition enough to get a clear answer. Of course answers to these life purpose questions are never clear anyways.
I can tell you what I have already learned from you, dear Jay. I have learned that life isn’t always pretty. That bad things come to us, but we can overcome them. I get the sense that you have a lot of experience with hardship already. Do you feel that you have found a better life or a better way of living? Or are you still in the process?
I believe that you have great things to offer this world and that you have already begun to do this. Just continue to find what fills you with joy and the answers will come.
Just keep being you. I think you’re awesome.
Jill´s last blog ..Embrace this pain, and it will not linger.
@Nadia – I think you’re absolutely right. There’s a lot of fear that I’m not facing at the moment…mostly centered around money and my career. I’m stuck in my job, at least until I can find another way to make money, or save up enough money to take some time off and figure things out. So, this fear of being destitute is really blocking me at the moment.
I’ve heard about lightworkers before, but I’m not sure I’m qualified. I still have a lot of work to do on my own darkness before I can think of myself in that way. But I’ll be sure to check out the link you recommended.
@Jill – Thank you, Jill, for your support and encouragement. I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re probably right, and that the answers are within me. I just can’t seem to focus on them right now. I think I’m still in the process of finding them, so maybe that’s why I don’t have the answer yet…I’m still wandering through the dark parts of the dream, and haven’t found the other side yet.
Jay, Well, mostly I wanted to comment on your own comment to Nadia, about not being a lightworker because you still have your own darkness to face. In my opinion, that is everyone. And that is especially the way it is right now, in this age, because as a culture and world all our shadows are surfacing. In fact, I would say this is the main work of many lightworkers right now – helping to surface and work through shadows. And in my view lightworkers can refer to people working in virtually every realm – from politics to corporations to the military and then of course to the professions we usually associate with lightworkers (healing, teaching, etc.) In fact, the lightworkers working ‘underground’, in areas where there isn’t much light or where it is hard to see, are doing very important work, because they are striving to bring light into areas where not many with those proclivities are willing to stay. That’s a warrior’s path, and it’s not for everyone.
Anyway, it seems you already know about your current fears re: money and career, and how they might be blocking you, and how they might be the ‘monsters’ you need to face in the first dream. But another thing to think about it the monsters you have already faced in your life. What unique insights have they given you? What unique challenges have you faced, and what population of people have they best prepared you to help? In other words, that first dream in my opinion is probably not just about the monsters you have yet to face, it is about the ones you already have faced, and really coming to see what strengths and knowledge they have developed in you, on a very specific level.
Good luck, these dreams were fascinating, thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to hear where it all goes….XOXO
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..Interview with Akemi Gaines: Akashic Records, Reincarnation, 2012 and More
Jay,
If you could walk out of your job today and not worry about money what job/work would you want to do?
If you lost your job today what type of new job would you look for that you wouldn’t feel stuck in?
Do you want to teach online or in person?
Is there anyone you look at and say I wish they had their job?
Get a journal, one you actually have to write in! Get quiet daily and ask for guidance daily. Write down the question, meditate when you are finshed begin writing the answer you received during meditation. Don’t edit it or be afraid to expose yourself and your thoughts.
I don’t mean to go on and on but hey you asked!
@Lisa – I like the thought of bringing light into the darkness or into areas that don’t have a lot of light in them. I like the idea of being the light, or allowing the light to shine through me, but I’m not sure if that’s a reflection of a true calling, or if it’s my ego wanting to feel important.
As for challenges that I’ve already faced, well, there’s just so many. There’s the disability thing, there’s my spirituality, especially relating to the dark things that I have been, and how I overcame them, there’s my battles with depression, and how I’ve had to overcome that…there’s just a lot of stories there that I could pull from. I’m not sure which ones to focus on. Maybe help in all those areas? I’m not sure. I think it’s a lack of focus, more than anything that holds me back.
@Tess – That’s a large problem that I have to deal with. You see, there’s nothing that I really want to do. To answer your question, if I didn’t have to worry about money, well, I’d retire. I wouldn’t really *do* much of anything. I’d write more, and spend time on my blog more, and I’d probably learn to draw or paint, and I’d spend some time helping and encouraging others, but I wouldn’t do anything full time. I’d do a bit of traveling, and I’d visit with friends. I’d spend more time playing guitar and writing songs. I’d spend more time with my daughter and the rest of my family.
