When people come to me for grief counseling, I frequently ask if they have had a dream of their loved one. Dreams are the back door of our soul used by our unconscious or the divine consciousness to gift us something important like a warning, guidance, love, or a sense of peace. I believe that dreams can serve as a way for our unconscious or a higher consciousness to communicate important messages, such as warnings, guidance, expressions of love, or a sense of peace.
Dreams appear like memories that come to us while we sleep. Dreams are often in black and white; sometimes dreams are in color, and sometimes they even have sounds or smells associated with the images.
Visions, sounds, and smells all work together to elicit a response from our emotional data banks. These sensory elements work together to evoke emotional sentiments within us.
Some individuals dismiss and discount dream experiences as nonsensical or even crazy. Dreams might feel weird or incomprehensible, except when the dream hits a nerve with an undeniable image. Dreams can indeed seem strange and hard to understand, but this changes when a dream includes a clear and undeniable appearance by a recently departed loved one. In these cases, people often report feeling as though the person was physically present, perhaps sitting on the edge of their bed, or even detecting the distinct fragrance their loved one had always worn.
Matt Damon chats with Stephen Colbert in this video about a dream of his father. Maybe you can relate.
[INSIGHTS] The power of dreams is extraordinary, as they can evoke deep-seated memories, offer solace during times of sadness, and facilitate the release of repressed emotions. Even the most frightening dreams have incredible power in their ability to grab the dreamer’s. attention and have them ponder the meaning of the dream.
Despite the occasional unsettling nature of dreams, each one presents valuable opportunities for introspection and self-discovery. Although some dreams may be unsettling, they all provide valuable insights and opportunities for self-reflection.
[TIPS] It can be helpful to document your dream and delve into your thoughts, emotions, and contemplations about each part of it. Sharing your dream with someone else can also be advantageous, as having an open discussion about it may result in fresh perspectives and moments of realization. Regard the dream as a valuable present and treat it with respect and honor.
Opening up and sharing your dreams can be a daunting experience, especially if the person you confide in dismisses it as nonsense or too “out there.” I’m genuinely interested in hearing about your dreams, interpretations, and reflections.
[TIP] Avoid looking up the meanings of your dream images and symbols on the internet. While there are some universal interpretations of dream symbols, their significance is highly personal. Your dream images may resemble those of others but hold unique meanings for you as an individual.
Grief and dreams are often closely connected. Some people believe that there is a specific timeframe for overcoming grief and “moving on,” and they express this belief to others creating more hurt and confusion for those who are already suffering emotional pain.
Dealing with grief is a unique and evolving experience for each person. Some may initially feel overwhelmed by their loss, only to find that the pain gradually lessens over time. Others might go through a period of shock or acceptance, only to find themselves encountering intense grief unexpectedly later on.
It’s important to recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coping with grief. However, exploring your dreams can be a valuable tool for those seeking to navigate the complex emotions associated with loss. If you find that your grief is overwhelming and hindering your ability to return to a sense of normalcy, it may be worth considering your dreams as a potential resource to help you cope with the pain.
The intertwining of grief and dreams signifies a unique and evolving process of coping and adaptation. While there is no universal timeline for overcoming grief, delving into dreams can serve as a valuable tool for navigating the intricate web of emotions associated with loss. If grief proves overwhelming, leveraging dreams as a resource for coping and healing may be beneficial.
Dr. Judy
