Dreams

Introduction

 Since time immemorial, dreams have always captivated the human imagination. Humans have attempted to not only interpret dreams but to find a deeper meaning to their dreams. Commonly, dreams refer to a series of imageries, thoughts, sensations, and perceptions that normally occur compulsorily within the mind especially during various sleep phases. Even though humans dream most of the time in their sleep, most of the dreams are forgotten. Ancient philosophers claimed that dreams have restorative functionalities, for instance, the brain is biochemically restored every time one dream. The functions of dreams are not yet academically defined, but most people think that dreams enable the creative tendencies of an individual. Thus, the need to study the conscious and unconscious state of dreams, symbolisms tied to dreams, myths, and interpretation of dreams is necessary.

Conscious and Unconscious State of Dreams

 In a conscious dream, a person is aware of the dream. The senses of the dreamer can recognize that he is dreaming. Also referred to as a lucid dream. Conscious dreams occur during swift eye motion or better yet known as the sleep dream phase. Most dreams are conscious (Freud, & Crick, 2001). On the other hand, while in the unconscious state people tend to dream. Dreams are an alternative path to the unconscious mind. Details from the unconscious part of the brain often appear in dreams. Hence, also, dreams are a form of fulfilling fantasies. Therefore the unconscious mind is forced to express itself through dreams. Some studies show that coma patients experience dreams while in an unconscious state. Even though these coma patients are unresponsive to touch, and their brains do not exhibit any signs of dream activity, still, these patients can dream. More so, unconscious communication takes place between the brains and emotions of these coma patients.

Symbolism

 About dreams, symbolism refers to imageries and symbols people generate in their dreams. Also, symbolisms assists carry the message of the dream beyond the scope of the dreamer. Symbolisms assist people to explain their dreaming experiences to other people who might not have experienced the same impact of the dream. The ability to decipher metaphors and another complex things in dreams is often tasking and needs careful observation and familiarity. Most people might find themselves able to interpret and paint a vivid picture of other people's dreams (Turnbull, & Solms, 2007). Generally, in dreams sky is a symbol of ideas and concepts that one holds dear to him or her.  One of the most simple and straightforward methods of explaining dreams is by gaining comprehension of the symbols. Therefore, most people have come up with universal ways of recognizing the meaning of symbols.

 Most experts claim that dreams do not have universal symbolism. Thus, the interpretation of one dream cannot be similar to another dream. Symbolism varies thus creating more than one way of interpreting dreams. For example, if two people saw dogs, the interpretation might vary from one person to another. It is important to note that dream symbols only have meaning if one writes a journal and keeps all the details. Writing helps the dreamer capture more information which in turn helps in the interpretation of the dreams. Additionally isolating vital symbols in one’s dream helps in reliving the dream and retelling it in a more accurate manner that would enable people to interpret the meaning of each symbol that was present in the dream. Therefore, one of the best ways to find the meaning of symbols is by identifying common symbols and then try to connect the symbols to interest one has in actual life. In the end, the meaning will depend on one's personality and interests.

Dream Myths

Dreams myths are designed to give people identity and destiny. Most of the time, people believe that everything that a dreamer dreams of he will face in the future. Thus, whether one likes it or not, dreams turn into reality. Another common myth is that if one can remember all the details about his or her dream, then he or she slept peacefully. Some claim that dreams are ways through which the dead try to communicate with the living. Thus, once one begins sleeping, death communicates with them through dreams.

Interpretation of Dreams

 The interpretation of a dream implies looking for a deeper meaning of the dream. Some people believe that the interpretation of the dream relies entirely on its accuracy. Apart from relieving unconscious desires and wants, dreams may have more than one interpretation. Feud claim that the interpretation of a dream leads to unveiling issues hidden in the unconscious mind (Mazzoni, et al., 1999). Through the study of dream content, one can enlighten himself on the hidden meaning of the dream. Chances of coming up with one or more meanings are high due to the uncertainty connected to the interpretation of dreams.

 In summary, dreams can occur consciously or unconsciously. Conscious dreams occur when the eyes flicker at a high rate. On the other hand, unconscious dreams take place when a person is not aware that the dream is taking place. Dream content contains symbolism. The meaning of each symbolism differs from one person to another. Hence, one has to write down a dream so that identification of symbolism is made easier. Interpretation of dreams means looking for the hidden meaning of the dream.

References

Freud, S., & Crick, J. T. (2001). The Interpretation of Dreams: Book review.

Mazzoni, G. A., Lombardo, P., Malvagia, S., & Loftus, E. F. (1999). Dream interpretation and false beliefs. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 30(1), 45.

Turnbull, O. H., & Solms, M. (2007). Awareness, desire, and false beliefs: Freud in the light of modern neuropsychology. Cortex, 43(8), 1083-1090.