So I can see where there are possible careers in any of those things, but the fact is that I don’t want to turn them into careers. I don’t want to do them on other people’s terms..I want to do them on mine, and it’s hard to get paid that way.
I’m the same way with the old “If you had x amount of time to live, what would you do?” question. I’d spend more time with my family and friends, that’s what I’d do. Not much of a career in that, either…
Hi Jay,
I’m glad I’m not the only one with techicolor, surround-sound dreams! I actually anticipate falling to sleep for the fun and excitement that awaits!
As for your questions here: 1) I support you (!) 2) your readers are wise, let their advice soak in (!).
My approach to this may be a little wacky, but you may want to consider this: simply keep moving – inertia will do its job. Don’t over-think it. If you can’t decide on a particular path, go with your gut instinct and do something. It may not seem to be the perfect path for you at the moment, but you will be lead there over time. You need to keep moving and laying the tracks. If you’re not fulfilled at your job it is time to move on. Because, Jay, we need you out there.
The more you trust yourself, try new things, and dip your toes into new experiences, the more railroad ties are put into place leading your train into the right direction. Keep moving, Jay. Don’t let a bad work situation derail you.
Also, pretend that you are 20 years in the future giving yourself advice. What would you say to yourself? What would you wish you had done?
Most importantly, Jay, you rock! Trust your intuition.
Lori´s last blog ..Start A Blog
Great post, Jay! I can’t say I really know what this means, but I’m glad you shared it with us. I love thinking about and analyzing my dreams. Cool to know that you like to think about your dreams too!
positively present´s last blog ..words to live by: dare you to move
@Lori – Thanks for the advice. You’re right, my readers really are wise…and that includes you! I like the idea of doing *something*, even if it’s wrong, and using that as a foundation to take the next step, and the next, and so forth until the path is built. I think that I’m just faced with an overabundance of options, and so I’m having a hard time narrowing the field.
As for the advice that I’d probably give myself 20 years from now…I don’t have a clue! Probably something along the lines of “You should listen to Lori more!”
@Dani – Yeah, dream interpretation and analysis (for myself and for others) is a hobby of mine. I love looking for hidden meanings and subliminal messages. Thanks for stopping in!
Jay,
I see this as part of your life’s journey, and my take on that is – that we don’t always have a clear view of where that’s taking us. We can’t always know what’s up around the corner. Maybe that’s part of this, it’s not in knowing where you’re going to physically lead people so much as it is that there’s a spiritual/emotional path that you’re lighting the way toward. Your light, Jay, can shine in many ways. And that place you’re taking these people in your dreams – then maybe it’s not some physical place at all – maybe it’s the journey into their own soul – a journey that can have monsters to slay along the way…and yet, a place that is so much the right place to go…
…and that’s my take, my friend. Your light shines…
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Jay
I’ve always been a little jealous of people who have vivid dreams they can actually remember. I put my head on the pillow, fall straight into a deep sleep until I wake again with no memory of my dreams.
I’m not so jealous now when I read the big questions they raise for you about your live purpose.
You asked us some questions but I’m not going to answer them. They’re your questions and your answers and anything I say would be just filling up comment space for the sake of it.
One reflection though. Are you SURE you know what these dreams mean? I’m somewhat doubtful that dreams (generally) are about the future … I’ve always thought they’re more about the present moment. So perhaps you are already doing these things. After all, we’re all living our life purpose here and now – whether we know it or not.
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..The secret of happiness
Jay! I love that you’re such a vivid dreamer. Me, too! Not quite as adventurous as you, but the messages are there, nonetheless. Brilliant!
Loved everyone’s comments, and the lightworker thing… well, Nadia and Lisa nailed that, in my humble opinion. (Karen Bishop’s site is amazing, by the way… Great info related to what’s up energetically these days.)
I see you writing books, but when I saw your comment about painting/drawing, I thought, “Like Sark!” Fun, bold, expressive books that people just GOBBLE UP! Your blog, in case you weren’t aware, is like eating a really good dessert (a favorite dessert, mind you) once a week. I cannot wait for a new post. I see your whole energy being that way, around anything you would do. If you wrote/designed books, they’d be GOBBLED UP by hungry consumers. And then you could retire happily and never “work” again.
