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03/17/2011

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Dr. Meyer

Sometimes we discount the importance of tiny dream fragments and this contributes to not remembering our dreams. Other times we think our dreams are real as we wake up and therefore not something to be remembered.

Remembering your dreams takes effort for many of us. Put pad and pencil right by your bed. When you start to awake, look for your dream. Stay in bed a few moments with your eyes still closed and search for dream fragments. If you find ANYTHING, try to rehearse it in your mind before opening your eyes. Don't judge its significance! Replay the little fragment (or any bits of a dream) in your mind over and over before even opening your eyes. Once you have the images or storyline stored in your conscious (or semi-conscious mind), then write down everything you remember immediately - before it slips away.

I heard someone on the radio mention that they set their alarm for 1 1/2 hours before they need to rise, then they stay awake for a minute or two, and then they return to sleep with an increased chance of remembering their dream. I've never tried it, but perhaps this would work for you.

Kathryn

But what id I rarely dream or remember dreams? Any hints to cultivate a better dream awareness?

Jourdan F

I do keep a dream journal! Maybe I should write down my everyday thoughts and emotions to compare them to dreams and maybe connect some sort of meaning. I have always been really interested in my dreams, but I have never really understand the significance of them. Hopefully by keep track of my emotions I will be able to make sense of my random subconscious thoughts. Thanks!

Teresa

While I've always thought about keeping a dream journal, an emotions journal seems just as interesting and telling, particularly writing down absent emotions. I don't like interpreting dreams, because I don't feel qualified, but I do feel when I dream, so perhaps I should begin writing down and trying to understand those.. Another interesting thing to write down could be confused emotions within a dream (feeling joy at a death, frightened at a wedding or a lack of feelings as well). My dreams are often intense, so they must be just as important as daily emotions.

Elsita

Yay! It feels really nice :)

Dr. Meyer

Terrific! It is very exciting to begin to understand yourself.

Elsita

I am going to start working on the notes. I already got a little blank book for this. It's really interesting the fact that the lack of emotion could be also a clue of something important (3).
My grandfather died when I was about 9 years old. I did not want to go to the funeral and I did not cry or felt anything. I know the reason, but that has been such a hidden thing in my mind. It came out right now when I read this post. I think that I'm already becoming an emotional detective. I am looking forward to continuing the investigation :)

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  • Dr. Meyer has worked in private practice in West Los Angeles for over 25 years, and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCLA. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA and her B.A. from Oberlin College.


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