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Writer's pictureNicole Dingwell Frendt

What's in a Dream?

Updated: Aug 21

sleep

People have always been curious about dreams. Dreams can reveal our thoughts, even the ones we are not aware of. Some experts believe that dreams can give us insights into our emotions and issues. If you want to understand your dreams better, here is a simple guide to help you interpret them.







  • Keep a Dream Journal

To better understand your dreams, start by remembering them. Keep a journal next to your bed and write down your dreams when you wake up. Include lots of details, even the small ones. As you do this, you might see patterns or themes that can give you hints about what's going on inside you.


  • Identify the Emotions

Pay attention to how you felt in your dream. Were you scared, happy, nervous, or sad? The emotions in your dream can tell you a lot about how you are feeling right now. If you keep having bad dreams, it might mean you have some fears or worries you haven't dealt with yet. But if your dreams are full of happiness, it could mean you feel like you've gotten better at something in your life.


  • Look for Symbols and Metaphors

Dreams often use symbols and metaphors instead of clear stories. Some common symbols in dreams are flying, falling, being chased, or losing teeth. Each of these symbols can mean different things depending on your own experiences and background. For example, flying might show a wish for freedom or escape, while falling could mean feeling out of control or scared of failing. Losing teeth might indicate worries about a big change or getting older. Remember, these symbols are personal, so think about what they mean to you and how they make you feel. The unconscious mind can show things in a big way. For example, dreaming of being shot or stabbed could symbolize an emotional hurt you went through in real life. Your physical safety wasn't at risk, but your feelings were hurt deeply according to your unconscious mind.


  • Be Curious About the People in Your Dreams

Dreams can be important because the people in them can mean something. They might show parts of yourself or represent your relationships and how they work. For instance, dreaming about a friend could show qualities you like with them, like loyalty or help, or it might show how your relationship is going. Sometimes we dream things that bother or embarrass us, like having a weird romantic moment with someone we know or being mean to someone in a way we wouldn't in real life. It's good to be curious about these dreams, not judgmental. Remember, they are messages from your mind, giving hints about your feelings. When we dream, our conscience isn't in control, so we can explore feelings we might find too embarrassing when awake.


  •  Reflect on Recent Events

Sometimes, dreams can show what's been happening to you now. For example, if you had a tough day at work, you might dream about feeling stressed or not doing well at something. By thinking about how your dreams relate to recent events, you can understand how your mind is dealing with those experiences. It can be helpful to think about these feelings when you're awake to help reduce anxiety and make bad dreams less common.


  • Explore Recurrent Themes

Repeating dreams or themes can tell us a lot about ourselves. If you keep dreaming about the same thing, it might mean there's something bothering you that you haven't dealt with yet. By looking into these recurring themes, you can figure out what parts of your life need your attention. For example, a common dream is exploring a house and finding new rooms. To understand this dream, think about what the house represents to you: is it your childhood home or where you live now? Are you learning new things about yourself or your past that affect your daily life? Are you trying to solve problems at home that make you feel stressed? These are some questions to consider as you connect your emotions in real life to these hidden symbols.


  • Seek Professional Insight

If you're having trouble understanding your dreams or they are making you feel upset, you should think about talking to a therapist. Therapists who know about dream analysis can help you figure out what your dreams mean and how they affect your feelings and thoughts. Most therapists can help you recognize your emotions and the symbols they might represent in your dreams.


Tips for Understanding Dreams
  • Be Patient: It takes time to understand your dreams. Don't worry if you don't get it right away.

  • Stay Open-Minded: Dreams can be weird. Try to be curious instead of looking for logical explanations.

  • Use Tools: Dream dictionaries and websites can help explain common symbols, but think about what they mean to you personally.



Dreams can help you learn about yourself and heal emotionally. Your unconscious mind is like an undiscovered ocean full of life. By paying attention to your dreams, you can learn more about yourself and deal with unresolved issues. Remember, your dreams are unique to you and can provide guidance to help you heal and develop.

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