But I’m not a psychic. I only play one on blogs like this. (wink)
Happy Monday!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..The Unique Gift Awakening Brings
@Lance – Yes, I definitely think it’s more of a spiritual quest than an actual physical journey. I just don’t see myself leading people through the jungle or across the desert, ya know?
@Ian – That’s a unique, and quite possible perspective! I’ve never really thought about it before, but with all the work I do on this blog, it could very well be interpreted as things that I am doing already. It’s like all these things occur to me, and so I blog about them, in the hopes of helping other people in the way that I’ve helped myself. But am I doing enough? That’s the question that haunts me. I always feel like I could/should be doing more…
@Megan – Thank you for the compliments! You certainly live up to your name, Joygirl, cause you bring me joy with every comment. I’m glad you enjoy my blog so much!
Yes, I would really, really love to write books. I’m no Sark, but I’d love to see my name in the bookstore one day. I think I could help a lot of people. Thanks for the encouragement, you rock!
(Grumbling loudly over the offensiveness of the commenter’s phrase, “…the universe is switching from a male linear way of thinking to a female way of thinking….” What is a female way of thinking? Do we really think differently than men? I thought we had destroyed that fallacy years ago.)
I’d say, why not ask your dreams?
Dot´s last blog ..Comment on Through a Glass, Grimly – Part 2 by Dot
Heya Jay!
One thing I finally learned, and it was painful and costly on so many levels. Let go and enjoy, have faith that what you’re doing right now is what you should be doing, and that it’s preparing you for your ultimate purpose. I’ve tried to force things, to find answers (rather than waiting for them to be revealed) and like you, I’ve dreamed and prayed. Much of what I sought came true, but not in the manner I expected.
My suggestion? Relax, enjoy what is, explore what can be and watch for the signs along the way. You’re tuned in, you’ll notice them. Journal and think, inquire (as you have) about your dreams, and keep asking yourself and the universe about what you want to be. The answers will unfold, and usually when you least expect it….just be prepared for the adventure.
Man hug for ya Buddy. Keep the faith, you’re on the right path.
You need a Sugar Momma, Jay… so you can dabble in writing, painting, poetry, and hanging out with your daughter.
But until you find one, I’d have to say if this is a present to future kind of dream, then your current job and situation are obviously not suited for you. In order to get to “the promised land” you have to first KNOW that it exists, take the first step, let go of the security blanket… come what may (have faith). Only after you have been through the Odyssey will you know what your destination looks like. Even if you decided today that you will be “here” in six months, that may not actually happen because of a bunch of variables you don’t control.
Case in point, Adam from Man vs. debt. He and his wife and baby planned for a year for their new life in Australia… only to find out when they got there, it couldn’t work out for technical/ legal reasons. They scrambled, shuffled, and ended up in New Zealand hustling to find work. Point is, all the careful planning still didn’t lead to the destination they *thought* they were headed for. Life had other plans for them.
If the dream is more Present to Past (like Ian mentioned), you could look back at your days in a small town, when you didn’t quite fit in. You left your comfort zone, had a bunch of adventures, trials and tribulations, and you freed yourself from the confines of your early years. Now you are in a position to inspire others to take a leap, leave their comfort zones, and dare to grow.
Either way, it’s the same journey… over and over, for all of us. When you get to a plateau, and you are no longer learning or contributing, and you are no longer passionate or enjoying the process, it’s time to move on… come what may. Each time you do this, you serve as an inspiration to others who are paralyzed by excuses and fear. Lead, follow, or get out of the way.
Lisis | Quest For Balance´s last blog ..how to be RICH and HAPPY: A Partial Review
@Dot – I think Nadia meant Male/Female in more of a yin/yang way than anything to do with the battle of the sexes. In Eastern philosophy, Yang (male) energy is very direct and linear, whereas Yin (female) energy is more fluid and easy-going.
