Friday, 14 January 2011

Remembering Dreams


Lately I have been experiencing something which doesn't normally happen to me. I have been waking up in the morning remembering my dream, when all of a sudden, faster than the blink of an eye, it is forgotten and no matter how hard I try I cannot picture it again. I find this such a strange sensation because normally I can remember 95% of my dreams so vividly. The last dream I wrote about I can still remember 4 days on as clear as if it happened for real. I used to wake up and jot rough notes about my dream for blogging purposes which obviously helped me to remember, so in the interest of my blog I shall have to commence writing notes.

I decided to research into the reasons why we might forget dreams and ways in which we can help to remember. I ended up finding out some interesting information. Firstly, why it is important for us to remember our dreams:

1. Your dreaming mind has access to vital info that is not readily available to you when you are awake. Your dreams serve as a window to your subconscious and reveal your secret desires and feelings.

2. In remembering your dreams, you gain increased knowledge, self-awareness and self healing. Dreams are an extension of how you perceive yourself. They may be a source of inspiration, wisdom, joy, imagination and overall improved psychological health.

3. Learning to recall dreams helps you become a more assertive, confident and stronger person. By remembering your dreams, you are expressing and confronting your feelings.

4. Dreams help guide you through difficult decisions, relationship issues, health concerns, career questions or any life struggle you might be experiencing.

5. You will learn more about yourself, your aspirations and your desires.

Why do we forget our dreams?

The fact of the matter is, most people wont remember their dreams or they end up forgetting about them because while they are asleep their brain is not focused on remembering anything. The reason why some people can remember all of their dreams and other people barely remember any is due to the individuals' personal interest; the more interested they are in their dreams, the more likely they are to pay attention.

How do I recall my dreams?

1) *Top answer* - As soon as you wake up, write down what happened, or record it onto a dictaphone. You will be required to keep a notebook and pen next to the bed, or a dictaphone.

2)P.M.A (positive mental attitude) - Try to clear your mind as much as possible before you go to bed. If you've got lots on your brain you are less likely to remember as your brain is distracted. Try thinking "I will remember my dream when I wake up". Approaching it with a positive attitude will actually help you to remember your dreams.

3) Have a regular bed and wake up time (which is very hard to do if you live a lifestyle similar to me!). Another piece of advice in line with this is avoiding alcohol consumption, fatty foods or medication close to bed time as they can hinder your ability to remember your dream.

4) Don't get out of bed immediately. Upon waking from a dream, lay still in your bed, keeping your eyes closed and moving as little as possible. Wake up slowly and relax. Try to hold on to the feelings you have and let your mind wander to the images of what you have just dreamt.

5) Learn to share your dreams and talk about them with others, no matter how seemingly insignificant. The more often you acknowledge your dreams and bring them to 'reality', the easier it is to remember.


As per my findings I am going to make a conscious effort to start recording my dreams at the very moment I wake up to ensure I can remember as much as possible... watch this space!

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