We've all had them--those disturbing dreams of falling through the air, going blank during a big test, or appearing naked in a public place. Dreams vary with each individual, but every dream is meaningful and presents a way to learn more about the feelings, thoughts and values of a person.
Kim Gorman, a psychologist at Ball State's Counseling Center, says everyone dreams, but dreamers need to reflect upon each night of dreams to realize their presence and meaning.
"We all have the capacity for dreams," Gorman said. "Those who do not dream are not remembering what, in some cases, they may have just dreamt. For some people, unless a dream is intense, they won't remember it."
Difficulty in remembering dreams can be great for some people, while others can recall several dreams nightly. Sleep's presence makes most dreams forgotten, but Gorman says the most effective way to remember your dreams is writing them down.
"Keep a journal or tablet of some sort by your bed," Gorman said, "and then first thing when you open your eyes, reach for that and write down all aspects of your dream."
With memory of a dream, people can explore meanings of events or actions that unfolded, and sometimes, help themselves solve problems in their life.
Dee Fox, a junior psychology major, said she believes dreams are a good way of learning about yourself.
"When you study dreams, you can sometimes find deeper meanings within the dream and then compare that to your real life," Fox said. "They can be a way of telling you what's important to you or if you need to change an aspect of your life."
The Association for the Study of Dreams' web site said dreams reflect a person's underlying thoughts and feelings.
"The people, actions, settings and emotions in your dreams are personal to you," said the site. "By thinking about what each dream element means to you or reminds you of, and looking for parallels between these associations and what is happening in your waking life, you can learn to understand your dreams."
Gorman said she encourages people to look into dreams to see what they may be saying to the dreamer.
"Dreams are the mind's way of sorting through the day," she said. "In a sense, if you have a dream of an ex-boyfriend, something during the day reminded you of him. Some people will approach dreams as a kind of nonsense, maybe when one weird aspect of the day gets blown out of proportion. I tell the person who has had the dream to determine its meaning, whether it's of unfinished business or memories of the past."
Gorman said she has taught many of her clients to interpret their dreams.
"I have them start with the dream and what happened," she said, "and make the dream very real, kind of experiencing the dream all over again. Pay attention to aspects of the dream that make sense at that time. With unfinished business popping up, it may be something needs your attention or closure."
The patterns of dreams and the importance in studying these patterns has progressed with time, helping dreams to make a certain kind of sense and understanding to each person.
"[Dreams] always tell us something," Fox said. "It just depends on the dreamer to decide what and why."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