@Terrapin – Thanks, Turtle Brother! I do believe that everything happens exactly when it is supposed to happen, but sometimes it’s hard to keep the faith. I just hate feeling “stuck”. I’m ready to move forward, but I don’t know where to move to, and it’s frustrating. Perhaps you are right, and I just need to be more patient. On the other hand, I want to make sure that I am doing my part to get things rolling again.
@Lisis – A sugar Momma….Now THAT’S a plan! I’m liking that idea. I think I’d make a good housewife. I don’t mind cooking and cleaning, and I’m efficient, too, so I could easily get it all done in short order and have plenty of time left over for “me” stuff like painting, writing, etc. Great idea!
On a more serious note, I agree that all the planning in the world won’t guarantee a good outcome. But, I do think you should have some idea about where you’d like your life to be before setting sail. Right now, I just feel like there’s too many options. I could go anywhere, and do anything. But rather than just start out without even so much as an idea, I’d at least like to buy a map first. I know that “here” isn’t where I need to be, but I’m not sure which “there” to move towards.
Hi Jay,
I agree with Jill: you have the answers inside you, you just need to let them surface.
Whenever I’m struggling with something like this I do what I call “putting it on the back burner”. I ask my Higher Self the question, and then I let it go and trust that the answer will come in time. And it always does! Great times to ask yourself the question is right before meditation and right before you go to sleep at night! As Dot suggested, your dreams might provide you with the answer to the very question they’re raising.
And OMG, but I have the TV on in the background and Deepak Chopra is on the Ellen Show (we’re behind here in Ireland). And he is recommending asking the following questions before meditation:
Who am I?
What do I want?
How can I serve?
He says to ask the questions without trying to answer them. In time, you will find yourself living the answer….
Hilda´s last blog ..Do things differently
Jay:
I enjoyed your post…especially since I could identify very strongly with you. I’m one step ahead of you…by the fact that I’m already between gigs. But lets just say that my intuition prepared me for this transition period.
First off, I’m amazed that you can remember your dreams in such vivid details. I don’t remember my dreams other than they often feel like an action movie and I’m getting chased and trying to survive.
In terms of advice, I wish I could help you…I am battling my own uncertainties. But maybe there is something about your experiences that could be part of your next career direction. One thing I can sense, and Nadia mentioned this in her comment, is that there are a lot of people out there searching for something better, a life that’s happier and more satisfying. I read about it on so many blogs. I know this myself. There might be one thing that is reassuring…you are not alone in feeling this way.
Tim´s last blog ..Too Much Advice?
@Hilda – I like the idea of “putting it on the back burner”. That’s hard for me, though, because I’m a man of action..I like to feel like I’m moving, and sometimes just letting things simmer for a while seems like wasted time…although that’s how the best sauces are made, no?
And I like the Deepak Chopra questions…I might have to try those out. Thanks!
@Tim – Yeah, it seems like almost every blog I read has a post, or sometimes even a whole theme, related to moving forward and finding something better. I know a lot of my blogging friends feel the same way I do, and we’re all moving along that same line…some farther along than others, but all moving in the same general direction. If it is something cosmological or spiritual happening on a grand scale, I’m happy to be a part of it!
Jay, I wish I could answer your question, but I actually think that is impossible. There is no way one person can get into another person’s head. I can’t know you and I can’t know what you need or want. Only you can answer that question. However, I can suggest that you give it time. The answer will come. It may not come right away and you may have many starts and stops before the final answer comes, but as long as you remain open to receive it, the answer will come.
Keep up the personal posts here. They are very compelling.
P.S. I seldom remember a dream.
Stephen – Rat Race Trap´s last blog ..An Optimal Balance to Your Life
Jay, I haven’t visited in awhile. Dreams are wonderful in what they can tell you about yourself. I rarely see colors in my dreams. They are usually in black and white. I blame it on black and white television of my early childhood years. I really have no clue why I dream in black and white and didn’t know that I was different from others until I took a dream class about 10 years ago.
Dreams can be a blessing in that they can give you answers to what is going on in your life but they can also leave you with more questions than you had to begin with. As others have said in their comments, I believe that you always have all of your own answers. Trust your guidance which often comes through in your dreams. You know what your dream is saying to you. The fact that it comes over and over again says that this dream is very important.
