Nightmares are the type of dream everyone fears and wants to avoid. By their nature, these dreams are fearful, but often they need to be faced. The mind may be presenting them to us in such a dramatic manner because we have ignored a message for a prolonged period of time and it’s resorting to more drastic means to get our attention.
The truth is, many nightmares are actually gifts that we should be thankful for because they are trying to help us.
Avoidance is the wrong response. The strong emotions evoked by these intense dreams are cries for help, and like a baby crying in the night for attention … they will not be denied. The longer you ignore them, the louder they will get! Therefore ignoring nightmares is not only the wrong response, it’s impractical in that it will make them worse.
Sometimes the subconscious mind will work with your nightmares to bring resolutions without you being consciously aware of the entire process. But when nightmares become recurring, then it’s a sign that your conscious attention is being sought.
It’s more common to wake up in the middle of a nightmare than during a regular dream. It’s also more common to remember a nightmare. This is, again, by design as a way of trying to get your attention.
The best way to get rid of a recurring nightmare is to deal with it – that is to deal with the issue it’s presenting. It will take some courage, but here are some tips on how to do it:
· Rather than turning and shooting a monster or “bad guy” that is chasing you, it’s better to turn and ask the aggressor how you can help it. Use such questions as “What is it you want to tell me,” or “How can I help you help me?”
· Come up with solutions by asking other “cast members” in the dream what resolution they would like to see.
· Bring your Spiritual Guide into the dream and ask for his/her suggestions.
Nightmares may also be caused by trauma, psychiatric problems or drugs (both legal and illegal). In such cases the care of a health care professional should be sought immediately.
Dr. Barry Burns received his doctorate from the American Institute of Hypnotherapy. He studied Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Hypnosis and Dreams. Dr. Burns founded Wellspring Hypnotherapy, conducts seminars nationwide and is author of “Wide Awake,” a book on dreams. For more on the meaning of dreams, visit: www.diagnoseyourdreams.com |
|