Yes, you are already a Lightworker. Don’t demean the role that you are already playing in guiding others by sharing your experiences in life on your blog. Many Lightworkers are sharing their life lessons through writing a blog. When I first started thinking about blogging about my spiritual journey, I didn’t see myself as a Lightworker either but guidance/God gave me the title of my blog—Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker. It wasn’t a name that I would have chosen for myself but I went with the impulse any way. Being a Lightworker doesn’t mean I don’t have darkness in my life. It just means that I am bringing the shadows to the Light. That is a big part of my sharings on my blog. Until the shadows are brought to the surface, the Light can’t reach them.
You often teach best by example. As each of us heals our own issues/darkness we lead others to healing themselves. Facing fear is the bigggest route to healing.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s last blog ..Your Outer Conflicts Mirror Your Inner Conflicts
@Stephen – Thanks for the reminder to give it some time. Patience is what I need. I’ve always been a “do” kind of person, but sometimes, I think it’s more helpful to be an “allow” person who lets things mature rather than force them. Thanks for your insight.
@Patricia – Thanks for stopping by. As always, your wisdom is deeply appreciated. I had thought about that before…that perhaps sharing my journey and my experiences on my blog is a reflection of what the dream means…but I keep thinking that I should be doing more, that I can help more directly or that I can reach people more personally in some way, but I just don’t know what that is yet.
Your blog is one of the very first ones I ever read, and for you to consider me to be a Lightworker means a lot to me. Thank you for that.
Jay, I can’t add to the wisdom being dispensed right and left here, but I did have a question for you:
Are you a Nick Cave fan? I have been for years and I just started reading his new novel. It’s as weird as you’d expect, but pretty darn cool.
Josh Hanagarne´s last blog ..Guest Post Ultra-Marathon Update Three
Wow Jay! This is quite a dream! I get excited from recurring, mysterious, vivid dreams, but I haven’t had this happen to me in a while. Usually they happen most during times of transition in my life. I like dream analysis a lot, (I think it was Jung who said they were a window to the soul). Anyway, here goes, and be forewarned, this could be all wrong!
1. Faith: in your first dream, you have found that beautiful, mythical place. You were daring enough to go on the adventure alone, leaving the comfort of the crowd, even when they all doubted it was real. You believed enough to take the adventure. This shows me that even though “in real life” you’re unsure of your path at the moment, your soul knows that there is something better waiting. And inside you have the faith that it requires.
2. Navigating the Unknown: The way was dark, with unknown pitfalls. Usually during times of change there is a place of darkness, which is really akin to uncertainty, that we have to go through. You left a real, certain place, not sure where you were heading, with no road map and no guarantees. The way was dark and uncertain.
3. Facing Fears: On the way there were pitfalls, monsters and demons, and you got lost a few times. All things that make people turn back to the relative, boring and uninspired safety of the “known”. You faced the fear, doubt, and uncertainty, the demons that could have made you turn back. You conquered them.
4. A Place of Serene Beauty: In your dream you found that place. It was peaceful, serene, and beautiful. You were filled with enough joy to laugh and collapse on the ground. You felt lighter and freer. It was peaceful and beautiful. I think this symbolizes what you’ll find when you look back on this transitionary period in your life. It could be a symbolize a place on earth, you life’s work, or maybe even just one of those life altering epiphanies… who knows.
5. Helping Others: In your dream you show others the way. This part is pretty clear.
You already help others, which is what people were pointing out in some of the comments. I know you’ve cheered me up with a positive tweet, your blog posts and comments many times before! But, that doesn’t mean we don’t go on more adventures, through more transitions.
Your dream indicates a new one is waiting for you. Your soul already wants it. Based on your questions, I’d say your at place 2 right now. You’re in the Unknown. But I think change and growth are designed that way. If we knew the way all the time life wouldn’t be so full of mystery. In your dream, you have an idea that a different place exists. How do you get there? What is that place? You didn’t know in your dream, but by following your own inner guidance you got there. I think that’s what journeys through darkness symbolize: relying on our own guidance, intuition, and deepest parts of ourselves. Perhaps that’s all you’re supposed to be doing right now.
I know you said you feel “stuck”. (Maybe you haven’t left the boring party yet, but want to?). Feeling stuck can be a good thing for a while. We don’t want to go back to boringness and comfort but we don’t know “they way out” yet. Maybe you’re somewhere between leaving the party and diving deeper into the unknown. But nonetheless, you might not know much about number 4 until you get there (including where and what it is).
I hope my crazy long interpretation helped a little. I could be way off but it’s fun to try to interpret really cool dreams like that! Now I wish I was having them again!! I’m sort of feeling a little stuck right now myself! For me, not moving through my fears is what keeps me feeling stuck the most.
Did you ever read the parable of the trapeze? I’ve been allowed to republished on my blog: http://bit.ly/2IGDlg
It’s helped me a lot during times like this. I think maybe you’re between trapeze bars right now, or about to be… at any rate, it seems a new one is coming toward you!!
Cheers,
Miche
ps. In your dream you also collapsed on the ground. I know this might be kind of literal, but honestly if I had this dream I would lay on the earth and look up that sky. We do this so much less when we are adults but it really can give us a total shift in perspective (I was going to write a post about doing that, and think I still might!!)
Thanks for sharing this! It’s really been inspiring and unexpectedly got me thinking about a lot of different things this morning that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise!
Miche Heredia´s last blog ..Put Your Dreams in Your Routines (Simply)
Hi Jay – I was particularly interested in this post because I have found so much rich information in my own dreams. Do you ever remember any of the details from these dreams? I see you have the basic theme. If you can remember some details from these dreams you can ask yourself what you associate with those particular details to see if the dreams can actually point you in a specific direction. I guess my general advice is to go back to the dream.
Hi Jay!
First of all, it’s great that you have such vivid dreams! Secondly, there’s a heap of wisdom in the comments! I would suggest to Dot – and anyone not getting Nadia’s reference to the shift – to read Raine Eisler’s The Chalice and The Blade, which is the cultural/spiritual evolution going on right NOW – it tells of it’s history, it is a fascinating read!!!
One advantage to being on this planet for over 60 years, it means you have ample (more than!) opportunity to change course, start over, sort thru stuff, and have a LOT of dreams! I tend to agree with Ian that they (the dreams) aren’t always a map to the future as much as they are showing you (abstractly) just what you are dealing with now.
I’ll tell you what I told my daughter – a creative soul such as yourself who is in much the same spot – and I’ve been there as well: SOME people have careers, have no problem with knowing they’ve always wanted to be a nurse, a teacher, a businessman, a logger, an architect, etc. Good for them! Others, and it seems the creative souls, can’t decide, can’t find “it”, feel badly they aren’t as pegged into a plan, have issues with themselves (fear?) and keep searching for this “it”. I told her, just get a job, pay the rent and do your creativeness every other waking moment. There are people with “careers” and there are people with “jobs” – and it’s ALL OK. We aren’t meant to be cookie cutter people. We aren’t meant to all walk the same path – thank God or it would be gridlock, eh? We aren’t promised tomorrow – we only have today – make it the best today you can! Do something every day, especially the “little” things, to make someone else smile and feel good – do the same for yourself.
Someone said (above in comments) not to overthink this. I couldn’t agree more! You are already doing wonderful things with your writing. You have a heart of gold with your intentions to help others. And you do have all your own answers within yourself. The suggestion of journaling is a wonderful tool – I’m addicted to writing in a journal, 40 years worth, and you would be amazed at what the process reveals to you over time. I’ve often said I’m in the car, I’m ready and willing to go wherever, serve however, bring joy to all I meet, got my love stash packed and ready to distribute like confetti —– I’m just not driving. I leave that up to the Universe.
You’ll never be alone Jay. It’s obvious we all love you!
Hugs
suZen
Wow…I’ve really fallen behind on my responses here, haven’t I? OK, let’s get caught up…
@Josh – Nick Cave fan? no, not yet. But based on your recommendation, I’ll look into it.
@Miche – Thanks, Miche! that’s incredibly insightful. You’re right…I *am* in a transitional period, and I think this dream is signifying that. Just as others have suggested, I’m starting to believe this has more to do with what I am doing now, rather than what I will be doing in the future.
@Amanda – Yes, I remember a lot of the specific details, but they always change. The setting changes each time I have the dream, as do the specific characters and situations. At times, it has been set in a hospital, in a high school, in a shopping mall, and once in an old abandoned house. The method of transportation has been different, too. Sometimes I’m driving, sometimes I’m on a bicycle, sometimes I’m walking. One time, it was set in a closed tunnel, and so I had to crawl along on my elbows to get to the other side. So, it always changes, but the general theme remains the same.
@Suzen – Thanks for your kind comments! It means a lot to me to know that I have so many people who care for me. For me and the other creative types, sometimes life can be really frustrating because society just isn’t geared to accept us. Creative output isn’t considered a “real” job, and so we compromise by going into something more accepted…such as technical writing or advertising instead of following our dreams…
Whoa…I think I just figured these dreams out…
Hi Jay – I know I’m late on the comment front, but I just discovered your blog and love working with dreams. Your dream is classic – a version of the hero’s journey – where something is not right in the hero’s every day life and he is thrust into a new adventure in an otherworldly place. Along the way he encounters many challenges, finds allies, and fights monsters and often barely makes it out. But when he does finally come out on the other side, he has knowledge and wisdom he never had before.
I think the dream signifies transition, and is calling you to do some deeper work, to take a journey into the unknown (your essence) and seek something without really knowing yet what it is. And to trust that when you step on the path, you will be able to make your way through, even though you don’t know where you’re going. It’s interesting that you become a guide in the second dream. Have you considered that your unconscious may be telling you that the person you need to guide is yourself? But maybe you don’t quite trust yourself to do that?
A question you might ponder is…what keeps following me around and seems determined to claim me, even though I keep pushing it away?
Thanks for the chance to contribute!
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last blog ..Welcome to the Party Called Life
I love that you’re able to articulate your dreams and then get them out there! My dreams are always so…movie-like. Except I’m never really able to convey what they’re about and what’s happening in them.
P.S. I like the “what do you keep pushing away” idea.
Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..How to Sabotage Your Income
Hey mate! You know what, a very powerful technique I learnt with dreams is to actually talk to them. All the questions you ask, ask the characters in your dreams. The monsters, or whatever. It’s a very very very eye-opening experience and I suspect you’ll get more answers out of it. I hope it’s OK for me to link to a post of mine: http://www.urbanmonk.net/765/the-inner-child-dialogue/
I use the IC as an example, but it’s the same.
@Patty – Thank you for pointing out the dream’s resemblance to the hero’s journey. Even though I am familiar with that concept, I never associated it with this dream before. That’s a very helpful insight. Thanks for visiting, I hope to see you around here more often now!
@Hayden – I like that idea, too. In fact, I think that question alone has helped me solve this little dream mystery, which will be the subject of my next post (stay tuned – ha!)
@Albert – Hey Albert! It’s good to see you! Of course, you’re always welcome to leave a link to one of your posts. Any link of yours can only enhance my site, so link away, my friend! I’m off to read your post now…
Ok Jay – first let me say, Great site -I came here via Quest for balance and I am intrigued by your writing.
I read your post”Memories best left forgotten” and that vivid account reminds me of my husbands horrific motorcycle accident in 2006-more on that some other time.
However I guess since I read that post, then this one right after, my interpretation is that your mind is taking some of the scary and horrific things you underwent and attempting to “allow” you to make sense of it. You almost died, there were many obstacles and the event had made an impact on your very soul.
When you have these dreams, you are lucky enough to have mastered shaping the dream to enable different outcomes.
Clearly you want to be helping people. You are doing that with your blog, whether you realize it or not, but perhaps there are people in rehab or hospitals that could benefit from someone sharing that they survived. I don’t pretend to know all the answers but look around you and wonder – who could you guide and would it perhaps bring you a sense of fulfillment to know you have helped others who are scared and don’t know how to transverse the road of recovery. Doctors can fix the physical injuries, but the memories, the fear, those are not on their to do list.
Food for thought….
Stephanie Smith´s last blog ..Interruption for t-shirt creation
@Stephanie – Thank you so much for that comment. I have often wondered that same thing, that perhaps I could help people in rehab or in hospitals. Another place that I felt like I could be of service is in hospice care…helping people prepare to cross over. This is definitely something that I will pursue further. Thank you for your insight!